As production nears on Gore Verbinski’s new version of The Lone Ranger, an enterprising film crew at Albuquerque television station KQRE spotted what appears to be a Western set taking shape near Rio Puerco, outside Albuquerque. To see a photo of the (possible) set, CLICK HERE. “Carpenters and other technicians are rapidly creating a detailed and authentic-looking town from the old west,” notes reporter Bob Martin. “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.”

Two weeks ago, New Mexico governor Susana Martinez and the state Film Office confirmed that The Lone Ranger will shoot “in and around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Shiprock and other locations through the middle of August 2012.” According to Nick Maniatis, director of the New Mexico Film Office, the Jerry Bruckheimer production will employ about 300 crew members, 30 actors and 1,200 extras. Mr. Bruckheimer sounds delighted to film in the Land of Enchantment: “The state’s world-class crews, local talent and spectacular locations will be critical in helping us take this iconic story and legendary characters to new heights.”

The Zone thanks Emma for the Lone Ranger updates; you can read more about the production on the Zone’s News & Views forum.