Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently announced a significant expansion of Netflix Studios Albuquerque, with nearly $900 million in total investment in New Mexico production since 2019. The company first launched the hub in 2018, acquiring a production studio complex that included eight sound stages on 28 acres. This initial setup saw productions like The Avengers, Breaking Bad, and Sicario taking place. Netflix’s Albuquerque studio is the only one the company owns outside of another being developed in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
The larger facility in Albuquerque now boasts four new soundstages, three mills, one production office, two stage support buildings, and two dedicated backlot areas spread across 108 acres. Sarandos mentioned that this expansion will allow Netflix to enhance its creative output and produce more compelling films and series for its global audience. The company is committed to nurturing and growing the production ecosystem in New Mexico.
The expanded studio incorporates several sustainable features such as on-site solar and battery storage systems, geothermal heating and cooling, all-electric appliances, and 50 electric vehicle fast chargers. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the facility’s carbon footprint and lowering operating costs.
Netflix Studios Albuquerque has been a thriving production hub, with projects like Stranger Things, The Harder They Fall, Army of the Dead, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie among others being filmed there. The studio even named a crossing after Vince Gilligan, the writer, and director of El Camino. Looking ahead, Netflix plans to film upcoming series like Ransom Canyon, Pulse, and The Boroughs on the studio lot.
Netflix has directly invested close to $575 million in New Mexico productions, with the number rising to nearly $900 million when including other productions that have utilized Netflix Studios Albuquerque. The company has hired over 4,000 cast and crew members in the state from 2021 to 2023, contributing significantly to the local economy and job market.
In 2022, Netflix launched Netflix in Your Neighborhood, a website that encourages fans to explore filming locations of Netflix projects in various parts of New Mexico. The platform now features over 100 filming locations and cultural sites from eight different titles, including Stranger Things, Chupa, Better Call Saul, The Harder They Fall, and Army of the Dead. Sarandos expressed Netflix’s goal to contribute culturally to the state and bring the excitement of their films and series beyond the screen and into the community.
Ted Sarandos extended his gratitude to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Ben Ray Luján, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, and numerous vendor partners for their support. He also acknowledged the 2,800 construction workers who played a crucial role in the expansion of Netflix Studios Albuquerque.