Warner Bros.’ Big Spending Plans for a Nevada Studio Lot Complex Take Step Back

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In August, Warner Bros. Discovery announced their intention to collaborate with Birtcher Development and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on a significant project: the creation, construction, and leasing of a studio complex. This partnership is part of a long-term pledge to invest approximately $8.5 billion in production costs within the state over the span of more than a decade.

It seems the project involving the expansive Warner Bros. studio complex, touted as a revolutionary step in feature and TV production within the state, has encountered an obstacle. Warner Bros. has confirmed they are no longer collaborating with Birtcher on its development. Instead, they’re considering other partners for a prospective studio, tentatively named Warner Bros. Studios Nevada. The project will start from scratch with a different developer.

Warner Bros. Discovery continues to be dedicated towards establishing Warner Bros. Studios Nevada. We are thrilled at the prospect of generating numerous employment opportunities, fostering local growth, and offering educational resources for the state,” a representative from Warner Bros. Discovery shared on Thursday. The initial separation from Birtcher was initially reported by The Nevada Independent.

Towards the close of the previous summer, Warner Bros. Studios’ COO Simon Robinson revealed details about a proposed studio location in Nevada. This new site would serve as a complementary addition to their existing base in Burbank and also to their expanding UK facility in Leavesden, where they aim to accommodate DC Studios projects.

Warner Bros. Studios Nevada presents a fantastic chance to broaden our existing premises, enabling us to host more film productions in the long run,” the executive explained. Robinson previously shared with The Nevada Independent that if the agreement were finalized, it would amount to approximately $500 million in yearly spending over a 17-year period, totaling around $8.5 billion.

In their announcement, the partners mentioned that the development of the complex depends on a proposed bill, initially drafted by State Senator Roberta Lange in 2023 (you can find it here). This bill is expected to be presented in the state legislature in February of this year, aiming to enhance the film and TV tax incentives provided by the state.

Senator Lange emphasized that for the past four years, we’ve been collaborating with UNLV, Birtcher Nevada Educational Consortium, Organized Labor, and Manhattan Beach Studios. This collaboration has given rise to a vibrant platform for job creation, educational expansion, and economic advancement. He added, as we seek to bring more partners on board, I am committed to championing the interests of Nevada’s people, ensuring that this partnership remains beneficial and faithful to our State’s prosperity and future development.

Brooke Birtcher Gustafson, head of Birtcher Development, noted: “We embarked on this project several years ago alongside Senator Lange, and we’ve been collaborating with UNLV for the creation of the Nevada Studios Media and Technology Lab to further her vision for education in the film industry. We regret that Warner Bros has chosen not to proceed with us. Nevertheless, Birtcher continues to support UNLV’s Harry Reid Research & Technology Park by planning a top-tier film studio, and our partnership with Manhattan Beach Studios remains unaltered.

Warner Bros. Discovery declined additional comment.

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2025-01-09 23:25