For Bastrop, its location is attracting new projects like Wyldwood Studios—a 75-acre development spurred by actor Zachary Levi, who aims to establish the latest alternative to Hollywood.
“We must create a place that is valuing the excellence of entertainment and that is valuing the artists who are making that entertainment,” he said in a statement uploaded to the Wyldwood Studios website. “It’s not just building a better place for people to work. It also means that you have to give people better lives.”
Wyldwood Studios, estimated to cost $100 million, will become the second development of its kind active in Bastrop County, as actor Alton Butler is building Bastrop 552, a 545-acre production site, on Lovers Lane.
Zooming in
Dori Kelley, the business attraction, retention and expansion manager for the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, or BEDC, said developments like Wyldwood Studios will have a significant local economic impact.
“They don’t just bring lm crews; they bring jobs, tourism and long-term investment,” she said. “A lot of small businesses will see the ripple effect.”
Bastrop County created a Media Production Development Zone through the Texas Film Commission and the Texas Comptroller’s Office—a designation that allows Wyldwood Studios to apply to the state for approval of a qualified Media Production Location. If the application is approved, the project could receive a sales tax exemption for certain purchases over a two-year period, according to officials.
Both Lyndsey Schroeder, Bastrop County public information officer, and Kelley said Levi has not requested any additional tax abatements or incentives from the county or BEDC.
Kelley said BEDC has not called for an economic impact report, as the development will be located within Bastrop’s 1-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction—an area outside of the city’s incorporated limits.
What the experts say
Business owner and Bastrop resident Tammy Johnson Finn launched Film Bastrop County.com in late June—a website designed to further showcase Bastrop County as a destination for the film industry with online tools, such as those for location scouting, local vendors, lodging, permit assistance and production support.
“You have Alton Butler’s 552 film studios coming [as well], and I think that’s going to provide a lot of jobs for Bastrop County,” she said.
Senate Bill 22, which will take effect Sept. 1, will increase funding for the Texas Movie Industry Incentive Program, or TMIIP, from $200 million to $300 million each biennium, and places an emphasis on hiring local talent, as funding can only be spent in Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in an April statement that “for every dollar spent on incentives for the film industry, nearly five dollars is generated for the Texas economy.”
Tommy Warren, owner of Spiderwood Studios in Elgin, has used the TMIIP since its inception and said he is pleased with the increased incentives under SB 22—legislation that represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next 10 years.
“[Before SB 22], there were so many people that would apply to TMIIP, but then time would run out, and funds would run out,” Warren said. “This really makes a major difference, and I think it’s going to be a tremendous boost for the state and for Bastrop, of course.”
Looking ahead
Wyldwood Studios, among the many production sites across the state eager to capitalize on TMIIP incentives, is scheduled to be ready for construction beginning in December, with plans to open its first two soundstages in 2027, said Trevor Hightower, a partner on the project.
Development will follow a multiphased approach, with the first phase building on 45 of the available 75 acres. A second phase will feature a third amphitheater and more lodging options, as well as other recreational options along the Colorado River.
Officials said surrounding traffic will be taken into consideration. The Texas Department of Transportation partnered with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to conduct a feasibility study with public comment opportunities for nearby FM 969 from SH 130 to Hwy. 71—an area that also houses several of Elon Musk’s ventures.
