Netflix commits $1bn to expanding presence and studio in New Mexico

The streaming giant will add 300 acres to ABQ Studios as part of the plan

By Chris Evans 24 Nov 2020

Netflix commits $1bn to expanding presence and studio in New Mexico
Army of the Dead filmed at the studio

Streaming giant Netflix plans to further boost its presence in the state of New Mexico with an expansion of the ABQ Studios and a $1bn investment in production spend.

The announcement was made by New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller together with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

The expansion will add 300 acres to the company’s existing space at ABQ Studios, located in Albuquerque’s Mesa Del Sol area, making it one of the largest film production facilities in North America.

The ABQ Studios will bring $150m in capital expenditures as up to 10 stages will be added as well as post-production services, production offices, mills, backlots, and training facilities, wardrobe suites, a commissary to support meals and craft services, and other flex buildings to support productions.

The investment will result in the creation of an estimated 1,000 production jobs in New Mexico over the next ten years. An additional 1,467 construction jobs will be also created to complete the expansion.

Netflix purchased Albuquerque Studios in 2018 and has since spent more than $200m in the state, utilized more than 2,000 production vendors, and hired over 1,600 cast and crew members. Production is ongoing there on the original films The Harder They Fall and Intrusion. The plan is for filming to begin soon on Stranger Things 4 in Albuquerque as Netflix brings a bulk of its signature series there after previously shooting in Atlanta.

“Ever since Netflix first chose New Mexico, they have been nothing but an incredible partner, pushing the boundaries of innovation and expansion while providing fulfilling work opportunities for so many New Mexicans,” said Grisham. “My administration has expanded our state’s competitive film incentives, facilitating higher-wage employment for New Mexicans all across the state, and increased opportunities for rural communities. I am glad Netflix has chosen to double-down on its commitment to our state, and our partnership will continue to grow for the benefit of New Mexicans across the board.”

Sarandos added: “New Mexico provides an outstanding production and business environment in close proximity to Los Angeles with some of the best crews and creative talent in the world. The expansion will bring many new high-tech and production jobs to the region. It allows us to be more nimble in executing our production plans while cementing the status of the region as one of the leading production centers in North America.”

 

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