A Warner Bros. Discovery Movie Studio in Las Vegas Could Be a Game-Changer

A movie studio in Las Vegas? Sony or Warner Bros. Discovery?

As I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors, Hollywood has its sights on the Silver State. And who can blame them? I know I’m biased, but Nevada is one of the best places to create entertainment. I’ve made several films here! Okay, I digress. 

For those who do not know what’s happening, the Nevada state government is getting ready to hold its next legislative session in February, where it will be voting on a slew of bills, including two currently floating around about expanding Nevada’s film incentives. Although the state already has film incentives, it’s far less attractive than other competitive states like Georgia and Louisiana. The two bills are backed by major studios. One is supported by Sony Pictures, which has teamed up with the Howard Hughes Corporation to build a movie studio-retail complex in Summerlin. At the same time, Warner Bros. Discovery has pledged an 8.5 billion dollar investment to create a spiraling studio complex in the southwest part of the valley, teaming up with UNLV and Birtcher Development. 

The Sony proposition is a drop in the bucket compared to WBD’s massive pledge on production. That said, I fully support the Brothers and UNLV! 

So what is Warner Bros/ Discovery’s Las Vegas Movie Studio Project?

Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to build a massive movie studio in Las Vegas, and if that doesn’t make you sit up and pay attention, let me tell you why it should. This isn’t just about making movies. It’s about creating jobs, boosting our economy, and finally allowing Nevada to be a major film industry player. 

So, let’s break it down: what it means for our state, the concerns people have, and why you should care.

Why This Studio Matters

First, a Warner Bros. Discovery movie studio in Las Vegas is a massive deal for our filmmaking community. Right now, most filmmakers in Nevada hit a wall—they’ve got the passion and talent. Still, there’s no infrastructure to support big productions. This studio changes that.

Imagine this: UNLV, CSN, Nevada State, and UNR students getting hired right out of school. Local crew members work year-round without needing to move to LA or Atlanta. Small businesses—from caterers to transportation companies—getting a slice of the action. It’s not just a win for the film community but for every Nevadan who benefits from a thriving local economy.

More Than a Movie Studio in Las Vegas —This Is Economic Growth

Nevada’s economy is pretty one-note right now. Tourism, gaming, mining—it’s what we’re known for, and while it’s worked, it’s also risky. Remember how the pandemic hit us hard? We need something more stable, and the film industry could be it.

Look at Georgia. Their film tax incentives brought in billions, and now it’s one of the biggest production hubs in the world. A movie studio in Las Vegas could do the same for Nevada. It’s not just about productions spending money here—it’s about creating long-term jobs, building infrastructure, and putting Nevada on the map as a place where big things happen.

And it’s not just Southern Nevada. Reno and Northern Nevada have seen a bump in production recently. With this studio in place, the whole state could benefit. Our landscapes are a filmmaker’s dream, and this incentive program gives them a reason to shoot here.

The Concerns (And Why We Can Handle Them)

Now, I get it—big projects like this come with concerns. The price tag for the tax incentives is hefty—up to $95 million a year—and some folks think that money should go to healthcare, education, or housing instead. But here’s the deal: these tax credits aren’t freebies. Studios only get them after hitting specific goals, like creating jobs and investing in local infrastructure. It’s a win-win.

Then there’s the fear of Nevada turning into LA: crowded, expensive, and overrun with out-of-state workers. That’s not what this is about. The plan focuses on training and hiring Nevadans first. UNLV and other schools are gearing up to be talent pipelines for these productions, keeping jobs local and benefiting people who already live here. And here’s a reality check – places like Reno and Las Vegas are already getting expensive and crowded, and it’s going to continue with or without the motion picture business. Question is, can Nevada keep up with the influx of population being a limited-minded economy? The answer is NO!

And as for housing? Growth always brings challenges, but it also brings opportunities. More jobs mean more revenue, and that’s money we can put toward expanding housing and public services. It’s about smart growth—planning for the future instead of staying stuck.

Why This Is Nevada’s Shot

This isn’t just a Hollywood pipe dream. A Las Vegas movie studio allows Nevada to enter a new era. It’s about more than movies—it’s about creating a future without relying solely on tourism and gaming. It’s about giving our students and workers a reason to stay, grow, and thrive right here at home.

Nevada has always been a place where people dream big. This is our chance to turn those dreams into reality and establish ourselves as a hub for creativity, innovation, and opportunity.

What You Can Do

Here’s the part where you come in. This studio or a robust incentive program won’t be a reality unless make our voices heard. Reach out to your Nevada state representatives and let them know you support the Nevada film incentive expansion bill, specifically for Warner Bros. Discovery. It’s time to show that we’re ready for something bigger and better.

Contact Your Representatives Here:

Let’s make this happen, Nevada. This is our SHOT!

-Kelly
Indie Film Factory