An unprecedented 25 films have been made in New Mexico, establishing the state as "an international leader" in the film industry, the governor said in a statement.

Richardson praised the New Mexico Film Office and the state's incentives for attracting the film business. He said he would ask the Legislature to expand the incentives in the upcoming session.

Local film crews have grown from less than 100 to more than 600 members in the past two years. More workers are being trained through the Governor's Film Technician Training Program.

Among three films currently in pre-production is an untitled Warner Bros. film, directed by Niki Caro and starring Academy Award winners Charlize Theron, Sissy Spacek and Francis McDormand.