ARIZONA FILM INSIDER - JULY 2026

INSIDE THE AZ LEGISLATURE

Sine Die-ing to Campaign

Once the Arizona Legislature adjourns sine die (to adjourn with no date to return), lawmakers usually spend the summer filled with stakeholder meetings, district events, and preparation for the following legislative session. In an election year, however, campaign season begins almost immediately.

Arizona’s primary election was July 21, followed by the general election on November 3. That can be especially challenging for lawmakers outside Maricopa County, some of whom spend several hours each week traveling to Phoenix during session and return home with only a few days to campaign in large districts.

All 90 legislative seats in Arizona are up for election every two years. That creates a remarkably short runway for lawmakers. Freshman lawmakers often spend the first year of their two-year term learning the process, understanding the personalities at play and working through complicated procedural hurdles. Their second year, they become more effective-just as they must begin running again. Minority-party members face an added challenge, with relatively few opportunities to advance their own legislation.

The voter registration deadline is October 5, 2026. You can check your registration status here.

Bringing the Film Conversation Home

During campaign season, political conversations move out of the Capitol and into local communities. Candidates are attending forums, knocking doors and meeting voters throughout their districts.

That creates an opportunity for Arizona’s film community. A short conversation about local jobs, small-business spending, hotel stays or workforce development can help candidates understand that film is an economic-development issue, not just an entertainment issue.

You do not need a lengthy policy presentation. Share what you do, explain how production supports your community and ask the candidate to stay engaged with Arizona’s film industry.

The candidate you meet this summer could become a future legislator, committee member or champion for film.

INSIDE FILM TUCSON

Summer’s quiet on set, but we’re deep in pre‑production. Film Tucson is rolling out two industry marketing events in Los Angeles and Mexico City to spotlight Southern Arizona.

• Los Angeles (late July): An industry reception with location scouts, directors, and producers to showcase our region’s advantages and Arizona’s film incentive program.

• Mexico City (mid-August): A celebration of Mexican filmmakers, bringing together prominent directors and producers to deepen relationships, build new partnerships, and promote our Film Without Borders program to grow binational productions in our region.

Watch for our post‑event report once the credits roll in the coming months.

A major brand chose Old Tucson’s stunning desert backdrop for a new commercial spot. This commercial was brought by PJ Connelly from Locations Southwest. The shoot featured multiple stunt sequences—including controlled fire—led by local stunt coordinator Amos Carver, with local crew hired through Monsoon Production Services. NDA has our lips sealed for now— but stay tuned for more details when the commercial airs in spring 2027.

INSIDE PHOENIX FILM OFFICE

The Phoenix Film Office has published the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Direct Spending Report, and this year’s numbers tell an incredibly strong story for Greater Phoenix’s production ecosystem. Film, television, digital media, and commercial projects generated $28.4 million in direct spending across the region which is the highest total in the past five fiscal years and well above our five‑year average of $22.2 million.

Between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, Greater Phoenix hosted 1,226 production projects, resulting in 1,531 shoot days, 3,173 local crew hires, 2,815 local talent hires, and 4,206 hotel nights. Commercials continue to lead the way, accounting for 62% of all direct spending, with recognizable brands such as Nike, Hyundai, Progressive Insurance, Carvana, Southwest Airlines, SRP, T‑Mobile, PetSmart, and the Arizona Lottery choosing Phoenix for their campaigns.

The data also highlights the strength of our local industry: 44% of all filming permits were pulled by Arizona‑based production companies, reinforcing the depth and reliability of the regional workforce. Parks remained our most-requested locations, with Papago Park and South Mountain Park/Preserve once again topping the list.

This year’s report underscores the continued momentum of our film community and the importance of the commercial sector.