By KRWG News
New Mexico – Although reports of Johnny Depp sightings have already begun, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez says filming of The Lone Ranger will begin next month.
The film, which became a symbol of the flap between Martinez and the film industry, will shoot in and around Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Shiprock through the middle of August.
In a press release Friday, Martinez says, "The Lone Ranger is proof New Mexico's film industry is alive and well. She says it also proves her commitment to the industry.
A number of productions went to other states last year after the governor proposed legislation to slash tax breaks. And Lone Ranger Producer Jerry Bruckheimer had threatened to take his film to Louisiana. A compromise with lawmakers to cap annual payouts eased tensions with the industry.
Depp has been cast to play Tonto in the Walt Disney production.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.