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On May 21st, Santa Fe County invites the community to a Media Park Open House featuring its latest economic development project – a new film and media development venture featuring Santa Fe Studios - from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Santa Fe Community College’s Jemez Room.  The Open House begins at 6:00 PM and Presentations begin at 7:00 PM.  The meeting provides a closer look at the plans and people behind the County’s new Media Park and creation of the first and only Media District in the US.

Below is a list of people available and presentations being made:

Jack Kolkmeyer, Santa Fe County Growth Management Director

Santa Fe County Media District – Robert Griego, Santa Fe County

Santa Fe Studios – Jason Hool & Javier Gonzales
 
Santa Fe Community College – Media Arts Program Representative

NM Film Office – Tobi Ives & Jennifer Schwalenberg

IATSE Local 480 – Jon Hendry



Frequently Asked Questions


1.       How will SF Studios benefit local employment? Can I really work in the film industry?

o   IATSE has identified that approximately half of their union members reside in Santa Fe County.

o   Media Training programs locally include Santa Fe Community College, IAIA, Northern New Mexico College, New Mexico Highlands, and College of Santa Fe.

2.  Will the studios work in cooperation with Greer Garson Studios, the Eaves Ranch, the Community College and IAIA?

o  Santa Fe Studios has partnered with SFCC, IAIA, and NM Highlands regarding opportunities for workforce development.

o  The media production facilities at Santa Fe Studios will complement the existing media offerings within the County and State.


3.  Will the Studios be offering training opportunities for locals?
o  Yes, via the partner institutions of higher learning: SFCC, IAIA, NMHU, etc.


4.  Will the studios affect water use in the San Marcos area?

o   Water for the Studios will come from the Santa Fe County Utility utilizing the existing “wheeling agreement” with the City of Santa Fe.

o         No additional wells will be drilled, as per the Community College District Ordinance; all water must be supplied via systems.


5. Will the studio negatively affect the night skies?

o  The Studios will need to comply with the County’s Community College District Ordinance, the Media District Zone, and the New Mexico Night Skies Protection Act.


6. How will such large buildings blend into the landscape?
o         County Media District Zone requires that the building massing incorporate vertical and horizontal offsets as well as architectural detailing that provide articulation, as well as visual, and tactile relief.


7.  How will this project affect the traffic on State Highway 14?

o  The project will be required to do a complete Traffic Impact Analysis as part of the County Development Review process.

o  Improvements to SR-14 will require approval by NMDOT and will most likely require acceleration and deceleration lanes, and a signalized intersection.


8.  Will the public have access to events and facilities at the studios?

o  Yes.  Public events such as film festivals and screenings, and, in the future, studios tours, will allow the general public to directly experience the facilities.


9.  What will the County’s role be in the evolution of the studios? Will the City be involved?

o   The County’s role is anticipated to continue as economic development opportunities and new businesses locate in the Media District.  Film and Media are target industries for Santa Fe County.

o  The City’s role is not direct, although businesses supporting the industry will be located in both the City and County.

o  Santa Fe County, City of Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Community College are part of the Santa Fe Regional Telecommunications Coalition, which is in the process of planning for an advanced information network for telecommunications.

o  Planning for an advanced information network for telecommunications.