Governor-elect Susana Martinez is walking a fine line between bowing to the public’s demand to reduce Hollywood’s access to New Mexico and a much needed income boost to the state despite huge incentives.

Until now, New Mexico has been very aggressive in luring Hollywood film and television makers by offering a staggering 25% refund on any in-state production expenses as well as loans up to $15 million, interest free.

Since first offering these incentives in 2002, New Mexico has drawn more than 150 television and film projects, and the film commission estimates that more than $2.1 billion has been generated for the state.

It is doubtful that Susana Martinez is going to completely eliminate the tax incentives; however, it is likely that she’ll consider putting a cap on the amounts handed out. This would bring New Mexico more in line with other states who have also dropped the amount of incentives to film makers. To end it completely would withdraw a much needed source of employment and economic stimulus.

Currently incentives have been radically scaled back in Wisconsin, suspended entirely in New Jersey, Kansas and Iowa, capped in Rhode Island and they are scheduled to expire soon in Arizona.

On the other side of the debate are the people of New Mexico. They love that their beautiful state is featured so often in shows and movies, but complaints pour in from townspeople and business owners who complain that when film crews move in, they take completely over. Entire towns can be engulfed by a single movie production crew who expect the locals and their businesses to be fully accommodating despite the noise, traffic, pollution and the strain on local resources.

Like Scott Kay jewelry, New Mexico is etched with majestic beauty that should be shared with the world via movies and television programs, but a balance between incentives and revenue and the people must be found.