NMFO: Historic documentary series filming in Northern New Mexico
A documentary series examining Ronald Reagan’s leadership is filming in the Chama Valley, positioned for domestic and international distribution.
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor
Rob Black
Cabinet Secretary
Steve Graham
Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2026
Contact: Jey Bernal
Jey@nmfilm.com
Historic documentary series filming in Northern New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM — A documentary series examining Ronald Reagan’s leadership is filming in the Chama Valley, positioned for domestic and international distribution.
Lessons from Reagan is in production at the Gallegos Ranch near Chama, with filming scheduled through December 2026. The series will hire more than 15 New Mexico-based crew members and residents and is leveraging the state’s film production incentives to support the project.
The series is directed and produced by Rodney A. Cooper, Esq., the filmmaker behind King of the Mountain. Using archival material and Reagan's own words, Lessons from Reagan examines themes of leadership, governance, and decision-making for a global audience. The series features commentary from Reagan historians and senior figures who worked closely with him during his lifetime.
“When a project like Lessons from Reagan chooses New Mexico, it showcases our stunning, distinctive locations, skilled workforce, and the strength of our rural communities,” said Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office. “It’s creating jobs and reinforcing New Mexico as a premier destination for authentic storytelling.”
New Mexico’s film production tax credit offers a base 25% and a maximum of 40%, with uplifts on qualifying in-state expenditures, making the state one of the most competitive production destinations in the country.
“I’ve been looking forward to sharing this content — including the exclusive archival material — for many years,” said Cooper. “Seeing it come to life here in New Mexico, with this level of scale, authenticity and production support, has exceeded expectations.”
“Lessons from Reagan is being built not only as a film series, but as an educational asset,” said Douglas Bechler, line producer for Marble Production. “This project has the potential to become a meaningful teaching tool for leaders and citizens around the world — used in classrooms, leadership programs, institutions and beyond to examine character, responsibility and the long-term consequences of leadership decisions.”
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The mission of the New Mexico Film Office is to improve the lives of New Mexicans by growing the entertainment industry opportunities in the state.
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Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-5600
info@nmfilm.com
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