The NBCUniversal studio complex just north of Downtown Albuquerque had its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony today. The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place in March last year but was sidelined by the pandemic.
https://www.krqe.com/news/business/ribbo...cuniversal-new-mexico-production-studio/
• Video Link
The main facility includes two 18,000 sq ft soundstages, 19,000 sq ft of office and support space, 13,000 sq ft of mill and flex space and 9,000 sq ft of storage space.
https://universalproductionservices.com/abq
Another, smaller shop facility is located nearby.
As part of the ceremony today, it was revealed that filming and production for the television version of MacGruber would take place at the studio complex this summer. The movie version of MacGruber was also filmed in Albuquerque over a decade ago. The new television series will air on Peacock and will reunite all of the original cast from the movie.
Below is a quote with more about the new series from KOB-TV's coverage of the studio grand opening, which includes three video reports, including one about MacGruber.
https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/rib...-new-mexico-production-facility/6151159/
Quote:
This summer, "MacGruber," based off of a "Saturday Night Live" sketch, will begin filming at the facility through August. The comedy series stars Will Forte, Mickey Rourke, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe.
"MacGruber" will hire about 225 local crew members and 61 local actors and stunt players. About 850 New Mexicans will also have the opportunity to become background actors.
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KRQE today also has a story about another production in Albuquerque that recently finished filming. The Netflix movie "The Harder They Fall" starring Regina King and Idris Elba and produced by Jay-Z will debut on Netflix this fall.
https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/netflix-releases-trailer-for-western-film-shot-in-new-mexico/
Queen Latifah, Ludacris and Beau Bridges are also filming a movie in Albuquerque for Netflix. The movie is called "End of the Road" and will film in the city through August. Below is a quote from the Albuquerque Journal's story last week about the production.
https://www.abqjournal.com/2400370/queen...m-made-netflix-film-end-of-the-road.html
Quote:
“End of The Road” is the story of a recently widowed woman, Brenda, who after losing her job, drives her family cross-country to start a new life.
In the New Mexico desert, cut off from help, they must learn to fight back when they become the targets of a mysterious killer.
The film is directed by Millicent Shelton and is written by David Loughery.
It is based on an original screenplay by Christopher J. Moore.
“We are all excited to have the opportunity to shoot in New Mexico with some of the best crews and creative talent in the world. The state’s unique landscapes and gorgeous weather have captured our hearts,” said producers Tracey Edmonds, Mark Burg and Brad Kaplan.
According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production will employ approximately 156 New Mexico crew members, 5 New Mexico principal actors, and 283 New Mexico background talent.
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Earlier this week the Albuquerque City Council also formally approved the land lease deals for the Netflix studio expansion.
https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/net...-for-albuquerque-expansion-plan/6148408/
Also reported today is that the New Mexico film industry had a record year for FY 2021, with $623 million in direct spending so far this fiscal year and one week left to go.
https://www.abqjournal.com/2403189/nm-film-industry-breaks-record-with-623m-in-direct-spend.html
Quote:
New Mexico remains a hot spot for film and TV.
The state announced this week that the New Mexico film industry has brought in $623 million in what is known as a “direct spend” with one week left to go in the fiscal year.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the film industry broke the old record of $525.5 million set in fiscal year 2019. In fiscal year 2020, the film industry had a direct spend of $386.8 million.
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