NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Why are some in the film industry saying production is at a low point? Industry professionals say it's simply ebbs and flows. While others suspect oversea productions are pulling projects away from the United States. "We've survived the worst of it, I think,” said Stephen Mu llen, Business Representative, IOTSE Local 480. Story continues below Community: NMSP confirms body of 16-year-old recovered from Cochiti Lake Don't Miss: New Mexico judge weighs request to withhold Gene Hackman death records Crime: VIDEO - Albuquerque Tesla Cybertruck vandalized Mullen admitted there has been an overall national decline in film production. "We're seeing a cyclic readjustment that happens periodically as they reassess their products and what kind of products they're going to put out,” said Mullen. Mullen said this happens every ten to 12 years. But a higher-up in the film industry, who wants to remain anonymous, said overseas productions are stealing projects from the United States, in part because of health care insurance costs, making it less expensive to film. Mullen responded to the rumors, saying, "The fact is that I've been doing this for 40 years here in the state. There's a hundred times more products being put out now than there was when I started. So, it seems like all these productions are going over there, but the fact is the market has changed.” One source within the union, who does not want to be named, told KRQE News 13 the market is extremely slow. He is currently looking for other means of employment due to the lack of work. He also shared that industry professionals are fighting to be a part of the upcoming "Young Guns 3" production, due to scarce opportunities. But Mullen said the industry has its ebbs and flows. "Of course, we had the strikes, we had the renegotiations, and all those things always have an effect and an after effect,” said Mullen. Mullen said as of this week, things are looking up with several projects in the pipeline heading into summer. “We're in a good place, I think we’ll always be one of the major centers in this country on filmmaking from here on,” said Mullen. The Albuquerque film office said in a statement: New Mexico remains a top destination for film and TV production, offering skilled crew, diverse locations, and competitive incentives. The film sector generated over $740 million in direct spending in FY24, with Albuquerque being home to 90% of the state’s film industry vendors and 50% of New Mexico’s productions. The city has also dominated MovieMaker Magazine’s rankings for seven years, earning the #1 spot as the Best Large City to Live and Work as a MovieMaker five times—reinforcing its status as a premier choice for filmmakers, including independent productions. Cyndy McCrossen, Film Liaison, Albuquerque Film Office ...read more read less