State To Get New Film Studio

BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico is getting a new film studio. The Sandoval County Commission approved a zoning change for Traditions Festival Marketplace, which once housed an outlet mall.

The Albuquerque Journal reported in a copyright story Friday that the action lets a California group transform the site on Interstate 25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe into New Mexico Film Studios.

The company hopes to break ground Jan. 3 and start production as early as May. It will take $20 million to $25 million to build a studio with four soundstages and everything needed to make a movie.

One principal in the venture, writer-producer Michael Harbert, is moving from Los Angeles to be president and chief executive officer.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)