While the future of Georgia’s film industry is in limbo, NBCUniversal just gave New Mexico’s TV and Film business a significant boost.
According to Deadline, NBCUniversal expects to hire 330 full-time, year-round production workers in Albuquerque over the next ten years with a mission of adding $500 million in direct production spending into Albuquerque’s economy.
“NBCUniversal has enjoyed a longstanding and productive relationship with New Mexico and Albuquerque, and we are grateful for the opportunity to expand our presence in this community,” said Dawn Olmstead, president of Universal Content Productions and Wilshire Studios, and Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal Television. “We are thankful for the support of Gov. Lujan Grisham, Mayor Keller and their economic development teams that have helped make our long-term investment in Albuquerque a reality.”
Deadline reports the expansion into New Mexico’s film industry is the result of a 10-year venture with Garcia Realty and Development to redevelop empty warehouse in Albuquerque into film facilities that can house two sound stages and offices.
The new facility will be used by NBCUniversal to produce scripted productions. Currently, the USA network series “Briarpatch” is filming in Albuquerque. As Project Casting previously reported, the new TV pilot stars Rosario Dawson and hiring 200 New Mexico crew members and 350 to 450 background extras.
“Over the next ten years, NBCUniversal will produce television and film projects at the Albuquerque facility, with the aim of reaching $500 million in direct production spending,” the governor’s office said in a statement today. “In addition, NBCUniversal and Garcia Realty and Development will jointly locate lighting, grip, and transportation operations at the facility.
“Alongside anticipated production spending, NBCUniversal will have more than 330 full-time jobs year-round at its New Mexico hub, generating an economic impact of $1.1 billion over ten years. The total number of jobs, direct and indirect, should exceed 800, according to an economic analysis by the state.”
A few months ago, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed into law one of the most significant incentive packages for the entertainment industry in the United States. The new law will double the annual payout for productions that come to New Mexico and offer a partnership arrangement for studios and producers such as NBCUniversal who commit to doing business in the state for a decade or more. The goal is to develop a longterm business.
The New Mexico Economic Development Department is providing $7.7 million through the local Economic Development Act, and the city of Albuquerque is giving another $3 million from their LEDA fund as part of the redevelopment and production commitment.
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