Last week on April 21, 2015, the New Mexico Film Office announced in a press release that the highly-anticipated Independence Day sequel will start principal photography in New Mexico on May 4. Leading the large cast are Liam Hemsworth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman. The sequel will be directed by Roland Emmerich who also directed the original movie.

Both the filmmakers and New Mexico are thrilled with the decision to film Independence Day 2 in the state. “I’m beyond excited to bring the sequel to Independence Day to New Mexico,” said director Roland Emmerich. “With their state of the art Albuquerque Studios, the robust tax incentive program, the proximity to Los Angeles and last but not least its talented cast and crew make New Mexico a great fit for my movie.”

New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis is also “beyond excited” to have the blockbuster sequel coming to New Mexico. “We welcome Roland Emmerich and his talented team to New Mexico,” said Maniatis. “In all, the production will employ approximately 300 local crew members and more than 4,000 local background talent and extras.”

I’m beyond excited to bring the sequel to Independence Day to New Mexico. With their state of the art Albuquerque Studios, the robust tax incentive program, the proximity to Los Angeles and last but not least its talented cast and crew make New Mexico a great fit for my movie.
— Roland Emmerich, Director of Independence Day and Independence Day 2

Mayor Richard J. Berry shares the enthusiasm of both the production and the state as he welcomes the Independence Day sequel to Albuquerque. “We support the movie industry and the movie industry supports our economy,” stated Mayor Berry. “It’s a great thing for everyone.”

When the original Independence Day came out in 1996, the film took in $811 million as it was showing in cinemas worldwide. At the time, the movie was the second-highest grossing blockbuster ever. Looks like the producers are expecting the same results the second time around, and perhaps even a third time. Talk of Independence Day 3 is already in the forecast.

Also filming in Albuquerque this month is the independent film Katie Says Goodbye, directed by Wayne Roberts and starring Olivia Cooke, Mireille Enos, Christopher Abbott, Jim Belushi and Mary Steenburgen.

For information on filming in New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Film Office (a Reel-Scout and LocationsHub client).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Banner image via Google.

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