Albuquerque is rolling out the red carpet for Cinelease Studios, as the entertainment services company announced a major expansion in the Duke City.

The $95 million investment will double Cinelease’s footprint at its Pan American Freeway location, adding five soundstages and three ancillary buildings. This comes on the heels of Cinelease taking over the former I-25 Studios in 2022.

“New Mexico is a production powerhouse, but it’s also facing capacity issues,” said Gannon Murphy, Cinelease Studios. “This expansion will provide much-needed space for film and television projects, while fostering the local film workforce.”

The deal hinges on approvals from the city and state, with the Albuquerque Development Commission set to discuss Cinelease’s request for $115 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds this week. City Council is expected to follow suit in March.

If greenlit, the project promises to create hundreds of jobs in construction and film, while injecting $227 million into the state’s economy over the next decade. Additionally, Cinelease has pledged to invest $80 million annually in New Mexico productions, qualifying them for the state’s lucrative film tax credits.

Governor Lujan Grisham hailed the expansion as a testament to New Mexico’s “strong workforce and competitive business climate.” She added, “This partnership will bring exciting new productions to the state, benefiting both filmmakers and local communities.”

The expansion addresses a critical industry-wide issue: limited soundstage availability. The New Mexico Film Office has been actively seeking solutions, and Cinelease’s investment fills a significant gap.

“New Mexico’s stunning landscapes attract productions year-round, but stage limitations often force them elsewhere,” said Amber Dodson, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “Cinelease’s expansion changes that game. It ensures we can capture these projects, create jobs, and solidify New Mexico’s position as a cinematic powerhouse.”

Cinelease boasts a nationwide portfolio of 42 soundstages across six states. This Albuquerque expansion builds upon their 15-year presence in the city, where they’ve been a key provider of lighting and grip equipment.

“This isn’t just about building stages, it’s about nurturing a thriving film industry,” said Cyndy McCrossen, Albuquerque’s film liaison. “More independent soundstages are crucial to attracting productions, and Cinelease’s initiative will undoubtedly draw even more filmmakers to our city.”

With this expansion, Albuquerque is poised to solidify its place as a major player in the ever-evolving world of filmmaking. It’s a win-win for the industry, the state, and the city, promising more lights, camera, and action for years to come.