Netflix to open new US production hub in New Mexico

Netflix is to open a major US production hub in the southwestern state of New Mexico.

The streaming giant is in final negotiations to buy ABQ Studios, which is located in Albuquerque’s Mesa Del Sol community, and plans to invest $1bn into production in the state over the next 10 years.

The studio – which marks Netflix’s first purchase of a production studio complex – will create up to 1,000 production jobs per year. Recent projects to have filmed at ABQ include films Avengers, The Lone Ranger and Sicario, while TV projects include Better Call Saul.

The 100,000 square-foot space encompasses eight sound stages, production offices, mill space and a back lot.

Netflix will produce both film and television series at the new facility and various locations around the state.

Forthcoming titles include apocalypse dramedy Daybreak, supernatural drama Chambers and suspenseful drama Messiah.

Chambers and Messiah are currently being produced in the Albuquerque area. Both productions have provided jobs for more than 700 New Mexican crew members.

Previous Netflix productions in New Mexico include Godless, The Ridiculous Six and Longmire.

The announcement was made by New Mexico governor Susana Martinez, Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller and Netflix VP of physical production Ty Warren.

The base is funded by New Mexico’s Local Economic Development Act (LEDA).

The state will provide up to $10m in LEDA funding, while the City of Albuquerque will commit up to US$4.5m in local LEDA funding.

Governor Martinez said: “Netflix is at the cutting edge of the film and television industry and it’s an honour to welcome them to New Mexico. After years of hard work to cut taxes and make New Mexico business-friendly, we’re seeing incredible results.

“Now, New Mexico is leading the nation in economic growth and lowering unemployment and we’ve brought the world’s leading internet entertainment service, Netflix, to our state.”

Albuquerque mayor Keller added: “Landing Netflix is a transformative victory that will change the business landscape in the Duke City. The city has leveraged the groundwork laid over the years by our partners in the film and TV industry and we’ve made sure that film and the creative economy remained a tenet of our economic development plan so we can create accessible, high-paying jobs in this industry. Now viewers all over the world will be able to experience the most beautiful and liveable city in the Southwest while watching their favourite Netflix content.”