Sweeping vistas and production-friendly metros make the Southwest an ideal location for your next project
From the John Ford Westerns of the 1930s to eager vacationers on summer break, the mythic qualities of the American Southwest have inspired stories and memories for generations. The region’s mountains, valleys, and vast rivers can replicate the 19th century or the 23rd, and immense horizon lines make for stunning compositions no matter your subject matter.
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Arizona State Filming Incentives
Arizona’s stunning and diverse landscapes and 300 days of sunshine a year make it one of the most popular states to film in. Iconic deserts like Monument Valley and the Sonoran Desert, canyons, otherworldly rock formations, and old West towns offer dynamic backdrops for productions of all genres. Tucson and Sedona actively support filmmaking, offering expert local crews and production companies. The region is rich in Indigenous and Spanish heritage, providing a unique Southwestern culture for your next project.
Incentive Type: Fully Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 15% – 22.5%
Minimum Spend: $250,000 (or 10% of the estimated total budget, whichever is less.)
Bonus: If productions meet specific criteria, the following bonuses are available: 2.5% bump on all qualified expenditures if you utilize a local Arizona-qualified production facility and an extra bump if you prep, shoot and post everything in Arizona.
Application: Case-by-case program. Application and supporting documents must be submitted to the AZ Commerce Authority’s Film and Digital Media Office for approval. Productions must begin principal photography within nine months of pre-qualification status.
Audit: Yes
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: December 31, 2043
New Mexico Film Production Benefits
New Mexico has emerged as a thriving hub for the film production industry, attracting directors and producers with its unique blend of diverse landscapes, favorable weather conditions and a generous film incentive program. Additionally, the Land of Enchantment boasts a skilled local workforce, top-notch production facilities and a supportive community that understands the intricacies of the film industry.
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Incentive Type: Fully Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 25% – 40%
Minimum Spend: None (script review is required)
Bonus: If productions meet specific criteria, the following bonuses are available: TV
Bonus: 5% bump; Uplift Zone Bonus: 10% bump; Qualified Production Facility
Bonus: 5% bump
Application: Productions must file initial application materials with the New Mexico Film Office at least 30 days before the start of principal
photography.
Audit: Yes – Credits over $5M require an audit by a New Mexico licensed CPA.
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Oklahoma Filming Incentives
Oklahoma is in the spotlight thanks to blockbuster films like Twister (1996), the sequel Twister (2024), and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2024). Filming in the Sooner State is possible due to the Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program, which provides filmmakers certain project rebates of up to 10% of qualified expenses like set building, catering, editing, and more.
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Incentive Type: Grants / Rebates
Incentive Amount: 20% – 30%
Minimum Spend: $25K (projects must have a total budget of at least $50K)
Bonus: If productions meet specific criteria, the following bonuses are available: Rural County Bonus: 3% bump; Small Municipality Bonus: 2% bump; Soundstage Bonus: 5% bump; Multi-Film Deal Bonus: 5% bump; TV Bonus: 2% bump; Music Bonus: 2% bump
Application: Case-by-case. Applications must include the most current shooting script, production budget and proof of 50% funding in place, with 100% of funding in place 20 days before the start of principal photography.
Audit: Yes
Sunset Date: June 30, 2031
Texas Film Production Incentives
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) provides opportunities to produce various projects, including film, TV, commercial, video game, animation, visual effects, and extended reality (AR, VR, MR) in the Lone Star State. The Texas Film Commission’s Film Friendly Texas program offers statewide assistance and production support to those filming in one of Texas’s 175 Film Friendly Certified Communities.
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Incentive Type: Grants / Rebates
Incentive Amount: 5% – 22.5%
Minimum Spend: $250K (film/TV), $100K (commercial/video games)
Bonus: If productions meet specific criteria, the following bonuses are available: In-State Post Bonus: 2.5% bump; Underutilized Area Bonus: 2.5% bump; Veteran Bonus: 2.5% bump
Application: Projects must be fully funded to apply. Submit the incentives inquiry form on the film office website no sooner than 180 days before the production start date.
Audit: Yes
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
