Earlier this week, the New Mexico Film Office announced in a press release that the fourth season of Longmire will be filming in New Mexico. Longmire’s first three seasons were aired on A&E, and its fourth season has been renewed by Netflix on November 19, 2014. Produced by Warner Horizon Television and the Shephard/Robin Company, the series is based on the Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson.
Most of the interior scenes of Longmire's season three were filmed at New Mexico’s Garson Studios as well as on the campus of Santa Fe University of Art and Design. The exterior scenes were filmed in and around Santa Fe and also at Garson Studios. Nestled in Santa Fe's desert mountains, the 30,000 square foot Garson Studios is perfectly situated, being close to the many diverse locations available for filming in Northern New Mexico as well as to major airports (with direct flights to Los Angeles and other major cities). It's no wonder the list of productions filmed at Garson Studios is extensive and impressive, including movies such as No Country for Old Men and True Grit.
The talented cast from Longmire - image via Google.
The exterior of Garson Studios - where Longmire has been filmed. Image via Garston Studios' website.
As to Santa Fe, it's not hard to see why there are so many productions wanting to film in this charming town. Well known as one of the world's top travel destinations, Santa Fe's breathtaking scenic beauty, history, and cultural diversity have been consistently bringing tourists and the film industry to the city. Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico, as well as the oldest state capital in the country.
Longmire's seasons one, two and three have also filmed in other New Mexico towns, including Las Vegas, Eagle Nest and Red River. Production for season four will begin at the end of this month and will continue through the end of June in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Valles Caldera, Pecos and other Northern New Mexico locations.
Eagle Nest, New Mexico - one of the film locations of Longmire - image via the New Mexico Film Office.
"Not only is Longmire a great show that features all the incredible natural beauty of Northern New Mexico, it has been critical to helping us build Santa Fe's reputation as the best place to film in the country,” stated Mayor Javier M. Gonzales. “We know how much this benefits our local economy and culture, and we're excited they're back."
“Not only is Longmire a great show that features all the incredible natural beauty of Northern New Mexico, it has been critical to helping us build Santa Fe’s reputation as the best place to film in the country. We know how much this benefits our local economy and culture, and we’re excited they’re back.”
For its upcoming season four production, Longmire plans to employ 100+ New Mexico crew members, 40 New Mexico actors, and approximately 1,000 New Mexico background talent. “We love our new home on Netflix, but we’re even more excited to be back working in our beloved home of New Mexico where we are treated so well,” says Executive Producer Greer Shephard.
Red River, New Mexico, one of the filming locations of Longmire - image via the New Mexico Film Office.
New Mexico's competitive 25% to 30% refundable film tax credit has been luring productions to the state for years. Also filming in New Mexico recently are Endgame (a new television movie produced by NBC and Sony Pictures Television/Topanga Productions, Inc.), feature film Hellbent, and Netflix's The Ridiculous Six starring Adam Sandler. Written and directed by Tjardus Greidanus, Hellbent tells the story of a teenage runaway who enlists a fugitive drifter to take her on a cross-country journey in search of her estranged father.
"I am pleased to welcome the new movie, Hellbent, to Albuquerque," said Mayor Richard J. Berry. "Albuquerque is open for business and is excited to see the economic boost this production brings to the city."
“We love our new home on Netflix, but we’re even more excited to be back working in our beloved home of New Mexico where we are treated so well.”
Mayor Berry isn't the only one welcoming the film industry to New Mexico. "We are excited to have Hellbent in our community to showcase our town and we welcome the production and crew", stated Moriarty Mayor Ted A. Hart.
"Santa Fe's partnership with Hollywood is paying dividends through high paying quality jobs for local people," said Santa Fe Mayor Javier M. Gonzales. "I'm thrilled with this latest announcement by the New Mexico Film Office and we are ready to roll out the red carpet for the cast and crew of Hellbent." Mayor Gonzales is also thrilled to have The Ridiculous Six filming in the state. “Santa Fe could not be be more excited about Adam's upcoming film project. We are open for film business and with a skilled workforce we have what it takes to make this film a success,” said the Mayor.
Screenshot from Longmire (Season 1, pilot episode).
Even with these non-stop flurries of film projects coming its way, New Mexico's claim to fame to date is by being the film location for AMC's Breaking Bad. If you're a Breaking Bad fan and ever find yourself in New Mexico, you now can take your own personal Breaking Bad Filming Locations tour.
For more information on filming in New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Film Office's website.
Browse New Mexico's film locations.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Banner image of Longmire - via Google.