Las Vegas is gearing up to become Hollywood 2.0, with Mark Wahlberg, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Howard Hughes Holdings leading the charge on a $1.8 billion film studio project in Summerlin South. If approved, Nevada’s Assembly Bill 238 (AB 238) would unlock $80 million per year in film tax credits, fueling the construction of Summerlin Studios and positioning Las Vegas as a major player in film and television production.

Bringing Big-Budget Filmmaking to Las Vegas

AB 238, set for a legislative hearing on February 17, proposes tax credits starting in 2028 through 2043, with $25 million allocated for independent productions. The bill requires studios to spend at least $400 million in Nevada, with 50% of principal photography based in the state, and complete projects within 18 months to qualify. Unlike past tax credit initiatives, Sony and Howard Hughes Holdings will fully fund the construction—tax incentives only kick in after projects generate jobs and economic growth.

“This is a ‘show me’ bill, not a ‘trust me’ bill,” says Howard Hughes Holdings CEO David O’Reilly. “We’re putting the money in the dirt first, proving the economic impact before tax credits are issued.”

The 13-building Summerlin Studios campus will include state-of-the-art soundstages, production facilities, and mixed-use space to accommodate major Hollywood productions. If passed, construction will begin immediately, creating an estimated 17,000 permanent jobs with an average salary of $113,000 and generating $2.8 billion in annual economic impact.

Building a Skilled Production Workforce

With 50% of below-the-line workers required to be local hires, O’Reilly is investing $8 million in a vocational training school to develop Nevada’s production workforce, training grips, lighting electricians, and carpenters to meet industry demand.

The move aligns with Las Vegas’ broader push for economic diversification, moving beyond its hospitality-dominated economy to create sustainable high-paying jobs in film and television.

Mark Wahlberg’s Vision for Hollywood 2.0

The idea for a Las Vegas-based film industry hub traces back to Mark Wahlberg, who relocated to Vegas in 2022 and publicly advocated for bringing major film production to Nevada. His vision caught O’Reilly’s attention, leading to a meeting with Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra, who quickly came on board.

With Sony committing to spend $100 million annually for 10 years, the studio’s presence will anchor Las Vegas as a premier production hub, attracting additional major studios and production companies.

A Race Against Time for Approval

Originally scheduled for reading on February 13, AB 238 was delayed due to a snowstorm in Carson City but is expected to be heard on February 17. If passed, construction will begin immediately, breaking ground on what could become one of the largest studio complexes in the U.S.

With Sony, Mark Wahlberg, and Howard Hughes Holdings driving the project forward, Las Vegas is on the verge of transforming into a serious contender for major Hollywood productions. The question now: Will Nevada seize the moment and make Hollywood 2.0 a reality?