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"Captain Fantastic" Begins Filming In Las Cruces

Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima officially welcomed the cast and crew of Captain Fantastic to Las Cruces this week.

Miyagishima wished the cast and crew success in their production, and proclaimed, “The City of Las Cruces is committed to being a ‘film friendly’ city and will continue to welcome productions like Captain Fantastic to southern New Mexico.  We have great weather, plenty of sunshine and incredible vistas to share with the film industry.”  Miyagishima also thanked the owners of the restaurant ‘La Posta’, for offering a film location at their home and hosting a welcoming party.

The town of Mesilla and parts of Dona Ana County were used as film locations. Gary Camarano, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Las Cruces said, “All the jurisdictions involved were extremely cooperative in making sure filming went smoothly. The state, county, city and town of Mesilla all did their part, and I have only heard positive comments from the Captain Fantastic production team. Film can have a very positive effect on our local economy, attracting outside dollars, creating local jobs and promoting the area in a positive light.”

Captain Fantastic began filming in Las Cruces on August 18, and will continue through August 28.  The film stars Academy Award Best Actor Nominee Viggo Mortensen as an idealistic father of six who tries to assimilate back into society after living ‘off the grid’ in the forests of the Pacific Northwest for ten years.  Starring opposite Mr. Mortensen is three time Tony Award winner and Academy Award Nominee Frank Langella. The film is written and directed by Matt Ross, and produced by ShivHans Pictures and Electric City Entertainment.

Louise Runge, Line Producer for the New Mexico shoot expressed, “The City has been helpful to our production efforts and the area has a wide variety of locations and resources. I hope the production adds as much to Las Cruces as it is adding to the film.”  Location Manager Deborah Wakshull added, “We’ve tapped into the local talent pool and local businesses for assistance in the filming process. Having an asset like New Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute and other businesses that assisted us made Las Cruces a perfect location for filming. It’s been great working here.”

Film production companies looking for additional information on filming in the Las Cruces region should contact Gary Camarano at gcamarano@las-cruces.org .

Information from City of Las Cruces