Video: Skyranger flies over possible film set

RIO PUERCO, N.M. (KRQE) - Filming will soon start on the Lone Ranger movie and Disney is sparing no expense to make it authentic.

KRQE’s pilot-reporter Bob Martin found what looked to be a film set just outside of Albuquerque:

Carpenters and other technicians are rapidly creating a detailed and authentic-looking town from the old west.

Although the New Mexico State Film Office neither confirms nor denies this set is for the Disney motion picture The Lone Ranger, industry insiders say it is.

Casting agents have already crisscrossed the state recruiting extras for the film, including many Native Americans.

The extras will work alongside actor’s Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp who will play the lone ranger and Tonto.

Lots of other preparations are underway in area studios and workshops.

Meanwhile, the new movie town is nestled in the quiet and undeveloped Rio Puerco Valley just west of Rio Rancho.

This setting and others around New Mexico will allow Disney to step back in time and try to return to "those thrilling days of yesteryear".

Last year Disney actually canceled the film when the budget ballooned past $250 million.

It was brought back to life when producers were able to reduce the budget to closer to $200 million.