New Las Vegas Studio Project Targets A-List Talent and HBO-Scale Shows: What Warner Bros. & Sony’s Film Studio Expansions Mean for Nevada and Summerlin Real Estate Investors*

Las Vegas Sets the Stage for Blockbusters: Summerlin Studios Aims to Rival Hollywood

Las Vegas is stepping into the global spotlight with the rise of Summerlin Studios, a cutting-edge film and television production campus backed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery. The scope? Massive. Think Game of Thrones-level productions filmed right here in Southern Nevada.

With plans to attract A-list actors, top-tier directors, and high-budget productions, Summerlin Studios is designed for talent who rarely travel outside of Los Angeles—until now. From blockbuster films to prestige HBO-style series, the facility is positioned to redefine Las Vegas as a serious contender in the entertainment industry.

And it’s not just traditional media. The studios will also host immersive, franchise-driven experiences, leveraging the popularity of beloved cinematic universes to create interactive attractions for fans and visitors.

Unveiled in coordination with CinemaCon, the industry’s largest annual gathering of theater owners and film executives, the announcement signals Las Vegas’ intent to become a new epicenter for large-scale film and television production.

*Although privately funded, the $1.8 billion Summerlin Production Studios Project and the $800 million Nevada Studios project hinge on a significant overhaul of the state’s film tax incentives during the 2025 Legislative session:

SB 220 Moves Forward, Paving the Way for Nevada Studios — and a Boon for Las Vegas Residential Real Estate Investors

A transformative bill—SB 220, the Nevada Film Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Education and Economic Diversification Act—has cleared a major hurdle in the Nevada Legislature, signaling a bold new chapter not just for the state’s film industry, but for Las Vegas real estate investors eyeing long-term growth.

The legislation would unlock $98 million annually in film tax credits to help fund the development of the 34-acre Nevada Studios complex at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park in the southwest valley. Led by Birtcher Nevada Development and operated by MBS Group (a global studio powerhouse), this studio is more than just a Hollywood satellite—it’s a cornerstone of Las Vegas’ diversification strategy.

🎬 More Than Movies: Why Investors Should Pay Attention

While the headlines focus on film production and celebrity appeal, the underlying implications for residential real estate investors are massive:

Increased Demand for Housing: With studio jobs, tech roles, and educational programs funneling new residents into the southwest valley, rental demand is set to rise—especially for high-quality single-family homes.
Southwest Las Vegas Property Appreciation: Investors holding properties near UNLV’s tech park could benefit from significant appreciation as infrastructure and employment density increase.
Tenant Quality Upswing: Jobs in media, entertainment tech, aerospace, and gaming mean a more stable, higher-earning tenant base.

🧠 Workforce & Innovation: Building the Future from the Ground Up

The bill isn’t just about filming blockbusters—it includes a Creative Technology Initiative aimed at drawing in high-growth industries like aerospace, healthcare tech, and video game publishing. A 50,000-square-foot Nevada Media and Technology Lab will rise on public land, serving as a pipeline for training local talent, from middle school through university.

Sen. Roberta Lange, who introduced the bill, emphasized that the tax credits are structured for long-term recapture and reinvestment:

“SB 220 provides a pathway toward full recapture of every public dollar invested in film tax credits, assuring that public money will remain invested on public land, while bridging gaps in diversification and workforce opportunity.”

📈 What This Means for Real Estate Investors

For Las Vegas residential property investors—especially those focused on southwest valley submarkets—this legislation represents more than policy. It’s a green light for long-term growth, backed by a surge in demand, a more diversified job base, and a city finally stepping into the global spotlight.

Why Nevada’s Film Boom Could Elevate Las Vegas Rental Markets for Investors

Let’s take a closer look at what a potential major studio project means for investors like you.

The Deal on Film Incentives in Nevada

Legislation heading to Nevada’s February session includes two exciting bills that could expand the state’s film incentives significantly. Despite existing tax benefits, Nevada lags behind Georgia and Louisiana in attracting top-tier productions. These new bills are backed by heavyweights like Sony Pictures, who’ve teamed up with the Howard Hughes Corporation for a cutting-edge movie studio and retail space in Summerlin. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery has committed $8.5 billion to develop an ambitious studio campus in southern Nevada, partnering with UNLV and Birtcher Development.

But what’s in it for property investors?

This Isn’t Just About Movies—It’s Economic Power

A Warner Bros. studio in Las Vegas doesn’t just spell industry growth; it could reshape the local economy. Currently, Nevada’s film industry struggles due to the lack of an infrastructure capable of handling large-scale projects. Local talent is often forced to leave for established hubs like LA or Atlanta.

With a full-fledged studio in place, however, Nevada can offer permanent opportunities for local filmmakers and crew. From UNLV students jumping straight into the workforce to small businesses like catering and transportation getting new contracts, a thriving studio can fuel the local economy at every level.

A Film Studio in Las Vegas: Boosting Local Housing Markets

Nevada’s economy relies heavily on tourism and gaming, but this model is volatile, as we’ve learned through pandemic losses. The film industry offers a path to economic diversification—less susceptible to market fluctuations and better for long-term stability.

Take Georgia as a lesson. The state saw huge economic benefits from investing in film incentives, turning it into one of the world’s most significant film production centers. Likewise, Nevada can leverage its unique landscapes and burgeoning incentive program to bring productions here—and with them, a host of new jobs.

Now, think about housing. As new residents flock to fill these roles, there will be a substantial demand for rental housing. Investors in Southern and Northern Nevada could find themselves in high-demand areas, seeing substantial returns as the population grows along with the industry.

Film Tax Incentives

Every significant project brings concerns, and a massive studio expansion in Las Vegas is no different. One worry? The $95 million annual price tag for the film tax incentives, with critics questioning whether those funds should be better spent elsewhere—healthcare, education, and public services.

However, these aren’t empty handouts. Studios only earn tax breaks after hitting targets like creating local jobs and investing in Nevada’s infrastructure. This ensures that the state only gives incentives in exchange for real, tangible outcomes.

Another common fear is that Nevada might transform into another overcrowded city like LA. Fortunately, the plan prioritizes local workers, partnering with local universities to build a talent pool that will keep jobs in-state. In fact, Las Vegas and Reno are already growing in population—film industry growth or not. The question isn’t whether Nevada will grow, but whether we’ll be ready for it.

How Can Investors Tap into This Opportunity?

Whether you’re already investing in the Las Vegas rental market or just eyeing it, this film boom could provide a unique opportunity. More production means more people. More people mean more renters.

Growth isn’t without challenges—especially around housing demand. But with a dedicated focus on smart development and investment in infrastructure, Nevada can manage this influx responsibly while also reaping the rewards.

The Bottom Line: Nevada’s Moment to Shine

A movie studio in Las Vegas is no fleeting opportunity; it’s the next major shift in the state’s economic landscape. For investors, the film industry represents not just a growing workforce and talent pool but also the potential for lasting stability in Nevada’s real estate market. You’re not just betting on a movie studio—you’re betting on Nevada becoming a central player in an international industry, one that keeps growth local, smart, and sustainable.

So, while celebrities and filmmakers flock to Nevada, the real stars will be the smart investors who capitalize on this moment. At Rice Real Estate & Property Management, we’ll make sure your property is ready to shine.