Filming Near Albuquerque
Rio Rancho, Zia Pueblo, & Estancia Valley

Rio Rancho HS Performing Arts Center

Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho is perched atop the vast expanse of the West Mesa. The city has an abundance of open space, unobstructed views and diverse terrain. It is located near hundreds of acres of undeveloped land that can be permitted for location filming. Situated along the Rio Grande Valley, Rio Rancho combines lush green land with a splendid view of desert flora. Rio Rancho is also known for its industry with many large corporations and several major call centers.

Why film in Rio Rancho?

Versatile Locations: Rio Rancho's filming locations include high-tech corporations, major call centers and neighborhoods that capture the feeling of Americana.

Free Assistance: The Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau is your one-stop source for cost-effective film projects. Our service-oriented staff offers quick turnaround to finalize locations, city permits, equipment and hotel accommodations. Contact Judi Snow at the Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau: 888-746-7262 or e-mail film@RioRanchoNM.org

One-Stop Permitting: Rio Rancho is the place for versatile, affordable and hassle-free location shoots. Few permits are needed to film in the Rio Rancho area, which makes production easy and cost-effective. We will also help with obtaining permits:

• when filming requires street/lane blockage or closures
• when filming obstructs pedestrian traffic
• when filming open space, public parks or historical sites
• when filming on federal, state and tribal lands

Rio Rancho city personnel, including police traffic control, are available at $32 per hour per employee. City services, including the use of heavy equipment, are billed on an hourly basis at cost. All fees must be paid in advance.

Contact Rio Rancho

Judi Snow
Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau
PO Box 15550
Rio Rancho NM 87174-0550
505-891-7258, Toll-Free 888-746-7262
film@RioRanchoNM.org

Zia Pueblo

Old Adobe House at Zia Pueblo, Cabezon in the distance

Zia Pueblo is located 35 miles northwest of Albuquerque. The pueblo is situated beside the Jemez River atop a small mesa which provides a spectacular view of the surrounding areas. Zia Pueblo has 150,000 acres of pine forest, red bluffs, white mesas, sink holes and clear, unimpeded sight lines in each direction. Behind the pueblo lie the Nacimiento Mountains and the Pajarito and Jemez Plateaus. The pueblo population is approximately 730, and many in the Zia community have served as extras, crew and security on various films.

Why Film on Zia Pueblo

Land: Zia Pueblo has 150,000 acres of secluded land just waiting to be your very own private movie lot. The pueblo will be happy to provide you with a guide to assist you in finding just the right backdrop for your next project.

Easy Permit Process: Many pueblos require that permission be obtained through the pueblo council. At Zia Pueblo, you will work directly with the Tribal Administrator, Peter Pino. Peter can approve all locations and has the authority to negotiate all agreements.

Industry Experience: Seventeen years of experience with the film industry.

 

Zia Pueblo's Unique Attractions

• Annual Feast Day/Corn Dances (August 15)
• Zia Lake
• Zia Cultural Center

Important Nearby Locations

• Cabezón Peak
• Jemez Indian Reservation
• Santa Ana Indian Reservation

Contact Zia Pueblo

Peter Pino, Tribal Administrator
Zia Pueblo
135 Capitol Square Drive
Zia Pueblo NM 87053-6013
505-867-3304
tammylpino@yahoo.com

Estancia Valley

The Estancia Valley lies in the "Heart of New Mexico" just 21 miles from the Albuquerque City Limits and a comfortable 30 drive will take you on a breath taking adventure through a time travel back as far as the late 1700's. The valley has been home to many films and historical documentaries over the past several years.

From films on the Historic Route 66 to Westerns our communities enjoyed helping with the making of movies such as Silverado, Lonesome Dove, The Wild Wild West, Suspect Zero, Twenty One Grams, The Cowboys and many more. We welcome and roll out the red carpet for the film industry and can help in a variety of ways. With a large population and all the conveniences of the big city with a rural flavor, we are sure to compliment all film types.

If you need additional information regarding film making in any of our communities, please contact our Economic Development Director, Myra Pancrazio at 505-832-5428 or 505-799-6301.