January 2025: Behind the Scenes - ABQ Castle Studios Brings Cutting-Edge Innovation to Albuquerque

Tim Pipher, founder of ABQ Castle Studios, on one of their sets.

New Mexico is already a hub for TV and movie production, and now it's about to get even better. LA Castle Studios, a renowned pioneer in virtual production, has chosen Albuquerque as the site for its latest state-of-the-art studio. The opening of ABQ Castle Studios will transform the local film industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for producers and filmmakers alike.

When asked why New Mexico was the ideal choice for this groundbreaking venture, Tim Pipher, founder of LA Castle Studios, pointed to three key reasons.

"First, there's a ton of TV and movie production in New Mexico, and we wanted to be a part of it," Pipher explained. "As great as it is filming in New Mexico, there are certain locations that can't be shot here—until now. For example, if a production needs a beach or marina scene, they don't exist in this state, so producers who would otherwise film here sometimes choose another state. But with our technology (a mix of the Unreal Engine and our patented proprietary technology, CastleVision), producers can film on a beach or anywhere else in the universe - past, present, or future - with total reality right from our stage in Albuquerque. Same with talk shows and game shows. Those sets have been few and far between in New Mexico, but at ABQ Castle Studios, producers can do them beautifully and easily and save the cost of set construction. So we think there's a market here for what we do."

Second, Pipher highlighted the value of New Mexico's film incentives. "New Mexico film incentives are a big deal, not only for our clients, but for us, because we're producers, too, and will be bringing multiple movies to Albuquerque," he said.

Finally, proximity played a part in the decision. "It's an easy non-stop flight just over an hour from our other studio, L.A. Castle Studios in Burbank, CA. That's a little less of a factor now because my wife and I bought a house here and are Albuquerque residents—and we love it here," Pipher shared.

What sets ABQ Castle Studios apart is its sheer scale and technological sophistication. "We believe ABQ Castle Studios to be the largest and most technologically advanced virtual production stage worldwide," said Pipher. Unlike traditional sound stages, this studio leverages cutting-edge virtual production techniques, allowing filmmakers to create expansive, realistic sets without physical construction. From intimate talk shows to sprawling action sequences, ABQ Castle Studios can handle it.

A standout feature is the studio's CastleVision technology. "As far as our groundbreaking, patented technology called CastleVision, you can only do it right here, at ABQ Castle Studios," Pipher noted. This proprietary system—exclusive to ABQ Castle Studios—enables scenes from real-world environments. Whether recreating historical settings or imagining distant planets, CastleVision makes it possible with stunning realism. Complementing this are in-house amenities like a furniture and prop warehouse, ensuring productions have everything they need on-site.

One of the many vitual sets of ABQ Castle Studios.

Even the tools on hand are state-of-the-art. The studio boasts one of the world's most sophisticated telescoping cranes, offering cinematic shots that rival those of big-budget Hollywood blockbusters—without the hefty price tag. With all these resources, ABQ Castle Studios is poised to attract projects of any size and genre.

While ABQ Castle Studios will undoubtedly draw major out-of-state productions, the team is equally committed to supporting local filmmakers. "We'll be attracting out-of-state productions for sure, but we're just as enthusiastic about working with New Mexico producers," Pipher stated. "In fact, we're totally open to exploring co-productions with my production company, in which New Mexico productions would pay very little. We just want to make TV shows and movies!"

This collaborative spirit reflects a dedication to fostering local talent and ensuring the studio's benefits are shared widely. From established filmmakers to emerging creators, ABQ Castle Studios offers a space where New Mexico's creative community can thrive.

To fully appreciate what ABQ Castle Studios offers, you must see it in action. The studio recently released a demo video showcasing its capabilities. From intricate sets to seamless virtual environments, the footage highlights the endless possibilities to producers.

With the arrival of ABQ Castle Studios, Albuquerque solidifies its position as a major player in the film and TV industry. The studio's innovative approach bridges the gap between imagination and reality and underscores the state's growing appeal as a production destination. Whether recreating a bustling cityscape or an idyllic beachfront, ABQ Castle Studios makes it possible - without leaving New Mexico.

For filmmakers, this means more opportunities, fewer logistical challenges, and access to world-class technology. For Albuquerque, it signals a new era of creativity and collaboration. As LA Castle Studios plants its roots in the Land of Enchantment, the possibilities for storytelling are limitless. For a closer look at CastleVision technology, check out this example: CastleVision in Action, and learn more at lacastlestudios.com.