AUSTIN (AP) - Texas officials, trying to lure more entertainment dollars to the state, on Monday announced a plan to build a $1.5 billion development for the film, television and music industry in Austin.
Plans for the Villa Muse studio complex were unveiled as lawmakers attempt this legislative session to pass financial incentives to bring more movies to the state. Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, working with Republican Sen. Bob Deuell of Greenville to provide the monetary incentives, said the Villa Muse development will further Texas' movie production efforts.
'Neighboring states and foreign cities like Toronto are aggressively working to lure Texas filming opportunities away from the state,' Dukes said.
The first phase of the Villa Muse development, expected to open in east Austin by the end of 2008, will include several sound stages and the largest purpose-built sound stage in North America with 50,000 square feet, said Paul Alvarado-Dykstra, vice president of strategic development for Villa Muse.
Residential and retail parts of the project will come later. Negotiations are also under way for a 70,000-capacity amphitheater, Alvarado-Dykstra said.
Developers envision eventually creating a charter school where students can learn about moviemaking and music recording and work with Villa Muse professionals to hone their skills.
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