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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Cinelease Studios Expands Albuquerque, New Mexico, Operations

02/13/2024
Entertainment service company Cinelease Studios plans to expand operations in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The $95 million investment at 9201 Pan American Freeway NE will include five soundstages and two ancillary buildings.

“New Mexico is an outstanding state for the entertainment business and is operating over current capacity. By expanding Cinelease Studios – Albuquerque, we are in a position to provide a home for future film and television in the state,” Gannon Murphy, Cinelease Studios, said. “We’ll be working closely with the community and various programs to help empower and train the growing workforce.”

Pending final agreement, the State of New Mexico has pledged $6.7 million from EDD’s LEDA job-creation fund to support the expansion. The City of Albuquerque has pledged an additional $1 million from its municipal LEDA funding as well as support with the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds. The LEDA (Local Economic Development Act) assistance will be paid out in installments as the business meets certain economic development benchmarks. The planned expansion will be completed in two phases over five years.

“Cinelease is yet another major company to recognize that New Mexico’s strong workforce and competitive business climate makes our state the place to be," Governor Lujan Grisham noted. "This partnership will bring hundreds of productions to the state, supporting jobs in construction and film while bolstering economic activity to help New Mexico communities and families.” If agreements are finalized as expected, the company also plans to add 12 full-time employees in Albuquerque by 2033 and guarantee a production spend within the facility of at least $80 million a year, an amount sufficient to qualify as a New Mexico Film Partner, as defined by the Legislature under Senate Bill 2, a 2019 law that amended the New Mexico film tax credits. The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is providing Cinelease with technical assistance for the business expansion project.

“This decision by Cinelease is a great confirmation that the Albuquerque region is indeed a premier location for continued film industry expansion,” Danielle Casey, president & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, added. "Cinelease is committed to investing in New Mexico’s workforce and building career pathways so we can secure the future of this industry in our state. It was a pleasure to offer support to their consulting team during their decision-making process.”

Cinelease Studios boasts a portfolio of 42 soundstages, encompassing nearly 2 million square feet of studio space across six states.

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