Where Was “News of The World” Filmed?

Released in 2020, “News of the World” is a movie set in 1870s Texas, soon after the Civil War, and stars Tom Hanks as former Confederate officer Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd. The plot centers on Captain Kidd’s efforts to return a 10-year-old girl named Johanna who had previously been taken in by the Kiowa back to her family. If you’re planning to watch this film or have already seen it, you may be wondering where was “News of the World” filmed? The movie is set in Texas, but was it filmed there?

Find out the film’s key locations and comparable production venues that can be rented on Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly space and venue rentals. Fun facts: The film garnered critical acclaim and several Academy Awards. It has a rating of 88% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with critic Linda Marric calling it “a beautifully crafted, no frills adventure which often feels like an homage to Westerns of yore.” The movie is titled as such because following the war, Captain Kidd has been earning an income by traveling between towns reading newspapers to inhabitants.

Where was “News of the World” filmed?

Even though the film is set in Texas, it was not actually filmed there. Instead, the majority of filming happened in New Mexico, specifically near the picturesque and well-known city of Santa Fe. The scenery in this film may feel familiar because it was used quite frequently over the years.

According to The Sun, “The New Mexico desert has provided the backdrop for countless Westerns over the years. The barren landscape has featured in top movie projects, including Terminator Salvation, True Grit, and Breaking Bad.”

Camel Rock Casino becomes Camel Rock Studios

The Sun writes Camel Rock Casino was transformed into a film production facility called Camel Rock Studios for the filming of “News of the World.” The studio is owned by the Tesuque Pueblo and thus the first movie studio owned by a Native group in the United States. It is located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico.

Bonanza Creek Ranch

Bonanza Creek Ranch was the filming location for many scenes, including when Captain Kidd first finds Johanna on her own. According to Atlas of Wonders, “The results of our sleuthing revealed that most of the scenes that take place in a town were filmed in the Western Town Movie Set of the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

“The church from the second village, after Kidd visits Wichita Falls in North Texas and finds Johanna, is the one located in Bonanza Ranch. Built in 1955, this is a veteran and famous spot in the film industry.” You may recognize this scenery from numerous productions filmed over the last 70 years. Later on in the movie, CGI was applied to the scenery to give this location the feel of the more bustling and populated city of 19th century Dallas, Texas.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

A third important filming location for “News of the World” was El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a Santa Fe-based living history museum set on a former ranch dating back to the early 18th century. The museum is located on a beautiful 500-acre property.

As described in an article from KOAT News, “The historic home doubled as a movie set. It was built in the late 1800s in Raton. In the film, it’s the home the captain brings the girl back to.” The museum has been the location of more than 100 productions so far, and even more are expected to film there in the future. If you’re interested in New Mexican history, you can even visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas yourself.

Find filming locations of your own in Santa Fe

Perhaps the reason you’re asking the question, “Where was ‘News of the World’ filmed?” because you’re planning to create your own production and looking for ideal locations to do so. Check out these filming location options in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that can be rented by the hour through Peerspace.

1. Blue Sky Retreat

If you’re seeking authenticity, this incredible multi-acre plot of land with a 4,200-square-foot traditional adobe home is a fabulous option. Admire views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, Mount Baldy, the Tesuque Valley, and the iconic badlands. It’s only a stone’s throw from Santa Fe’s downtown plaza. This is an absolutely stunning example of the kind of gorgeous scenery the Southwest has to offer.

2. Tano Point Compound

Another beautiful and authentic adobe home, this one measures 5,000 square feet with mid-century interiors and expansive views outside. It’s nestled close to the historic Santa Fe Plaza and renowned opera house. Enjoy views of the Sangre de Cristos, the New Mexico Badlands, Jemez, and Sandia mountain range. It’s hard to go wrong shooting at a location like this one!

Find unique film production venues on Peerspace