Gov. Lujan Grisham announces film production company investment in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a state investment in a full-service film and production company, 828 Productions.

The $3 million Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) investment is part of a partnership with a California-based company that will bring 100 high-paying jobs to Las Cruces, according to Governor Lujan Grisham.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham/ (D) New Mexico 

"We are showcasing here again, that film. matters., that film works and it creates an ecosystem of equal opportunities," said the Governor.

The head of the studio spoke about why he decided to move his team to Southern New Mexico.

“After living in Southern California for a long time, I picked up a word, it’s called a vibe, and there is an amazing vibe here. I mean the people, the culture, and the support that you find here, I don’t think there’s a better place to make a movie," said Todd Lundbohm, founder and CEO of 828 Productions.

The company began its efforts in May, filling key positions and purchasing a 7,500-square foot building in downtown Las Cruces for training, post-production, and visual effects work.

The company plans to invest $75 million to build a 300,000-square-foot studio and 20-acre back lot over the next six years, according to the Governor's office.

It's the third such investment announced in recent years but the first in Las Cruces.