News Summary
Bastrop County is preparing for a transformation with the introduction of new film studios that promise to boost the local economy and provide job opportunities. The Texas Film Incentive Program, featuring increased funding and support from Senate Bill 22, is attracting filmmakers to the region. Notable projects include Wyldwood Studios and Bastrop 552, both of which are expected to create hundreds of jobs and engage local communities in the filmmaking process. With construction set to begin soon, the area is gearing up for what could be a significant film industry boom.
Texas is poised for a major renaissance in the film industry as two new production studios are set to launch in Bastrop County. The studios aim to capitalize on new incentives provided by the Texas Film Incentive Program, which has recently seen an increase in funding and updated rules intended to attract filmmakers to the state.
Wyldwood Studios is being developed on a 75-acre site in Bastrop, backed by actor Zachary Levi, with an estimated investment of $100 million. The studio plans to comply with state guidelines mandating that a portion of crew members be Texas residents, while also encouraging productions in smaller towns that qualify for additional tax incentives. Groundbreaking for Wyldwood Studios is anticipated in late 2025, with an official opening scheduled for 2027.
In addition to Wyldwood Studios, the area will soon host another facility called Bastrop 552, being built by Alton Butler. This production studio will span 546 acres along the Colorado River and include six individual studios along with various amenities. Construction for Bastrop 552 is slated to begin in September 2025, with the potential to create around 1,000 jobs and bring over $50 million in economic impact.
Both Wyldwood and Bastrop 552 are a response to the recent legislative changes in Texas. Senate Bill 22, effective September 1, 2025, increases the financing of the Texas Movie Industry Incentive Program (TMIIP) from $200 million to $300 million every two years. The new bill also focuses on recruiting local talent, making it more attractive for production companies to film in Texas.
These developments come at a time when the economic impact of film production in Bastrop County has been significant, with numerous films, commercials, and television shows having been filmed in the area, including notable titles like Hope Floats, Varsity Blues, and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Dori Kelley of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation has noted that the establishment of new studios is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism.
Furthermore, Butler estimates that the economic impact of his facility alone could reach $1.3 billion over a decade. The operations at both facilities are not only set to influence local economies but are also expected to provide unique opportunities for students from local universities and high schools to gain hands-on experience with film crews.
Despite the positive outlook, both studio projects face challenges concerning city approvals. However, both Wyldwood Studios and Bastrop 552 are optimistic about moving forward, with construction potentially starting within weeks. This proactive approach demonstrates a strong commitment to harnessing the momentum created by Texas’s enhanced film incentives.
With these investments and favorable legislative changes, Texas is well on its way to re-establishing itself as a key player in the film industry, promising growth and new opportunities for local filmmakers and talent. The progressive climate fosters an environment where filmmakers can thrive while bolstering the local economy through job creation and the attraction of tourism, setting the stage for an exciting future in Texas’s cinematic landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Community Impact: New Studios Big Ambitions
- Chronicle: Bastrop Film Studios Incentives
- Statesman: Elon Musk and Texas Growth
- KVUE: Bastrop Film Studio Boom
- Wikipedia: Texas Film Industry
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
