Arizona Group Advancing Movie Studio Build

It’s not just Hollywood making movies these days. Maricopa County is the latest metro area to give its blessing to developers who are interested in movie studio development. Atlanta and San Antonio have OK’d zoning for developers who want to build sound stages and studios in their regions. Arizona recently passed legislation incentivizing film production in the state up to $125 million.

At full build-out, the Desert Studios Complex could bring a maximum of 56 studios, each totaling about 40,000 square feet with supporting facilities including offices, theaters, warehouses and more. Each studio would include two soundstages. The studio venture is expected to generate 6,000 direct jobs and an additional 5,000 indirect jobs.

The proposed film production hub west of Phoenix is expected to represent a more than $1 billion investment if fully built out. It could include hospitality, restaurant and retail uses as well as a film-themed entertainment complex or theme park.