NBCU invests $500m in Albuquerque studio

NBCUniversal is set to build a new film and TV studio in Albuquerque, with the goal of investing $500m in production spending over the next decade.

Working in conjunction with Garcia Reality and Development, NBCU will convert an existing warehouse into a state-of-the-art facility, offering two sound stages, offices and a mill.

Already a high-profile production hub, New Mexico recently boosted its annual film fund to ramp up its appeal as a film-friendly destination, and is likely to now be hoping to attract productions that may boycott using location hotspot Georgia due to the controversial new abortion law.

More than $7m of funding for the new site is coming from the state of New Mexico Economic Development Department with the city of Albuquerque promising another $3m.

It is anticipated that the new studio will generate an economic impact of $1.1bn over 10 years and create more than 330 full-time jobs.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said of the news: “I’m incredibly thrilled to welcome our state’s new partner, NBCUniversal.

"The media industry is increasingly vital to our state’s workforce, providing stable long-term employment for talented individuals of every age, from all parts of the state. I’m thrilled to be part of expanding that industry – and we will continue to do so.”

Last October, Netflix announced it was buying Albuquerque Studios, a move that is expected to generate $1bn of production spend over 10 years. 

For more on filming in New Mexico, head over to our production guide. 

FreeImages.com/Steven Ritts.