New Mexico Media Academy Aims to Create ‘Next Generation of Filmmakers’

variety.com:

Paul Plunkett Besides incentives and locations, people make up a crucial component of New Mexico’s production ambitions. The New Mexico Media Academy (NMMA) is getting ready to supply skilled crew for the increasing number of jobs provided by the film and television industry.

Headquartered in the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Yards, the NMMA is a collaborative initiative between industry partners, multiple educational institutions and the state to equip New Mexico residents with the education and skills necessary to work in production. “Our students will be trained by the best in the industry on state-of-the-art technology to further cultivate the modern film and digital media workforce we are building,” New Mexico Gov.

Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement announcing the academy’s Albuquerque location. New Mexico hosted more than 100 productions in 2022, including AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and Peacock’s “Poker Face,” and the increased demand for crew fuels NMMA’s goal to admit 1,000 students annually.

Netflix, NBCUniversal, 828 Prods. and IATSE Local 480 are partners providing training and curriculum expertise and apprenticeships, while hours toward union membership will be available for students who complete apprenticeships. “We’re developing and training the next generation of filmmakers in New Mexico,” says Chad Burris, the inaugural executive director of the NMMA. “That’s going to benefit not only the state, the participants of the academy, but also any industry partners that currently exist and that might be looking to come to New Mexico.” Burris, an experienced filmmaker, producer, attorney and public policy advocate, adds that while the existing crew base in the state is strong, he