The project would be built in an area that is part of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The agreement, which gives the studio an estimated $4.6 million in property tax rebates over the life of the contract, would decrease year by year, starting with a 90% rebate once the studio is built and ending with a 20% rebate by the fifth year. Before the deal goes into effect in 2025, the city would collect $2.1 million in property taxes, and the city estimates it would get $11.4 million in property tax revenue for the project over 10 years. The City Council voted to authorize a Chapter 380 tax abatement agreement in a 6-1 vote after a lengthy discussion on the item. might build a pedestrian tunnel in this Austin suburb In addition, it could employ up to 1,400 contract workers, averaging about 1,200 workers on production projects, with an average salary around $80,000, according to the documents. The project, which was listed under the name Project Dark Monday in city and county documents, is estimated to have an investment of $267 million.Īccording to documents filed with the city of San Marcos, the studio expects to employ 22 full-time employees with an average salary of $100,000 and up to 44 full-time employees once fully built out. We couldn’t think of a better place to propel the entertainment industry with a world-class studio space than our own backyard.” “Recognizing the revolutionary potential of virtual production, Hill Country Studios aims to place the film industry in the epicenter of the innovation corridor in Texas.

“What started as a dream to elevate the production industry in Texas is now becoming reality,” McLoud said. In a statement, McLoud, CEO of Hill Country Studios, said the company aims to help grow the Texas entertainment production industry. The company said virtual production design and management will be led by film technology company Vision, which will provide a team of designers and integrators. It will include a focus on virtual production, an emerging technology that allows film in a digital environment before it goes to a physical set. Hill Country Studios was founded in 2020 by Cory McLoud and Zach Price of Hill Country Group.

More: Even without firm plans, Samsung seeks new incentive deals for Austin, Taylor sites The final phase would add five more stages, two additional workshops and support space.īoth the Hays County Commissioners Court and the San Marcos City Council have approved incentive agreements for the project. A second phase would add 250,000 square feet of office space. More: Austin startup festivalPass debuts subscription marketplace for concerts, other live eventsĪccording to documents filed with the city, the project would be built in three stages starting in April 2023, with a goal of being completed by 2025. The first phase calls for seven production stages, a welcome center and two workshops. The plans call for 820,000 square feet of production offices, commercial space, four workshops, back lots and 12 sound stages. The studio would be built in the existing La Cima development, on 75 acres of a 209-acre property near West Centerpoint Road, West Wonder World Drive and RM 12. Hill Country Studios, a subsidiary of Hill Country Group LLC, has proposed a state-of-the-art production, television, film and streaming studio that the company said would be the largest of its kind in Texas. A $267 million studio for film and television production could be coming to San Marcos, and the city and Hays County officials have agreed to provide millions in tax breaks to help make it happen.

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