new film studio proposed in building that was once a casino

A former one-story, 50,000 square-foot casino that is part of the Tesuque Pueblo in north central New Mexico may see redevelopment as a modern film production facility.

According to reports, the Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation is currently talking with television and film companies who may be interested in using the one-time Camel Rock Casino for their purposes.

Located just off U.S. Routes 84 and 85, the 25 year-old casino ended operations last November due to the opening of the nearby Tesuque Casino to the north of Santa Fe.

Speculation that the casino might be used for a variety of new purposes, including serving as an indoor flea market, have taken a back seat to the studio idea in the wake of its use as a production facility for the Tom Hanks film News of the World last year.

Speaking to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Timothy Brown, chief executive officer with the Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation, said, “It’s a great space because of the numerous rooms and the size of the rooms for production facilities, wardrobe, building sets and for storage.”

The new production facility could tap into what is regarded as a growing film industry, seeing more than $582 million spent in New Mexico last year by various production companies.
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The casino was built in 1995 by the Tesuque Pueblo at a cost of $5.5 million. 

​By Garry Boulard

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