Major new $267m film studio to be built in Texas

The Hill Country Group has announced plans to build Hill Country Studios - a virtual production, film & television and streaming studio - in San Marcos, Texas.

The $267m project will be the first and largest studio of its kind in the state and will sit a short distance from Austin and San Antonio along the I-35.

It will provide two identical virtual production stages featuring a 75-foot diameter performance space which is set to be among the largest virtual stages in North America. 

It will also include 12 sound stages across 310,000 square feet, two back lots totalling 15 acres of outdoor production space, 310,000 square feet of modular offices and four workshops. 

The multi-use hub, located at the entrance of the La Cima Master-Planned Community, will also feature collaborative workplace amenities and post-production facilities.

In addition, Hill Country Studios will host a 50-seat screening theatre and a full-service restaurant and coffee shop. Twenty-five acres will be designated for vendor and commercial space built to serve both the studio and surrounding community. 

'What started as a dream to elevate the production industry in Texas, is now becoming reality,' said Cory McLoud, co-founder and CEO of Hill Country Studios.

'Recognising the revolutionary potential of Virtual Production, Hill Country Studios aims to place the film industry in the epicenter of the innovation corridor in Texas. We couldn’t think of a better place to propel the entertainment industry with a world-class studio space than our own backyard,' he added.

Assistant City Manager Joe Pantalion said: 'We’re looking forward to seeing the opportunities this project will bring to San Marcos. The city is excited Hill Country Group has chosen to invest in San Marcos for this project and we’re confident the film production studio will positively impact our local businesses and our community’s overall economy.'

Architecture and design will be led by renowned architect Bill Foley of Foley Design, while leading media consultant David Godfrey will join the team in studio operations.

Virtual production design and management will be led by Vision’s team of designers and integrators, who bring a wealth of film and live production experience to the project.

Hill Country Studios is expected to start construction in early 2023.