New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis announced the television series "Graves," a single-camera, half-hour political satire produced by Lionsgate for premium TV network EPIX®,will film in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and Santa Fe starting this week thru January.
Starring three-time Academy Award® nominee Nick Nolte ("A Walk in The Woods," "The Thin Red Line"), Golden Globe® and two-time Emmy® award-winning actress Sela Ward, Skylar Astin ("Pitch Perfect"), Heléne Yorke ("Masters of Sex") and Chris Lowell ("The Help"), along with Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters"), Roger Bart ("Desperate Housewives") and Angélica María ("Qué Bonito Amor"), the production will employ at least 200 New Mexico crew members and approximately 2,500 local background talent.
"The City of Rio Rancho welcomes the entire 'Graves' cast and crew," said Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory D. Hull. "The sound-stage in Rio Rancho is an important economic generator as it enables the employment of numerous hard-working New Mexicans and spurs incremental economic activity in our community."
"Santa Fe and New Mexico continue to lead the way in film and television production, and as the momentum around film keeps building we're proud to welcome another show," said Santa Fe Mayor Javier M. Gonzales. "I'm especially excited for 'Graves' because it's set in Santa Fe as well, and the beautiful scenery we are known for is about to get an even larger audience."
Created and written by Joshua Michael Stern ("Swing Vote"), "Graves" is executive produced by Stern and Oscar-winning producer Greg Shapiro ("The Hurt Locker"), and produced by Bill Hill ("Veep").
"With the addition of Graves, New Mexico is featured prominently in the current TV renaissance of television and streaming services." said Maniatis. "With five series, audiences can happily binge watch New Mexico. These on-going series provide long term jobs and economic impact for New Mexicans."
"Graves," is the story of its titular character, President Richard Graves, and his journey to reclaim his sense of authenticity 25 years after leaving the White House. When the show begins, we meet President Graves in retirement on his Santa Fe Ranch, where he's in the midst of a spiritual and political awakening that compels him to confront his past decisions and embark on a Quixote-like quest to address his mistakes and challenge his long-held beliefs. With topics ranging from immigration to gay rights, to foreign policy to public funding for arts and sciences, Graves holds nothing sacred as he proves himself willing to unspool some of his administration's proudest victories.