New Mexico State University‘s Arrowhead Park Studios marked a new phase in film and media development as leaders, educators, government officials, and board members gathered for the groundbreaking of a new studio, hosted by Executive Director Wayne Savage.
Held on Sep. 30 at the Arrowhead Center, the ceremony celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Arrowhead Studio. Designed to support the region’s growing film industry, the building will be equipped with professional soundstages and production facilities.
The $15 million studio aims to attract filmmakers interested in shooting their projects in southern New Mexico. NMSU and Doña Ana Community College students eager to explore film and television will also be able to utilize the facility.
The ceremony featured speakers, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Jeff Steinborn, Chair of the NMSU Board of Regents, Ammu Devasthali, and NMSU President Valerio Ferme, among others.
“This is more than a building, it’s a launchpad for creativity, education, and economic growth,” Savage said. “We’ve assembled a great team and incredible people who are eager to grow this community. This is about creating opportunities not just today, but for future generations.”
The event recognized Governor Michelle as the original visionary behind the project through the Media Arts Collective Initiative, who described the development as an economic powerhouse.
“We’ve been punching way above our weight class, and it shows,” Lujan Grisham said.
Steinborn, a strong supporter of the project, echoed the Governor’s sentiment, calling the studio an engine for opportunities and success.
The celebration also recognized the upcoming 10th anniversary of Film Las Cruces on Oct. 20, marking a milestone that reflects a decade of local commitment to film development.
Las Cruces was recently named one of the Top 10 Film Towns in America by MovieMaker Magazine, and the new soundstage is expected to further solidify its status. The project is expected to bring around $400 million in the coming years, serving as a crucial role in the region’s growth.
NMSU includes this studio as part of a broader vision called Creative Campus, a project that brought about the Creative Media Institute.
This studio will include a 4,000 square foot sound stage, production support buildings, and labs for media production, totaling 36,400 square feet at Arrowhead Park.
The Creative Campus initiative aims to foster collaboration between departments such as film, digital media, arts, and technology. It will also provide students with hands-on experiences, including internships, workshops, and real-world training in media production to prepare them for careers in the media and entertainment industry.
Officials expect construction on the new studio to begin early next year. Once complete, the facility will serve as a state-of-the-art production hub for films, television, and other media projects. Developers plan for this studio to attract industry professionals and create opportunities for both students and the community.
“This soundstage is going to help us go to the next level,” Steinborn said. “Let’s make history, and let’s make some new films.”
