Written by on Feb 13, 2015. Posted in On Location

Comedy star Tina Fey filming Taliban Shuffle adaptation on location in New Mexico

Comedienne Tina Fey is filming on location in New Mexico for a movie adaptation of Kim Barker’s journalism memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The state is currently getting a profile boost with Better Call Saul, which shoots in Albuquerque.

Fey’s movie doesn’t yet have a title but will spend the next few weeks filming in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and will employ a couple of hundred local crew.

“I've had the privilege of bringing several movies to New Mexico, and I've never been disappointed,” said producer Lorne Michaels: “We are always welcomed with open arms by the local film community.

“New Mexico has quality actors and crew, one-of-a-kind locations and beautiful vistas. The local residents, business owners and civic authorities are always generous and accommodating, and it's our pleasure to bring another project and more business back to New Mexico.”

Added Albuquerque Mayor Richard J Berry: “We are thrilled that Paramount Pictures selected Albuquerque to be one of the principal shooting locations for their new production. It will employ hundreds of Albuquerque citizens and it will be great for local film-friendly businesses.”

New Mexico is a major US production hub and the most convenient American location for desert landscapes. The state offers a 25% filming incentive for movies and this rises to 30% for TV productions.

Mark Wahlberg’s hit war drama Lone Survivor doubled the mountains for Afghanistan, as will TV drama Stanistan, which will follow American embassy staff in a Middle Eastern country. Recent major features have included Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice - which built one of the largest sets in the state's history - and Maze Runner follow-up The Scorch Trials.

(Image: AMC)