With the city’s neighborhoods doubling as film sets, it may come as no surprise to residents that Forbes recently named Albuquerque one of “Hollywood’s Favorite Cities.” The Forbes article said at least 22 films were created in Albuquerque last year, bringing the city $130 million.
Since New Mexico began offering incentives like a 25 percent rebate to lure filmmakers and stimulate the state’s economy, UNM stepped up to prepare New Mexicans to play an active part in the new Chiléwood.
UNM created ARTS Lab (Art, Research, Technology and Science Lab) in response to the governor’s Media Industries Strategic Plan to foster advanced digital media research, education and production and to build networks connecting business and media professionals. One way ARTS Lab cultivates networking is by producing the annual New Mexico Media Industries Conference, or MIX. The next MIX will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at the UNM Student Union Building. Visit http://www.nm-mix.org for more information.
“There’s a great deal of talent both here at UNM and throughout New Mexico, but one thing we saw was that the networks to connect those people to their peers – and real jobs – were either missing or immature. As a result, too many of our best people felt they had to leave to do the kinds of work they love to do,” said Eric Renz-Whitmore, program coordinator. “Through supporting professional groups in areas like games and animation – and bringing all groups together through events like MIX – we think we’re creating an environment where our students don’t have to leave to succeed.”
Since fall 2007, UNM has offered courses through the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program to develop a workforce for the growing film industry and other media. Through IFDM, students gain a holistic understanding of the industry while preparing for a specialty among a wide range of fields – from directing to computer animation to movie marketing.
Last November, voters passed General Obligation Bond D, which included funding for a new film and digital media building at Mesa del Sol. UNM is also requesting $4.5 million from the New Mexico State Legislature to complete the project. Planned to open in 2010, the facility will be a hub for advanced teaching and research where students can gain practical experience, collaborate with professional media producers like nearby Albuquerque Studios, and showcase their work at a high-end digital theatre.