TV shows to shoot again in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Two of cable television's most popular shows are set to premiere this spring, and both are filmed in Albuquerque.

Each episode comes with around a million dollar price tag and 90 percent of the crew members are from New Mexico.

"Breaking Bad" on AMC and "In Plain Sight" on the USA Network are hoping for more success in the Land of Enchantment.

The popularity of the shows means success and stability for hundreds of the state's film crew members and hope for aspiring actors.

"It's just a fun thing to do. I like doing it," extra hopeful Laraine Cowman said.

"In Plain Sight" is shooting new episodes for what has become one of the USA Network's most popular shows. Last year's season premiere was watched by an estimated 5.1 million people.

The third season is set to premiere this spring. Every successful season means more episodes and more work for New Mexicans.

"We're looking for people of all shapes and sizes, backgrounds, ethnicities, people with kids, even little kids," Film Savage Media Agent Erica Viking said.

"Breaking Bad" has shared similar good fortune. Its third season will start airing in March on AMC.

The show has won four Emmys and other industry awards since it hit the air in 2008.

The hit shows are a big part of the state's rapidly growing film industry.

During last week's State of the State address, Gov. Bill Richardson made it clear he wants to protect film and television productions by preserving economic incentives.

"We have a unique opportunity over the next 12 to 18 months to make this industry an integral part of our state's economy along with ranching, oil and gas and other core sectors," Richardson said.

Moviemaker magazine recently named Albuquerque the best city in the country to make a movie.