Ransom Canyon Returns to New Mexico for Thrilling Second Season Production

Netflix’s hit series Ransom Canyon has come back to New Mexico to film its highly anticipated second season. This return not only highlights the show's ongoing success but also reinforces New Mexico’s growing status as a prime location for major film and television productions. With over 700 local cast and crew members involved, the production is a significant boost to the state’s entertainment industry and economy.

Key Stars of Ransom Canyon - Minka Kelly & Josh Duhamel - Photo Credit Netflix via NMFO

A Major Production Boost for New Mexico

The second season of Ransom Canyon employs more than 700 New Mexicans, including 380 crew members, 40 principal actors, and 300 background talent. This scale of employment demonstrates the production’s commitment to utilizing local talent and resources. It also reflects New Mexico’s ability to support large, multi-season projects that require a skilled workforce and diverse filming locations.

Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office, emphasized the importance of this partnership with Netflix. He noted that the state’s combination of experienced professionals, varied landscapes, and strong industry support makes it an ideal home for long-term series production. The ongoing collaboration with Netflix is a clear sign that New Mexico is a competitive player in the film and television industry.

Diverse Locations Across the State

Although Ransom Canyon is set in the Texas Hill Country, the production takes full advantage of New Mexico’s varied geography. Filming locations include Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Nambé, Santa Ana, and Santa Domingo. These areas offer a range of landscapes that can convincingly represent the rugged terrain and dramatic vistas of Texas.

The choice to film extensively in New Mexico allows the series to capture authentic outdoor scenes while benefiting from the state’s film-friendly infrastructure. The production will continue through January, ensuring that the second season maintains the high visual standards set by the first.

Storyline and Cast Highlights

Ransom Canyon tells a gripping story of love, loss, and loyalty set against the backdrop of three ranching family dynasties locked in a fierce contest for control of their land. The families face threats from outside forces that aim to disrupt their way of life, creating intense drama and emotional stakes.

Season two reunites stars Josh Duhamel, known for his role in Transformers, and Minka Kelly, who grew up in Albuquerque and starred in Euphoria. Kelly has expressed enthusiasm about returning to her home state to film, adding a personal connection to the production. Other returning cast members include Lizzie Greene from A Million Little Things and Jack [last name not provided], who continue to bring depth and complexity to the series.

New Mexico’s Growing Film Industry

The success of Ransom Canyon is part of a larger trend that sees New Mexico becoming a hub for film and television production. The state offers competitive tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and a wide range of locations that can stand in for many parts of the country and beyond.

Local businesses benefit from these productions through increased demand for services such as catering, lodging, transportation, and equipment rental. The presence of large-scale projects also encourages the development of local talent, creating more opportunities for actors, technicians, and other industry professionals.

What This Means for the Future

The return of Ransom Canyon to New Mexico signals confidence in the state’s ability to support complex productions over multiple seasons. It also highlights the importance of building strong partnerships between production companies and local film offices.

For viewers, this means more high-quality entertainment filmed in stunning natural settings. For New Mexico, it means continued growth in the creative economy and a stronger reputation as a destination for filmmakers.

Final Thoughts

The filming of Ransom Canyon’s second season in New Mexico is a win for both the entertainment industry and the local community. It showcases the state’s unique landscapes and talented workforce while providing meaningful employment opportunities. As the series continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more thrilling stories set against the backdrop of the Land of Enchantment.

Info about Ransom Canyon first reported by, and shared to Film Tucumcari Via The New New Mexico Film Office.

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