October 1, 2025

Bastrop County Welcomes New Film Studios

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.

Bastrop County, Texas is poised for a film industry renaissance as two significant new film studios are set to be developed, potentially transforming the region into a major filmmaking hub. The economic implications of these developments are substantial, particularly given the area’s history as a filming location for various well-known productions including “Hope Floats,” “Varsity Blues,” and the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

The recent enhancements to the Texas Film Incentive Program have fueled this momentum, with increased funding and new regulations expected to attract filmmakers. Effective September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 22 will boost the Texas Movie Industry Incentive Program’s financing from $200 million to $300 million every two years, prioritizing the recruitment of local talent.

As part of this initiative, prominent filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has secured leases for two large studio spaces in Fort Worth, intending to capitalize on these new financial incentives. His move underscores the growing attractiveness of Texas as a production landscape.

The first studio, Wyldwood Studios, will be constructed on a 75-acre site in Bastrop, with an estimated investment of $100 million from actor Zachary Levi. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025, with the studio projected to open in 2027. Wyldwood Studios aims to adhere to new Texas guidelines, which require that a portion of the crew members be Texas residents and that filming takes place in small towns to qualify for additional tax incentives.

Another major development, Bastrop 552, is being spearheaded by Alton Butler. This production facility will spread across a 546-acre site along the Colorado River and will feature six studios along with a variety of amenities. Construction is set to begin in September 2025, with projections indicating the facility will generate approximately 1,000 jobs and provide an economic impact exceeding $50 million.

Butler’s facility is anticipated to have an even more significant long-term economic impact, potentially reaching $1.3 billion over the next decade, with expectations of even higher figures as the studios establish themselves. Both Wyldwood Studios and Bastrop 552 aim to leverage the financial incentives available in Texas and enhance the local economy through job creation and increased tourism.

Local universities and high schools are expected to benefit from the presence of these studios, with opportunities for students to engage directly with film crews and gain insights into the film industry. This educational aspect complements the economic benefits anticipated from studio operations.

While both projects are making progress, they have faced challenges related to city approvals. Nonetheless, efforts are being made to address these issues and keeping both developments on track for construction to potentially begin within weeks.

As Texas embraces this new wave of film production, Bastrop County stands to gain significantly, not just in economic terms but also through enhanced community engagement with the arts and entertainment sector. The state’s increasingly favorable incentives could pave the way for a long-lasting impact on the local economy, reinforcing Texas as a viable alternative to traditional filmmaking hubs.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson 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 Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.