Located just 10 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Camel Rock Studios is rewriting the narrative for the film industry as the first fully owned and operated Native film studio in the United States. Nestled in the scenic Tesuque Pueblo, the studio is blending Indigenous heritage with cutting-edge production capabilities to create a world-class filmmaking destination.
From Casino to Cutting-Edge Studio
Camel Rock Studios occupies the site of the pueblo’s former casino, which was reimagined into a state-of-the-art film production hub in 2019. The studio made its debut with Paul Greengrass’s News of the World, starring Tom Hanks, showcasing the sweeping vistas of Santa Fe and Galisteo. The transformation of the casino into a film studio was a bold move by the Tesuque Pueblo, driven by a vision to create economic opportunities and share Indigenous stories.
“When we opened the new casino near the Santa Fe Opera, we had to decide what to do with the old property,” explains Tesuque Pueblo Lt. Governor Floyd Samuel. “Now, what was once a place for slot machines and table games has become a thriving creative hub.”
A Premier Film Destination
Just a short drive from New Mexico’s cultural capital of Santa Fe, Camel Rock Studios offers unparalleled access to the state’s iconic landscapes and serves as a key player in the growing New Mexico film industry. The studio boasts two soundstages totaling 30,400 square feet and includes eight standing sets ranging from a Navajo Tribal Police Department to a meticulously recreated 1970s Indian Health Services office. A 12,000-square-foot mill provides ample space for set construction, and the expansive front and backlots accommodate large-scale productions.
“This location fills a unique niche in the industry,” says stage manager Peter Romero. “We’ve upgraded the facility and infrastructure to cater to productions of all sizes while maintaining the charm and beauty of the Tesuque landscape.”
Dark Winds: A Showstopper for Camel Rock
Camel Rock Studios has solidified its place in the industry as the home base for AMC’s critically acclaimed series Dark Winds. Set in the 1970s on the Navajo Nation, the show adapts Tony Hillerman’s beloved crime novels to explore justice, community, and cultural identity. The Tesuque Pueblo landscape doubles as various locations within the Navajo Nation, lending an authenticity that resonates with audiences.
Directed by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals), the series wrapped its third season at Camel Rock Studios this summer. “This show combines the rich diversity of Native stories with a contemporary lens on life in the 1970s,” Eyre says.
The studio’s expertly crafted sets include a jail with faux-steel wooden bars, a detailed government office, and even Joe Leaphorn’s home. The attention to detail ensures the sets are period-accurate, with production teams photographing every element for consistency.
“All our sets are like massive puzzles,” says Romero. “They’re designed for easy storage and can be reconstructed to look exactly as they did before.”
A Mission of Representation
Camel Rock Studios isn’t just about production—it’s about purpose. The Tesuque Pueblo is committed to prioritizing projects led by Native creators, ensuring authentic storytelling that reflects Indigenous experiences. “This is more than a film studio,” says Lt. Governor Samuel. “It’s a platform to share our stories with the world.”
Although the studio is currently focused on Dark Winds, Camel Rock is actively pursuing other projects and collaborations, ensuring its continued growth as a key player in New Mexico’s burgeoning film industry.
Elevating Santa Fe and Beyond
Situated near Santa Fe, Camel Rock Studios benefits from the city’s vibrant cultural scene and serves as a magnet for filmmakers drawn to the beauty of the Southwest. Its proximity to a major creative hub makes it an attractive choice for productions seeking world-class facilities with access to breathtaking natural backdrops.
“The sets are here. The talent is here. And people want to film here,” says Romero. Camel Rock Studios is not just a production space; it’s a symbol of progress, paving the way for Indigenous-led content and reshaping the future of filmmaking.
