State and local elected leaders are working to increase film production in southern New Mexico.
They gathered Tuesday to announce plans to build an outdoor film set at the scenic Corralitos Ranch on the western edge of Las Cruces.
Bordering the Sleeping Lady Hills and the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains, the ranch has already been used in various films that include "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
State legislators from the area were able to obtain funding for the backlot. The property will be owned by the city of Las Cruces.
Local actor, filmmaker and college instructor Mark Vasconcellos says aside from drawing good jobs to the region, the backlot will provide students an opportunity to gain experience working on movies and television projects.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.