LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A town hall was held Wednesday to discuss one of two proposals to bring the film and television industry to Nevada, contingent on the passage of a bill to expand state film tax credits.

Warner Bros. plans to commit more than $8 billion to partner with UNLV and create ‘Nevada Studios,’ a film and television studio facility near Durango Drive and Sunset Road.

“If the locals believe in it it will happen,” one town hall participant said. “If the locals don’t believe in it, they will kill it.”

An open discussion was held at UNLV Wednesday on the future of film in Las Vegas, as community members shared their praise, questions, and concerns.

“As a local filmmaker,” another town hall participant said. “No one has talked to me.”

A panel, which included a Warner Bros. representative and the bill’s sponsor, explained the proposal and answered community questions.

“I think we have a lot of opportunities to boost the economy,” Caroline Lett, Warner Bros. Executive Director of Business Development, Marketing, and Special events said. “To boost jobs not only in television and film but also retail, tourism.”

Bill sponsor, Nevada State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Roberta Lange also spoke on when and why the bill was originally introduced in 2023.

“I look at this as a way to bring more money into our state,” Senator Lange said.

The bill would offer $95 million in film tax credits annually over 17 years. This is an expansion from lawmakers’ 2017 approval to restart the state’s film tax credit system to $10 million per year.

Lange and other supporters called the change an opportunity to diversify Southern Nevada’s economy while also offering more job opportunities.

“The majority of people that work on a film,” UNLV Assistant Professor of Film Andi Isaacs explained. “Are carpenters and electricians, truck drivers.”

Others during the town hall said they had more questions and wanted a more thorough explanation as to why more state funds are needed to make this change.

“Why isn’t Warner Bros. taking advantage of this 40 million dollar pot of money right now?” a town hall recipient said, referencing the state’s current film tax credit program.

If the bill passes during the 2025 legislature, it would still be a year or two of construction and development before studio operations can begin.

Another studio proposal is also in the works in Summerlin with Sony and The Howard Hughes Corporation. This also hinges on a tax incentive bill. 



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