Austin’s reputation as a global production hub is reaching new heights, with the city at the forefront of Texas’ booming film and television industry. Supported by strategic investments, incentives, and a commitment to fostering creativity, the region is transforming into one of the most exciting destinations for filmmakers and production companies alike.
Mayor Kirk Watson captured the city’s momentum perfectly, saying, “The film industry brings good-paying gigs, supports mom-and-pop businesses, and strengthens Austin’s creative economy, which is a crucial driver of our city’s success.”
A Thriving Film Ecosystem
Austin’s unique blend of local talent, stunning locations, and innovative infrastructure has cemented its position as a hub for major productions. The Texas Film Commission reports that hundreds of projects, including films, TV shows, animation, and commercials, have taken advantage of the state’s competitive incentives, with Travis County hosting the second-highest number of productions in Texas.
Austin Studios, the 20-acre production facility managed by the Austin Film Society (AFS), has been instrumental in this growth. Since its founding in 2000, the studio has supported tens of thousands of jobs and generated more than $2.6 billion in economic activity. AFS has also prioritized workforce development, placing over 100 individuals in industry jobs through its Creative Careers program and offering extensive training opportunities through its Austin Public studio.
Austin Film Studios
AFS CEO Rebecca Campbell highlighted the impact of these efforts, stating, “Our programs serve as an economic engine, supporting over 1,100 projects, creating 37,000 good-paying jobs, and generating billions of dollars in economic impact for local crews, vendors, hotels, and retailers.”
New Soundstages Signal a Bright Future
Adding to the region’s momentum are two significant soundstage developments set to reshape Austin’s production landscape. Line 204 Studios, a California-based production company, is planning a massive 600-acre facility in Bastrop, known as Line 204 Texas. This project will feature eight soundstages in its initial phase and is projected to generate $1.3 billion in economic impact over the next decade. Founder Alton Butler described the development as a “revolutionary fusion of Hollywood’s innovation and Texas’s grandeur.”
Meanwhile, Hill Country Studios in San Marcos is preparing to break ground on a 200-acre property, which will include 12 soundstages and 800,000 square feet of production space. Chief Marketing Officer Jacob Cowan emphasized the project’s potential to ignite further growth, saying, “We’re hoping this helps spark an explosion of the film, TV, and creative arts industry throughout Texas.”
These new facilities will complement Austin’s existing production infrastructure, providing filmmakers with state-of-the-art resources while creating thousands of jobs for local talent.
Rendering of Austin’s Line204 Texas Studios Production Office Building
Rendering of Austin’s Hill Country Studios
