Hollywood/Netflix has come to Albuquerque in a Huge Way…

Ariel view of Albuquerque Studios (Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Netflix in a multi-million dollar deal took a massive leap last year in its commitment to becoming a major movie player by purchasing Albuquerque Studios and making it the streaming giant’s U.S. production hub.

Albuquerque Studios at Mesa del Sol includes nine sound stages, production offices and a backlot.

Ty Warren, Netflix vice president for physical production, previously told the Journal that between the infrastructure and existing crew base in New Mexico, it was a win for the company to move here.

The company’s New Mexico projects already have included the Emmy-winning Western series “Godless,” as well as “Longmire,” “Chambers,” “Messiah,” “The Ridiculous 6,” “Daybreak,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.”

All here in Albuquerque. We decided to be tourists and go on the Breaking Bad Tour of Albuquerque. A great way to see our town with new eyes.

Hop onboard for the Highlights of the Tour. Riding in the Walter White/Jesse Meth Lab Van…How many locations can you identify???

The Dog House. A old time hot dog stand that is loved by the locals.

The Dog House is across the street from this funky motel. This place pops up all over Hollywood movies…it’s that funky. 🙂

On to some of the house locations of Breaking Bad. These houses stand in for Anywhere USA. Complete with grass lawns. Most homes in Albuquerque don’t have grass lawns because we’re in the desert. Water is expensive. These are the hanger-on survivors. The bathtub scene house.

And here is Walter White’s family home. The actual owner had to put up fencing and gates to keep the fans away. My quick, blurry drive-by look.

A laundromat. Also kinda funky and used in lots of movies. I recognized it in Netflix’s Messiah – a late night laundry run scene.

Storage lot with Old Vehicles and a Porta Potty takes center stage.

What a hoot!

It’s fun to Scout Location Spots from the Comforts of a Meth Lab Van.

A busy coffee shop in the bright New Mexico sun.

The Albuquerque Rail Yards. Lots of CG filming happens here.

The Van’s video clip from Breaking Bad…see the two mosaic columns…

Now live and in person. The magic of Hollywood.

A stop for Breakfast Burritos at Los Pollos Hermanos.

Breakfast burritos are a classic New Mexico breakfast. Complete with Styro-Coffee and Paper for Plates.

Eating Burritos surrounded by Breaking Bad Props and Photos of the Stars makes this a bit more real.

Back on the Van. Off to see Crazy, Outer-Space Houses…

Exploding Gas Stations…

More Funky Motels…

And an infamous Car Wash.

A Van Stop at a Commercial Laundry. Great Graphic Image Designs.

I see why this is a good location find…gritty, gutsy and real.

With always a Crystal Clear Blue Background Sky.

The Tourists safe and snug inside the Van…

Photo shoot with Meth Lab props.

Until a surprise brief encounter/altercation with Western Outlaws.

Final Stop on the Tour. Just like Disney, all rides exit into the gift shoppe.

Some Times you just need to be a Tourist in Your Hometown. Silly Fun.

If you’re ever in my town, the Breaking Bad RV Tour is a must-do.

You just never know who you might bump into.