New Mexico’s economy gains $23.5 million from Twentieth Century Fox’s “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” local workers reap $14 million in wages

September 22, 2015

For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2015

New Mexico’s Economy Gains $23.5 Million from Twentieth Century Fox’s “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” Local Workers Reap $14 Million in Wages

Washington, D.C. – Today, just after Twentieth Century Fox’s “Maze Runner: Scorch Trials” opened in theaters, new economic data shows that the New Mexico production spent more than $23.5 million during 128 days of in-state filming. The production also hired nearly 1,600 local cast, crew, and extras who earned more than $14 million in wages. Of that total, $13.1 million went to the 645 local crew members hired for the film.

In addition to hiring local workers, the film also provided a significant lift for a variety of New Mexico vendors and businesses. Some of the  production’s key local expenditures include:

  •  Over $1 million on hardware and lumber supplies
  •      Nearly $700,000 on transportation and truck rentals
  •      Close to $680,000 on catering, bakery goods, and other food items
  •      More than $486,000 on hotels
  •      Over $237,000 on car rentals

MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd stated, “With a competitive production climate that attracts major feature films like ‘Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,’ New Mexico continues to solidify itself as a top destination for filmmakers, promoting the growth of local jobs and business.”

“Albuquerque continues to support the movie industry, and the movie industry continues to support our local economy; it’s a great thing for everyone,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry.

“A film like this has a major economic impact in New Mexico as the numbers reflect. The success of this science fiction film series about young adults will be felt in the tourism industry for years to come,” said New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “I would also like to point out that the production was involved with the local community which goes beyond the numbers and it becomes a part of the fabric of New Mexico.”

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures
Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

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For more information, please contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Sam Newton
(202) 293-1966
Sam_Newton@motionpictures.org