Warner Bros. Plans Big Expansion in Nevada with New Film Tax Credit

Discovery has announced a significant commitment to expand its operations in Southern Nevada, pledging to invest $500 million annually in film productions over the next 17 years. This investment is contingent upon state lawmakers approving an expansion of Nevada's film tax credit program. Warner Bros. Studios Chief Operating Officer Simon Robinson emphasized the company's dedication to this initiative, which could total $8.5 billion if the legislative efforts succeed. The proposed expansion comes shortly after Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui revealed plans for a Las Vegas-based production studio and workforce training program in collaboration with Sony Pictures. Currently, Nevada's film tax credit program is limited to $10 million in transferable credits per year, with individual productions capped at $6 million. Robinson noted that while the $500 million commitment is a small fraction of Warner Bros.' global content budget, the company is open to increasing its investment if the tax credit program extends beyond the proposed timeframe. Plans include the establishment of a "Nevada Media and Technology Lab" for educational and vocational training in film and television, alongside a main studio complex named "Warner Bros. Studios Nevada" on a proposed 34-acre campus. The initiative aims to diversify Nevada's economy and enhance workforce development, with Birtcher Development and UNLV advocating for the educational center while Howard Hughes Corp. and Sony pursue a separate studio project. As discussions continue, the involvement of Warner Bros. is seen as a pivotal factor in revitalizing Nevada's film industry and fostering community engagement.