Netflix deal could boost all parts of New Mexico
While Albuquerque has been named as Netflix’s newest production hub, those in the industry say the benefits are likely to reach all parts of New Mexico.
In fact, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported earlier this week that Netflix executives have already visited Santa Fe to scout for space for a project next year.
Eric Witt, who leads the Santa Fe Film Office, said he had two phone calls Monday from producers within an hour of Netflix announcing plans to purchase Albuquerque Studios and establish a production hub in the city.
“They’re all over it” ‘What’s available in Santa Fe? What’s available in Santa Fe?’ “Witt said. “It’s great.”
The venture is projected to deliver $1 billion in production spending in New Mexico over the next decade and thousands of jobs, officials said.
Members of the industry described it as a first step toward a booming new era for the state’s film and television business. Netflix establishing a regular cycle of its episodic productions in Albuquerque could create a sort of chain reaction, others said, bringing job opportunities for crew workers statewide, which in turn increases the call for more new workers and the state’s capacity for more productions.
“Series keep people employed for a longer period of time,” said Anton Walpole, a Santa Fe filmmaker who served as unit production manager on western drama Godless. “The new model has taken a lot of the crew base and puts them in a very secure position.”