ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico's film industry had a direct spend of $70 million in fiscal year 2024. A good chunk of that money comes from a passive source of income: filming locations. The film industry has made New Mexico a star on the global stage. With hundreds of films and TV shows spanning more than a hundred years of production, the Land of Enchantment has doubled as the wild frontier and as the final frontier. It's even found a familiar face or two on the small screen. But the familiarity doesn't stop with the actors. In fact, we're dwarfed by iconic spots recognized by residents and visitors alike. Where in Albuquerque was Breaking Bad filmed? A do-it-yourself tour While interior shots are often done on a sound stage built to replicate a location, the exteriors are spots you can visit for yourself like the John Roberts Dam on Juan Tabo near Spain or the arroyo at Montessa Park which has been used in such productions as Roswell, Better Call Saul, and Army of the Dead. Then, of course, there's the Albuquerque Railyards, arguably one of the most recognizable spots in the city. Its appearances in movies and TV shows like Transformers, The Avengers, Big Sky, and The Cleaning Lady, have brought in more than $221,000 for the city between 2018 and 2024. Cyndy McCrosen is the film liaison with the City of Albuquerque, and she said that money goes into the city's general fund which can then be used for other municipal purposes. But is not just architectural gems like the Railyards making the final cut and a profit for the city. For example, an empty lot near Marble and Arno has brought in more than $65,000 for the Duke City. Sometimes it's being used for base camp which is where cast members, crew, and various departments are staged away from the movie set. Locations don't just stage the company for production they are also responsible for finding that perfect filming spot something McCrosen said is intimately familiar with. "I found Hank and Marie's house and an amazing, couple that own this home in the Heights. That location was visited, you know, many times over the five year period of filming, and, the neighborhood was very supportive," said McCrosen. McCrosen said the city processes around 500 permits for filming locations each year whether they are at the Clyde Hotel, the historic KiMo Theatre, or the historic Old Town, the city can make anywhere between $500 to $10,000 a day simply by opening it's doors to Hollywood. The state's film office maintains a database of properties that filmmakers can use for filming locations. About New Mexico Frontiers New Mexico is the doorway to the new frontier – leading the way into the future of Aerospace, Bio-science, Renewable Energy, Digital Media and Film, Advanced Manufacturing, and so much more. Join us as Chad Brummett and New Mexico Frontiers profile the movers and shakers from our state who are changing the world. ‘New Mexico Frontiers’ celebrates the enterprising spirit of the state’s businesses, scientists, creators, and entrepreneurs.