Albuquerque Celebrates Construction Milestone at Future Film Production Training Center

A world-class film production and digital media training center is nearing completion at Albuquerque’s historic Rail Yards, marking a key moment in New Mexico’s growing creative economy. On June 24, city and state officials joined Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to celebrate the topping-out ceremony—an important milestone in the construction process—signifying the placement of the final structural beam.

The facility is being built inside the iconic Boiler Shop building in Downtown Albuquerque. Once complete, it will offer cutting-edge training in film production and digital media, supporting workforce development, advancing economic revitalization efforts, and solidifying New Mexico’s reputation as a filmmaking powerhouse.

“We’re proud to see this journey with our partners at the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque progressing as we get closer to delivering a world-class facility for New Mexicans and the film and digital media industry,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “This facility is going to increase access for students and community members to get state-of-the-art film production and media arts training and begin exciting careers in traditional and new media fields. At the same time, it will add vibrancy to our surrounding neighborhoods and help generate economic development momentum for our Downtown Albuquerque community.”

The center will house CNM’s film technician and digital media programs alongside the New Mexico Media Arts Collective (MAC). The space will include industry-standard soundstages, post-production studios, classrooms, and flex spaces equipped with the latest production technologies, ensuring students receive hands-on, craft-specific instruction.

“This project reflects years of intentional investment in our city’s future,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “By working together, we’re opening doors for local students and families, and building a homegrown pipeline of film professionals who can train, work, and thrive right here in Albuquerque.”

Students from across the state will benefit from the center’s offerings, including those from Santa Fe Community College, Doña Ana Community College, Luna Community College, San Juan College, and others. The aim is to equip them with the skills needed to enter the fast-growing film and digital media industries, which are increasingly critical to New Mexico’s economy.

“The MAC offers a unique opportunity to provide industry-leading film training and education right here in New Mexico,” said Steve Graham, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “It’s a game-changing endeavor that trains New Mexicans for high-paying jobs and cements our position as a production hub, boosting our economy for generations to come.”

Construction is slated for completion by June 2026, with the inaugural semester of courses launching that fall.

“We look forward to making this a hub for training the next generation of film production professionals who will help New Mexico remain one of the country’s top filmmaking destinations,” said Mateo Frazier, Executive Director of the New Mexico Media Arts Collective.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, New Mexico is positioning itself at the forefront, investing in both infrastructure and talent to ensure long-term success.

Originally reported by PR News Wire.