ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s not every day that students get to see what it takes to create a blockbuster movie, but for several Albuquerque students, they got a chance to do just that.
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“It was just like a whole experience,” said Solomon Walton, a student at New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts.
When a professional movie production came to the back door of New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts, faculty and Albuquerque city staff jumped at the opportunity. “It really just made you feel how close movies are to us here in New Mexico, and Albuquerque,” said Ana Sophia Rodriguez, another student at the academy.
“It’s amazing for these students to see this work in progress,” said Cyndy McCrossen, Film Liaison for the City of Albuquerque.
A dozen students from the school were given a chance to see how the film was produced in real time and got to see some big-time actors. According to the city, the production was done by A24. They also got an in-person look at the scale of the set and how many people it takes to create a Hollywood production. “Getting that hands-on experience really just helps you learn more,” Walton said. “You’re able to just put that into stuff that you really want to do.”
For one student, they saw the experience as a way to learn new skills creating educational media, as well as building professional connections.
“They can give you so much advice for their jobs that apply to jobs across the board,” Rodriguez explained.
Another student said the experience will help her raise awareness about issues she feels passionate about by creating video essays discussing the importance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. “It seems to be an easier way to do it,” explained Zaaliyah Thomas, a student at the academy. “Using media, and it’s more of a way to make a statement about it.”
The city said opportunities like this help bridge gaps between students’ education and the real-world workforce. “It’s not something that frequently can happen just because a lot of the concerns, so this was a unique opportunity,” McCrossen added.