Felicia Masias and Keith Allen are filmmakers at heart.
The husband-and-wife duo moved to Albuquerque from California about seven months ago – during the pandemic.
They set up shop with their film company, Sopapilla Productions, and hit the ground running.
The pair are the driving force behind the new series “Enchanted Foods of ABQ,” which will begin airing Saturday, April 24. The series will air on One Albuquerque’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Masias says that One Albuquerque is doing a series called “Virtual Visionaries” and that she wanted to feature restaurants.
“This industry has been hit very hard by the pandemic,” Masias says. “We wanted to show that the restaurants are open and COVID-compliant.”
Allen says production began in mid-March.
“We did everything in two weeks,” Allen says. “We filmed at 12 restaurants in two weeks. The restaurants were excited about it. They were generous with their time that they gave to us.”
Allen says it was a win-win for everyone involved.
“One of my favorite things is that I love to go out to eat,” he says. “We wanted to find places that are incredible and delicious.”
Masias says the focus was wide-ranging when it came to the restaurants highlighted.
“We did new and established restaurants, as well as ones that are unique and enchanting,” she says.
Production was intense, and the couple accomplished it with a skeleton crew.
“Everyone had dual jobs,” Allen says. “The two of us were producers and hosts. Our director was also our sound guy.”
Masias says that once restaurants found out about the project, they were reaching out the the production.
“Within two days, we had all 12 restaurants,” she says. “One of the biggest obstacles was in postproduction. We had to edit 12 different episodes, but they all came together.”
The restaurants featured on “Enchanted Foods of ABQ” are 2 G’s Bistro, Crazy Bomb Cups, D.H. Lescombs Winery, Golden Crown Panaderia, Hollow Spirits, Indian Pueblo Kitchen, Kamikaze Kitchen, La Finca Bowls, Munchie Truck, Rebel Donut, Slow Roasted Bocadillos and Tako Ten.
Masias is hoping to continue the series into more seasons.
“We are on brand with everything we wanted to do,” Masias says. “We learned a lot in this process, and things will run smoother in future seasons.”
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.
