For most Americans, the word “Boroughs” probably brings to mind New York City. Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island are well-known across the country.
But New Mexicans may soon be using the term differently. “The Boroughs” is the title of a new show produced by the creators of “Stranger Things.”
Netflix plans to begin filming the supernatural series in Albuquerque in July and complete shooting of the eight-episode first season in mid-December.
The Duffer Brothers — Matt and Ross Duffer — have signed on as executive producers for the series, which is set at an idyllic retirement community in the New Mexico desert, according to an article published in Backstage. They reportedly face off against a mysterious supernatural force.
“The Boroughs” is among several new projects announced by the brothers’ production company, Upside Down Pictures. It’s unknown whether they are planning to film other projects in the Albuquerque area.
The Backstage article suggests that Albuquerque locals interested in appearing in the show, created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, be on the lookout for casting calls, as their location gives them a shot at background work.
Wanna be in the show?
No casting director has been named for “The Boroughs,” although Carmen Cuba worked with the Duffer Brothers on “Stranger Things.”
She told Backstage she uses traditional and nontraditional ways to find cast members, and that she has cast individuals who were not actors by trade.
“I am constantly keeping track of people who have stood out to me and do what I can to find creative ways to introduce them to the directors I work with when the timing is right,” Cuba said. “Sometimes, they aren’t even actors, but performers or just creative types who I think are interesting and inspiring in some way. I don’t have a set system; I go with what moves me.”
It’s not just actors who stand to benefit from the production. Sara Mannal, Albuquerque’s community outreach manager for economic development, said film industry jobs in the city pay an average of $70,000 a year. She said production of multiple episodes of a show can bring $3 million to $10 million a week into the local economy, as producers pay for everything from food and hotel rooms to lumber.
“Between this production and many others, we are currently one of the busiest film locations in the country, which means more great jobs for New Mexicans,” said city film liaison Cyndy McCrossen. “This has a significant ripple effect on our community, with so many local businesses getting in on the action and creating more opportunities for Albuquerque families to thrive.”