New Film Liaison of ABQ Film Office Announced
ALBUQUERQUE, NM –On Wednesday, April 4, 2018, Mayor Tim Keller announced Alicia Keyes will be the new Film Liaison of the Albuquerque Film office. Keyes joins the department following the retirement of current Film Liaison Ann Lerner. A native of Albuquerque, Keyes joins the City with over twenty years in the film and television industry. She will lead efforts to preserve and expand Albuquerque as a film-friendly city.
Ann Lerner has served as film liaison for the Albuquerque film office for 15 years with exceptional distinction, overseeing hundreds of film productions in Albuquerque, from “Breaking Bad” to large blockbusters like “The Avengers.” Over her career she played a critical role in making our city’s film industry consistently one of the top 10 filming destinations in the country, resulting in millions of dollars of economic impact annually.
“Albuquerque is not just a leading filming location, but a key destination thanks to Ann. She is a tireless champion of our city, known for diversity of scenery and premier local film crews,” stated Mayor Keller. “She and her team have put Albuquerque on the map as a place to film movies from the first take to the final edit.”
“We’re excited to bring Alicia on board as our new Film Liaison of ABQFilm,” said Mayor Keller. “Her experience in the film industry and knowledge of Albuquerque will help us continue to be one of the top filming locations in the country, as well as create high-paying creative jobs for New Mexico residents.”
Bio for Alicia Keyes, Film Liaison, Albuquerque Film Office
With over twenty years in the film and television industry, Alicia J. Keyes most recently has been producing local New Mexico films under her production banner AJK Films LLC, sourcing private equity slate and independent financing for the entertainment sector and writing feature films.
Before she started AJK Films, she was the Executive Director of Worldwide Acquisitions and Co-productions for the Walt Disney Company responsible for the acquisition of theatrical motion pictures for distribution throughout the world. Prior to Disney, Keyes served as the Manager of Creative Affairs for Hill/Fields, a television production company based in Los Angeles.
She is currently the Chairperson for the Governor’s Council on Film and Television for the State of New Mexico and volunteers her time on the Board of Animal Humane, having been the President in 2015 and 2016.
Keyes grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from the Albuquerque Academy in 1993. She has twin boys who followed in her footsteps and graduated in 2017. They are now at Penn and Cornell. Keyes first became acquainted with the entertainment industry back in high school, when local producer Chris Schueler started a program, NEWS 101, with the Albuquerque CBS affiliate to help students produce local NEWS segments.