New Mexico State University plans to build multi-million-dollar soundstage

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – Industry, labor, and education partners are collaborating and looking to add to the ever-growing film industry in New Mexico. A multi-million-dollar project could boost local and state revenue while providing hands-on experiences for media students throughout the state.

“If you’re creating new film production opportunities, then you’re creating a stable workforce,” said Jeff Steinborn, state senator and president of Film Las Cruces.

It’s been years in the making, and now, thanks to a collaborative effort, Las Cruces will soon be seeing an influx of film resources located at New Mexico State University.

“We now have an agreement in place with the Economic Development Department at the state, and they’re going to, through the legislation, they’re going to fund the soundstage, and [the] Arrowhead Center will get it built, and NMSU will operate it,” said Arrowhead Park Executive Director Wayne Savage.

With its ability to provide a controlled environment and creative space, the 20-thousand-square-foot soundstage is what filmmakers say will bring industry attention to southern New Mexico.

“It’s not just going to attract small independent films, which we have been getting here in Las Cruces, but finally we’re going to attract big studio films and television series,” said NMSU Professor Ross Marks.

“Our goal is to have two hundred new full-time jobs in the industry here. There will be others that come in to support the productions and then leave. The productions, while they’re on the ground here, will be spending a great deal of money,” said Savage.

The soundstage, along with production support buildings, will also provide opportunities for NMSU and Doña Ana Community College creative media students to get hands-on experiences.

“As a former film student and as somebody who taught in film schools and film education settings, to be adjacent and in close proximity to a real production is really key,” said New Mexico Media Arts Collective Acting Executive Director Mateo Frazier.

With big industry players like Netflix and Universal putting roots down, the state’s film incentive with a rebate of up to 40 percent, and experienced crew members, the new soundstage adds to a long list of reasons why filmmakers say the Land of Enchantment is the place to be.

“Often, cinematographers talk about there’s a special light to New Mexico and a look that you can’t duplicate anywhere else,” said Frazier.

Project collaborators hope to have someone running the building by the time it’s completed in January of 2026.

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