ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today joined state, city, and industry leaders to celebrate the grand opening of The Boiler Shop, a newly renovated $73 million film and media training facility at the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards.
The Boiler Shop will house Central New Mexico Community College’s (CNM) Film and Digital Media Center and the New Mexico Media Arts Collective (MAC). The facility’s MAC studio will be named the Eric Witt Studio, honoring the late Eric Witt — known throughout New Mexico’s film industry as “Mr. Film.” Witt — widely regarded as the architect of the state’s film program — was recruited by Gov. Bill Richardson in 2003 to expand New Mexico’s film production incentive. Witt died in 2023.
“The Boiler Shop reflects New Mexico’s commitment a world-class film workforce, meaningful jobs in the arts for New Mexicans, and a future built on the strong and durable foundation Eric Witt laid,” said Lujan Grisham.
The project was funded using $35.1 million from CNM, $22.9 million from the state’s Economic Development Department, and $15 million from the City of Albuquerque. It features industry-standard soundstages, post-production suites, and flexible production spaces. The center will serve students statewide and is expected to enroll 260 CNM film and digital media students, with the Opportunity Scholarship allowing eligible students to attend tuition-free.
“We’re proud to celebrate the opening of this world-class facility, made possible through our strong partnerships with the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “By transforming the iconic boiler shop, we’ve created a dynamic institution where students, aspiring filmmakers, and community members can gain crucial skills and prepare for exciting careers in creative fields. This facility honors history while investing in our future — expanding opportunity, bolstering New Mexico’s film and digital media workforce, and adding new energy to Downtown Albuquerque.”
The historic building, dating to the late 1800s, once employed nearly a quarter of Albuquerque’s workforce. The project received a Heritage Preservation Award earlier this year from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.…