10 Best Cities To Live, Work & Make Movies in 2010

by Julie Jacobs with Jennifer M. Wood | Published January 18, 2010

The Hughes Brothers direct Denzel Washington on the Albuquerque set of The Book of Eli (2010).

Some say that money is the root of all evil, while others hold that evil follows money’s absence. Likewise for today’s independent moviemakers, while some contend that bigger budgets open up more creative options, others maintain that limited budgets have a better chance of generating true innovation.

The latter seems to be proving true in American cities big and small, as increasing numbers of would-be auteurs make the leap from moviegoer to moviemaker. They’re being aided by the low cost of digital technologies, which make the medium ever more democratic at the same time that costs creep lower. The barriers that existed for independent moviemakers just a few years ago have all but disappeared, not only in terms of accessibility to reasonably priced production and post-production equipment, but with distribution opportunities, too. Best of all, freshly minted moviemakers don’t even need to leave home to make cinema happen.

For the past decade, MovieMaker’s editors have paid careful attention to location trends. From recent financial incentives to new soundstages, we have tracked these developments while being vocal proponents of the “backyard/backlot” lifestyle—the idea that one should be able to shoot close to where he or she lives.

We also understand that moviemaking is not a solo enterprise; it’s an endeavor that benefits greatly from the support of like-minded artists. It would stand to reason, then, that moviemakers in traditional “cinema cities” such as New York and Los Angeles might have an edge over their peers in lesser-known production areas. But with previously under-utilized areas such as Shreveport, Louisiana and Albuquerque, New Mexico continuing to climb our “best places” list year after year, the truth is that moviemaking can happen anywhere—as long as there are creative artists willing to make a go of it and a community of supporters happy to nurture their talents.

Here, then, is MM’s 10th annual ranking of the country’s best cities in which to be an independent moviemaker.

1. Albuquerque, NM
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Shreveport, LA
4. New York, NY
5. Austin, TX
6. Stamford, CT
7. Boston, MA
8. Detroit, MI
9. Philadelphia, PA
10. Seattle, WA

For the full version of the article, pick up a copy of MovieMaker‘s Winter 2010 edition, on newsstands now, or subscribe for just $9.95 for the year at https://www.moviemaker.com/subscribe/winter_2010.

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TAGS albuquerque albuquerque studios austin best cities to be an independent moviemaker boston detroit los angeles movie cities moviemaker's annual countdown new york philadelphia seattle shreveport stamford the 10 best cities to live work and make movies

COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT

Comment by Ivan Wiener on 1/21/10 at 6:07 pm

Reel Solutions could not be happier to hear that Albuquerque, NM is at the top of this list.  As the article mentions, films can be produced anywhere.  The support from the business community and residents is such a key factor that makes Albuquerque such an inviting atmosphere for filmmakers.  I am proud to be part of the service side of the industry and assuring productions get the best of the best when visiting the Land of Enchantment.  Great job Albuquerque!

Comment by terry on 1/21/10 at 11:33 pm

Austin, have you ever been to Austin? Have you tried to drive from location to location? Really? Austin? It’s in Texas you know.

Comment by Jennifer on 1/22/10 at 5:15 pm

Terry,
I am an aspiring actress living in Austin. I just moved here 6 months ago and have already done two films, a commercial, an episode for an online mini-series, and a parody infomercial for a local comedy troupe’s web site (all paid work for professionally run independent projects). I just got cast in another film, due to start next week. I have found it to be a great film city so far.

Comment by Julie Dennis on 1/22/10 at 6:31 pm

Michigan has the highest incentives in the country and is only number 8...should be higher after a year of being in place. We are struggling with the highest unemployment numbers. Look at our “wrap” sheet on the Michigan Film Office and look at the properties submitted for use and the lines of extras that look like unemployment lines.  We are ready to be ranked higher than 8! Next year’s awards shows will feature many Michigan made movies...we have great people and work ethics and are ready to think outside the box of auto related jobs too, our people have been educated and ready to work!

Comment by Judy on 1/24/10 at 8:52 pm

YAY Albuquerque! We do have great weather (except for this week) we usually have 4 mild seasons.  The landscape and skies are gorgeous. If you plan on moving here, let me help you find your dream home or investment! Exp 20yrs+

Comment by ash on 1/26/10 at 5:05 pm

why only in the states??? pa-lease, Auckland NZ trumps all your cities

Comment by Lisa bobal on 2/01/10 at 9:28 am

What a disappointment that Memphis is not on your list again this year!

Comment by jerry on 2/02/10 at 8:14 pm

where’s new zealand again?

Comment by Todd Bradley on 2/13/10 at 11:55 am

Auckland isn’t on the list because they’re only listing US cities.  It’s a US magazine, mainly oriented to US filmmakers.  We US citizens can’t make movies in Auckland, due to visa restrictions.  So why would you expect Auckland to be listed?

Comment by sarah on 3/26/10 at 4:20 pm

I live in Ecuador and it is a wonderful country. Its people are so nice and kind, they will give you the most warming welcome. I have put together a helpful fact sheet, and also an article on Ecuadorian manners and customs.

Comment by Todd Bradley on 3/26/10 at 6:43 pm

That’s great, Sarah.  But where is this helpful fact sheet you’re talking about?

Comment by Jeannine on 3/28/10 at 12:05 am

Love your list of US cities!! My husband is a production designer and was basically forced to move to Vancouver, BC if he wanted to continue his career. He was out of work in Los Angeles for over 8 months because he refused to leave his crew behind to accept work on productions in Canada. His agent told him it was Vancouver or there would be very little work for him in LA. He is an Emmy nominated production designer, with a very impressive resume. We have had to live in Vancouver for him to work in his craft. It has been almost 10 years, during which the film revenue has for the province has easily doubled. I have been very sad that the US has fallen on such difficult economic times while the film crews in Vancouver are making great money and thriving while they are working on US productions. The US film business has been out-sourced to Canada and not because of third world wages or paying crew pennies on the dollar, but because the producers go after the best tax incentives available. They also don’t pay Health and Welfare to the Canadian crew.
My husband and I hope to see more film incentives to help the US economy get our US film business back to the US!!! And give our very talented artists their jobs back. I respect the Canadians and understand why they are afraid of losing film revenue… it is a huge money maker for the Province and the residents.
Keep theUS tax incentives going. I have been writing to the states with the highest tax incentives and sending the statistics that are published on the revenue that Canada is making off of the US film business. I urge others to write your legislature and tell them to stay competitive with the Canadian tax incentives for film and bring our jobs back… it is a very green business and our country (the US) must continue to be competitive.

Comment by Andre on 4/25/10 at 5:57 am

thinks that the best places for film should not be only in America there is great places all over the world

Comment by vali jamal on 5/01/10 at 2:32 pm

Hello, I’m writing in from Kampala - that’s Uganda, remember Idi Amin and all that? Well, I am writing a book about one aspect of his rule - his expulsion of the whole Asian community of 50 thousand based on divine instruction in a dream. About 10 thousand came to Canada, half to Vancouver. At the turn of the 1900s their ancestors were recruited by the British to build the “Uganda Railway” from Mombasa to Uganda and then others came to take trade to the interior. It’s a story of heroism: then, during the 90-day expulsion deadline, and once they came abroad. My book covers that. I have 666 pages done and the book should be out around Jan 2011. At the side I’m writing up a screenplay, located in Gujarat, Uganda and Vancouver. I’m heading out to Vancouver in a couple of weeks and would love to meet like-minded people. Ugandan Asians (Ismailis, particularly) have thrived in YVR and there should be some support there.

Comment by tablet pc on 5/03/10 at 1:51 pm

good list, but one must not forget creativity thaws with comfort ! good movies will continue to be made from all corners of the globe, one does not need to be in a location, but it helps, nice post,

Comment by Yemek Tarifleri on 5/04/10 at 11:27 pm

these are indeed premiere locations that any creative director will crave for, thanks for the insight

Comment by Barry Meldrum on 5/12/10 at 10:59 am

I was totally surprised to have not seen, Vancouver B.C. Canada on the list. I’m sure it is #11. Barry Meldrum (retired teamster of 14yrs.

Comment by Barry Meldrum on 5/12/10 at 11:31 am

ALBEIT: I also believe that Americans, leaders in capatalism, should become more competitive in costs and quality of producing films,in order to gain their share of revenues from film production, Vancouver, Canada does rate #1 in both costs and quality in North America. The fact is that, the beautifully scenic diverse locations available are more accessible and the general public more often welcome Movie Productions into there areas as opposed to most large metropolis American cities and peoples. Usually we don’t miss things until they are gone, sad but true.

Comment by Todd Bradley on 5/12/10 at 11:41 am

Again, the list is only US locations.  Vancouver is not a US location.

Obviously Vancouver is a popular place to film.  But so is Mumbai, Hong Kong, Budapest, etc.  But those aren’t in the US, either, which may be why they also don’t appear on this list.

Comment by Barry Meldrum on 5/12/10 at 3:16 pm

I would guess that it’s all about cost and the value one gets for the cost.

Comment by Lenny on 5/23/10 at 12:31 am

I am an actor deciding on whether to move to one the top 5 cities on this list. I’ve been in all of the cities except Albuquerque and was wondering if anyone out there has also been to all of these cities and what their take on preferences to which one(s) are best for actors in their mid 20’s?

Comment by منتدى on 5/28/10 at 2:11 pm

to one the top 5 cities on this list. I’ve been in all of the cities except Albuquerque and was wondering if anyone out there has also been to all of these cities and what their take on preferences to which one(s) are best for actors in their mid 20’s?

Comment by فساتين on 6/04/10 at 9:56 am

I’ve been in all of the cities except Albuquerque and was wondering if anyone out there has also been to all of these cities and what their take on preferences to which one(s) are best for actors in their mid 20’s?

Comment by girlgames on 6/10/10 at 12:38 pm

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Comment by Fragman on 6/10/10 at 6:31 pm

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Comment by seo on 6/12/10 at 3:23 am

I also believe that Americans, leaders in capatalism, should become more competitive in costs and quality of producing films,in order to gain their share of revenues from film production, Vancouver, Canada does rate #1 in both costs…

Comment by منتديات on 6/12/10 at 3:25 pm

Auckland isn’t on the list because they’re only listing US cities.  It’s a US magazine, mainly oriented to US filmmakers.  We US citizens can’t make movies in Auckland, due to visa restrictions.  So why would you expect Auckland to be listed

Comment by توبيكات on 6/12/10 at 3:27 pm

ALBEIT: I also believe that Americans, leaders in capatalism, should become more competitive in costs and quality of producing films,in order to gain their share of revenues from film production, Vancouver, Canada does rate #1 in both costs and quality in North America. The fact is that, the beautifully scenic diverse locations available are more accessible and the general public more often welcome Movie Productions into there areas as opposed to most large metropolis American cities and peoples. Usually we don’t miss things until they are gone, sad but true

Comment by RanaC on 6/14/10 at 3:42 pm

I’m very surprised that Atlanta, GA is not on this list.  Many film production companies have thrived there, from what I hear. Also, Tyler Perry’s studio is located there, as well as many TV productions.

I’m not surprised that NYC and LA are high on the list, though.

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Comment by توبيكات on 6/18/10 at 2:24 am

I also believe that Americans, leaders in capatalism, should become more competitive in costs and quality of producing films,in order to gain their share of revenues from film production, Vancouver, Canada does

Comment by منتديات on 6/18/10 at 2:30 am

I also believe that Americans, leaders in capatalism, should become more competitive in costs and quality of producing films,in order to gain their share of revenues from film production, Vancouver, Canada does rate #1 in both costs…

Comment by شات on 6/21/10 at 5:40 pm

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Comment by عالم حواء on 6/21/10 at 5:53 pm

from film production, Vancouver, Canada does rate #1 in both costs and quality in North America. The fact is that, the beautifully scenic diverse locations available are more accessible and the general public more often welcome Movie Productions into there areas as opposed to most large metropolis American

Comment by منتديات on 6/21/10 at 5:55 pm

the beautifully scenic diverse locations available are more accessible and the general

Comment by دليل on 6/21/10 at 5:58 pm

both costs and quality in North America. The fact is

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Comment by Finasterdide on 7/25/10 at 9:02 am

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Comment by tadalafil on 7/25/10 at 9:03 am

1. Albuquerque, NM
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Shreveport, LA
4. New York, NY
5. Austin, TX
6. Stamford, CT
7. Boston, MA
8. Detroit, MI
9. Philadelphia, PA
10. Seattle, WA

Yes, this is precisely the city!

Comment by drugstore on 7/25/10 at 9:05 am

why the city only 10?

Comment by Tadalafil on 7/25/10 at 3:43 pm

GooD List, but I think that the best places for film should not be only in America there is great places all over the world. How about top World list?

Comment by man van on 7/26/10 at 7:54 pm

thinks that the best places for film should not be only in America there is great places all over the world

Comment by zuma on 7/28/10 at 1:02 am

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Comment by امل الخليج on 7/28/10 at 3:44 pm

I prefer to be in America and that’s behind me .. Thank you

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