Written by new-contact on Apr 22, 2015. Posted in On Location

Independence Day sequel prepares for New Mexico location filming

A long-mooted sequel to the 1996 alien invasion movie Independence Day starts filming on location in New Mexico in the next few weeks. New Mexico is the top US filming spot for desert locations, with recent movies including Lone Survivor and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Independence Day was a big hit in 1996 and featured now-iconic images of US landmarks like The White House and the Empire State Building being destroyed by alien spacecraft.

“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 programme, the proximity to Los Angeles and last but not least its talented cast and crew make New Mexico a great fit for any movie.”

Added Nick Miniatis, Director of the New Mexico Film Office: “We are pleased to continue our excellent relationship with Twentieth Century Fox: “We welcome Roland Emmerich and his talent team to New Mexico. In all, the production will employ approximately 300 local crew members and more than 4,000 local background talent.”

New Mexico offers a generous 25% filming incentive, which increases to 30% for TV productions. The state recently boosted the filming incentive programme, including a measure to cover TV pilots, which expands support from the previous six-episode minimum commitment.

Albuquerque Studios offers nearly a dozen sound stages and recent productions have included Johnny Depp’s The Lone Ranger. Marvel filmed its first Avengers movie at the facility, before relocating to the UK for the sequel.

Breaking Bad was based at Albuquerque Studios throughout its five-season run and prequel series Better Call Saul also films there.

New Mexico is set to face stiffer competition from Los Angeles as California will boost its own filming incentive programme in the coming weeks.