KEEPING PRODUCTION ROLLING
Currently under active construction, the iconic Albuquerque Rail Yards in historic downtown is transforming into a sustainable, cutting-edge hub for media production and education. The Rail Yards facility will serve as a joint home for both CNM Film and Digital Media and the New Mexico Media Arts Collective (MAC). The MAC will have dedicated use of the Eric Witt Soundstage, a flexible-use facility, and specific office space – while additional spaces including classrooms, workshop areas, and screening rooms will be managed by CNM, fostering ongoing collaborative initiatives between both organizations.
Final programming details and occupancy plans are currently underway.
In Albuquerque’s historic Barelas neighborhood, the Albuquerque Rail Yards symbolize America’s industrial strength that once drove the nation’s westward expansion. Originally built in the early 1900s as a key locomotive repair facility for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, this landmark is now evolving dramatically, mirroring New Mexico’s transformation into a hub of creative innovation.
Upon completion, the Rail Yards will cater to commercial productions seeking exceptional facilities, including The MAC-dedicated Eric Witt Soundstage and versatile production spaces. The site leverages New Mexico’s attractive production incentives and will deliver industry-standard, specialized workforce training in film, television, and digital media, addressing current and emerging industry needs.
- THE ERIC WITT SOUNDSTAGE: 10,000+ SQ FT (DEDICATED TO THE MAC)
- FLEXIBLE-USE FACILITY: 7,000 SQ FT (DEDICATED TO THE MAC)
- DEDICATED OFFICE SPACE FOR THE MAC
- ADDITIONAL FACILITIES SHARED IN COLLABORATION WITH CNM
- SPRING 2026 COMPLETION
The soundstage within the Rail Yards honors the memory and legacy of Eric Witt, affectionately known as “Mr. Film,” whose dedication profoundly shaped New Mexico’s thriving film industry.
“Eric was an incredibly approachable leader and dedicated public servant who gladly shared his broad range of experience with all of us to deliver the best results for New Mexicans.”
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Eric Witt’s career spanned over three decades, seamlessly blending film industry achievements and dedicated public service. Starting his journey at Dino De Laurentiis Communications in Los Angeles, Eric’s political contributions in New Mexico began in 1998 as Chief of Staff for the state’s House of Representatives and continued prominently in Governor Richardson’s administration.
In 2016, he became Executive Director of the Santa Fe Film Office, later receiving an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts for However Wide the Sky: Places of Power (2022). He continued his impact as an adviser to Governor Grisham, instrumental in solidifying New Mexico as a premier film and media production destination.
Opening in 2026, a 20,000-square-foot soundstage located near Doña Ana Community College and NMSU’s Creative Media Institute strengthens regional production capacity.
Available to all New Mexicans regardless of region, our
virtual trainings, talks and events connect creators
throughout the stage and showcase their projects.
