Written by Tom Deehan on Apr 7, 2017. Posted in On Location / Production News

Scalped TV pilot to film on location in New Mexico

A television adaptation of Jason Aaron’s comic book series, Scalped, will shoot its pilot episode in Santa Fe, Pojoaque and Laguna Pueblo later this month. The pilot will be directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, with Doug Jung and Geoff Johns on board as Executive Producers.

DC Entertainment and Warner Horizon Television are behind the project, which will later be assessed by WGN America for its potential to become a full series.

The production will hire roughly 120 local crew members, alongside 350 extras and a principal cast of 15 people. Outside of California, New Mexico boasts one of the most active production industries in Western America.

New Mexico State Film Office Director, Nick Maniatis states: “this is a particularly unique project dealing with modern day challenges and issues of cultural identity in Native American communities. The production has involved Native American advisors for input in presenting this sensitive subject matter.”

Published from 2007-2012, Scalped told the story of a modern day Native American reservation and its inhabitants as they tackle contemporary issues such as drug addiction, politics and their own cultural identity. The series received universal critical acclaim during its initial run.

The pilot will star Alex Moraz alongside Gil Birmingham, Irene Bedard and Chaske Spencer.

New Mexico currently offers a 25% refundable tax credit incentive, with an extra 5% is available depending on the budget of a given production. The programme is unique in that there is no minimum spend requirement, with eligibility granted to productions that film for at least one day within the state.

The incentive has allowed New Mexico to maintain a successful production industry, attracting such projects as superhero flick Logan, and the upcoming sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario.