Albuquerque production company ustudios partners with New Mexico Film Office
Albuquerque media firm ustudios joined with the New Mexico Film Office on a long-term production deal. The agreement requires hundreds of millions of dollars in spending across the state over the next decade.
The state agency secured its third corporate agreement. Prior partners include Netflix and NBC Universal.
New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham praised the firm’s history in the region.
“One of the reasons this was a good partnership is they’ve continually been producing in New Mexico over years,” Graham said. “They know the players, they know how to do it here, and have been successful in getting projects off the ground, getting them made, and distributed.”
The company produces film, commercials, reality shows, comedy, news, music and sports. It supplies theatrical, online, television and on-demand formats.
Under the terms, ustudios must spend an average of $50 million annually for ten years.
Graham noted the total equals half a billion dollars in state production.
“They’re also investing more than $35 million in the state both in the projects they’ve already worked on and that they have building there at the lot,” Graham said.
The company started in 2014. It is building facilities on Woodward at an Albuquerque site called The Lot.
The 19-acre campus includes several planned amenities:
- Two digital sound stages
- A 50,000 square foot prop house
- A 44,000 square foot complex
- A creative hub and post production space
Workers plan to finish the two digital sound stages by December. State film officials said industry activity contracted over the past few years.
Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development Rob Black highlighted the economic boost.
“Every new project creates jobs, supports local businesses and opens doors for New Mexicans to build careers,” Black said. “Partnerships like this help create more opportunities for New Mexicans to build their futures and find good jobs right here at home.”
The state grants tax incentives for the spending and infrastructure investments. In exchange, the company contributes to marketing and workforce training.
The production service company works with local colleges and universities. Trainees or interns will receive placement on each set.
The first joint production is the upcoming feature film “Rode to Ruin.” The project will hire more than 200 state workers.
Michael Keaton directs and stars in the project. Morgan Freeman and Laura Linney also star in the movie.
The movie will hire locally:
- 150 New Mexico resident crew members
- 75 New Mexico background actors
- Four New Mexicans in supporting roles
Filming takes place in Santa Fe County this month. It marks the company’s first major shoot under the deal.
The New Mexico Film Office assists commercial productions throughout the region. The state agency coordinates tax credit programs and workforce initiatives.
Company leaders founded the service business in 2014.
