Las Vegas is poised to become a major film and television production hub as Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony Pictures have announced a partnership to develop Summerlin Studios, a large-scale production campus in collaboration with Howard Hughes Holdings. The deal marks a significant step forward for Nevada’s entertainment industry, contingent on the passage of AB 238, a bill that would allocate $80 million annually in transferable film infrastructure tax credits starting in 2028, along with an additional $15 million per year in non-infrastructure incentives. If approved, the legislation would provide the financial backing needed to establish Nevada as a serious competitor to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Mexico.
A New Era for Film and TV in Nevada
The planned Summerlin Studios will be a state-of-the-art production facility, attracting both large-scale studio projects and independent productions. Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony Pictures have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars annually toward film and television production in the state, on top of funding the construction of the facility itself.
Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, a sponsor of AB 238, called the partnership a defining moment for Las Vegas, reinforcing its reputation as the “entertainment capital of the world.” The project aligns with Nevada’s push to diversify its economy, generating thousands of industry jobs and solidifying the state’s position as a leading destination for film and TV production.
What This Means for Nevada’s Film Incentive Program
The expansion into Las Vegas comes at a critical time, as production continues to move away from California in search of more competitive tax incentives. Nevada is looking to capitalize on this shift, following the lead of states like Georgia, New Mexico, and New Jersey, which have successfully lured major productions with aggressive incentive programs.
The proposed incentive package is not without controversy. While proponents argue that it will bring long-term economic benefits, skeptics have raised concerns about whether taxpayer-funded incentives will generate sustainable industry growth. Despite these debates, Nevada lawmakers are under increasing pressure to make the state more attractive to Hollywood decision-makers.
Competition with Other Nevada Studio Projects
The announcement of Summerlin Studios also casts uncertainty on another planned studio project in Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, which was previously backed by Warner Bros. Discovery. Now that the company has shifted its focus to Summerlin, it remains unclear if the Harry Reid studio proposal will proceed.
The outcome of AB 238, set to be reviewed by the Nevada Legislature on February 27, will determine whether Summerlin Studios becomes a reality. If approved, it could establish Las Vegas as a major competitor in the film and television industry, offering an alternative production hub with cutting-edge facilities and robust financial incentives.
