Economic Development Contact Inf

Las Animas County is a small slice of the Old West – with jutting mountains, rolling prairie and forested glens as the backdrop to roaming herds of deer and antelope. Clean, sweet air and crystal-clear rivers and lakes are the rewards for living here.

There is an abundance of buildings whose authentic architectural styles date from the earliest pioneer settlements, on up through cow towns, coal camps, Victorian mansions and modern-day small town rural America. All are easily accessible within a 40-mile radius.

Ever since A Trip from Mexico City to New York City, was filmed in part in Trinidad in 1907, the area has remained open to media technologies. Recent productions include Badlands (1973), Flashback (1989), Big Bad John (1989), and Conagher (1991).

Encompassing approximately 4,773 square miles of varied terrain, Las Animas County is the largest County in the State of Colorado. The terrain ranges from wild desert canyons with Native American archeological sites to the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail and the Scenic Highway of Legends intersect in the center of the community and the county abounds in ruins of historic old coal mines and small towns significant to its agricultural, cultural, and industrial past.

Architecture styles range from the Romanesque commercial to Hispanic adobe and retro thirties/forties buildings.

For additional information write, call, or email:

Joe Tarabino, Film Commissioner

Trinidad Film Commission
134 West Main Street, Suite 12
Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-9412 or Toll Free (800) 748-1970
(719) 846-4550 FAX

MOVIE COMPANY BENEFITS:

The wide variety of terrain provides beautiful, new and exciting backdrops for movie action.

Excellent weather provides many opportunities for long, uninterrupted shooting days.

A wide variety of cultures are represented here which is strongly evident in the people, the area, and the architecture of their towns and dwellings.

Beautiful examples of Native American petroglyphs, pictographs and the largest set of dinosaur tracks found in North America are all within easy reach. In addition, there are several golf courses for more up-to-date-stories.

The local labor force includes wranglers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, brick layers. Many others have experience with movie companies and are eager to have the opportunity to work on movies.

The friendly residents are just waiting to lay down the red carpet. Labor and other production costs are much lower in this area than in more developed locations.

Excellent highways provide easy access to movie locations. Several small towns have airports that accommodate medium-sized aircraft. Facilities in Denver, Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque accommodate large commercial aircraft and are easily reached by Interstate Highway 25. Additionally, Las Animas County’s airport, Perry Stokes Airport, serves small plane needs.

There are many local motels large enough to house movie companies, and more than enough restaurants to feed them. For example, the Quality Inn has 113 rooms and suites, already has film crew experience and will furnish office space. Luxury condominiums and fine homes may also be rented. Local catering services are available from a variety of purveyors.

The region is a genuinely wonderful place to spend on location. Some things that can be done are golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing and horseback riding.

These things or simply sight-seeing make delightful recreational opportunities when movie personnel have time off. Those who want big-city shopping and entertainment can reach Colorado Springs, Santa Fe or Denver in just a few short hours.

Location site rentals and leases are low, and are readily available on accessible private land and properties.

Props: Antiques of all kinds; custom weapons; antique and classic autos, wagons, horse-drawn coaches and carriages – all are available locally.

Rushes: the Fox Theatre, a beautiful double balcony period vaudeville theater is available.

Film Shipping: Via Greyhound bus to Denver or Albuquerque, or via UPS or FedEx.