Fort Worth

Fort Worth council considers state tax break to build movie studio in Alliance

An air strip looking out into the sunset
A new sound stage is planned near Alliance Airport. Fort Worth is considering a tax break to help the project. FortWorth
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Fort Worth council weighs tax waiver for proposed studio in Alliance area.
  • Facility expects $14.2M impact, 82 jobs, and $4.6M in wages from construction.
  • Tax break could cost $61K but may yield $182K post-incentive revenue gain.

Plans to build Hollywood-style production studio in far north Fort Worth could get a boost from the Fort Worth City Council.

The council’s nomination is part of a multistep process to get approval from the Texas Film Commission to waive state and local sales taxes related to the construction of the 224,000 square foot building. The city has been working to attract more film and television productions like “Landman” and “1883.”

Mayor Mattie Parker has lobbied the state Legislature to increase Texas’ film incentive program. The state Senate approved a bill that would increase the incentive pool from $200 million to $500 million, but the bill awaits action by the House.

The studio, at 2601 Spirit Drive, is expected to house two large sound stages, cost roughly $6.5 million, and create 82 jobs, according to an economic impact analysis provided by property owner Hillwood.

Once completed, the studio could be used to shoot movies, televisions shows, score music or serve as office space for production companies

Construction is expected to start this month and wrap up in November, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

The construction and operation of the sound stages are expected to generate $14.2 million in economic impact for Dallas-Fort Worth, and generate $4.6 million in wages, according to Hillwood’s analysis.

Fort Worth could be forgoing as much as $60,999 sales taxes over the two year period. The city expects the project to generate roughly $182,000 after the tax pause is lifted.

The council is scheduled to vote on the nomination at its 10 a.m. meeting on May 20 at City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail.

This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM.

Harrison Mantas
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Harrison Mantas has covered Fort Worth city government, agencies and people since September 2021. He likes to live tweet city hall meetings, and help his fellow Fort Worthians figure out what’s going on.
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