Film Production Hits Record-Setting Economic Impact for Greater Phoenix

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/89

<div class="ExternalClassE9B0B2C503A04F94894F04B73BCD9A54">PHOENIX, Ariz. – Film production in the Greater Phoenix area generated $28.4 million in direct spending during fiscal year 2025-2026, which ended on June 30. That is the highest in the last five fiscal years and surpassed the $22.2 million average during that same period. These numbers are detailed in the City of Phoenix Film Office’s latest <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.investinphoenix.com/Documents/Film-Office-FY-Report_07_26.pdf" href="/Documents/Film-Office-FY-Report_07_26.pdf" target="_blank">Direct Spending Report</a> that was published this month. The report accounts for all aspects of film production and includes expenditures on local goods and services. Phoenix Film Office – Fiscal Year Direct Spending Report Tracker <table cellspacing="0" class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:43%;"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;">2021-2022 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;">$17,259,579 </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2022-2023 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">$19,575,766 </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2023-2024 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">$21,883,096 </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2024-2025 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">$23,986,282 </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2025-2026 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">$28,435,407 </td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Five-year average </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">$22,228,026 </td></tr></tbody></table> From July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the Valley was home to 1,226 production projects, ranging from commercials, television shows, and feature/corporate films to social media content/webcasts, documentaries and still photography. Those projects resulted in 1,531 shoot days, and the work of 5,988 local crew and talent. It also generated 4,206 hotel night bookings. All data is compiled from surveys sent to productions that shoot in Greater Phoenix, as well as local production companies.The film industry in Greater Phoenix is largely driven by productions for commercials, which accounted for $17.6 million, or 62 percent, of all direct spending during fiscal year 2025-2026. Commercial campaigns were produced for large, recognizable brands, including Nike, Hyundai, Progressive Insurance, Carvana, Southwest Airlines, SRP, T‑Mobile, PetSmart, and the Arizona Lottery.The report also highlights strong local industry support, with Arizona-based production companies being responsible for 44 percent of all filming permits issued. This also underscores the strength and growth of Arizona’s local production community. Greater Phoenix’s diverse outdoor spaces continue to attract filmmakers and demonstrate the appeal of natural backdrops and iconic outdoor scenery. Parks were the most-used category of filming locations, with 77 permits being issued, including the popular Papago Park (20 permits) and South Mountain Park/Preserve (13 permits). Additionally, a variety of citywide locations were also used. Filming activity spanned residential neighborhoods (35 permits), private businesses (30 permits), city-managed facilities (13 permits), city streets (11 permits), and Sky Harbor International Airport (8 permits). This showcases Greater Phoenix’s range and adaptability to productions of all types, and makes the diversity of locations a major competitive advantage for the region.This latest direct spending report demonstrates Greater Phoenix's thriving film community and its ability to attract top-notch productions. The film industry in Phoenix would not be possible without the support of its partners at the Arizona Office of Film & Digital Media, the Arizona Production Association, Arizona Film Coalition and many other entities that work to promote the Greater Phoenix area and the State of Arizona as a premier filming location.The Phoenix Film Office continues to work with local stakeholders and visiting productions to ensure a smooth and supportive filming experience, while promoting economic development and workforce opportunities across the region.For more information on film production in Phoenix, visit <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.investinphoenix.com/industries/film" href="/industries/film" target="_blank">FilmPhoenix.com</a>. Media Contact:Athena Sanchez, Senior Public Information Officer Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department 602-621-0507 (call/text) <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov" href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov" tabindex="0">Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov</a> </div>

A man operates a camera during a film production shoot

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7/15/2026 8:33:36 PM