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Mesilla board approves Film Las Cruces marketing agreement to court productions
Summary
The Mesilla Board of Trustees approved a Film Las Cruces agreement to add the town to location packages and fund marketing, a move officials said will help recruit productions and generate local catering and hospitality revenue. Trustees approved the contract by roll call.
The Mesilla Board of Trustees on July 13 approved an agreement with Film Las Cruces to include Town locations in the county and city film office's marketing and location packages and to fund marketing outreach.
The Film Liaison for Film Las Cruces told trustees the requested contribution will support location databases, scouts and attendance at industry events that connect producers with local sites. "What we use this funding for is to maintain those databases," the liaison said. Mayor Russell Hernandez highlighted local business benefits, saying the catering services that come with productions "typically come from the local restaurants." Trustee Veronica Garcia moved approval; Trustee Biviana Cadena seconded, and the roll-call vote was recorded as three yes.
Two Plaza business owners who spoke during public comment told the board they have seen recurring spending from visiting producers and crews. Jonathan Sepp, who owns businesses on the Plaza, said visiting production staff and producers often patronize local shops; Ian Simon, a Directors Guild-eligible resident, said visiting film crews help bring visitors and spending to Mesilla.
The agreement does not obligate the town to operate a film office; it funds Film Las Cruces' outreach and location services and aims to simplify permit coordination with local staff. The town clerk recorded the motion and vote in the meeting record.
