LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Two bills to bring movie studios to Las Vegas have officially been introduced into the Nevada Legislature, but 8 News Now has learned Warner Bros. Entertainment is no longer a part of the second project.
Assembly Bill 238, which would put a Sony Pictures Studio in Summerlin, was introduced Monday, sponsored by assemblymember Sandra Jauregui and assemblymember Daniele Monroe-Moreno.
Senate Bill 220, which would lead to building a film studio at UNLV Harry Reid Research & Technology Park, was introduced Wednesday, sponsored by State Senator Roberta Lange.
Lange told 8 News Now while Warner Bros. was originally part of the bill’s plan, the entertainment company did not have the same vision.
“It’s really great to bring a new demographic,” Paula Lopez told 8 News Now.
Lopez spoke to 8 News Now about future changes she’s looking forward to seeing in her Summerlin neighborhood.
“Hopefully driving won’t be too bad,” Lopez said of the studio’s future location. “But I work east, so you know.”
The Summerlin Production Studios Project, a $1.8 billion plan between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Howard Hughes Holdings would feature 13 buildings including sound stages, production facilities, and mixed-use. It would be located near Flamingo Road and Town Center Drive.
AB238 would provide $80 million in film tax credits from 2028 to 2043 and require at least $400 million to be invested in Nevada.
According to the bill, 50 percent of photography days would have to take place in the state, and a film must be finished in 18 months.
Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui called this an opportunity to expand the economy.
“We have a real opportunity to do just that,” she told 8 News Now in Carson City. “To bring in jobs and a new industry. Hey when hospitality slows down, it doesn’t matter, because this industry is going to exist.”
Senate Bill 220, which would provide about $15 million in film tax credits per year over the same period, is similar with a slightly different focus; introducing college students to the industry.
“The centerpiece is UNLV and The Pipeline training, and creating workforce,” State Senator Lange said. “CSN and NSU will also be involved.”
Though Warner Bros. is no longer involved, State Senator Lange said she is still working with Birtcher Development and Manhattan Beach Studios, which will act as a broker for future development.
State Senator Lange said her goal would be to eventually merge the two bills.
“I believe it’s in the best interest of the state of Nevada,” she explained.
Lopez told 8 News Now she is looking forward to seeing the next steps forward.
“Some new life,” Lopez concluded. “That maybe Nevada hasn’t been open to before.”
State Senator Lange also said her bill would be union-built and union-operated.
