California migration continues with Hollywood film studio soon stepping into Austin

Austin's reputation as "Little California" just got more real: Hollywood film production company Line 204 Studios announced plans to plant a 546-acre film studio and movie-making facility in Bastrop.

The company, which specializes in movie props, stages and other filmmaking tools for rent, said the new facility will have sound stages, an RV park, a beach, a golf course, a harbor, a ranch and backlit movie sets. The studio would also come with restaurants, event spaces and lodging.

While the plan hasn't been approved by Bastrop City Council, the Bastrop Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for the project on June 3. The development plan, dubbed Bastrop 552, places the facility in a bend in the Colorado River south of Bastrop near Highway 304.

The entertainment hub would provide more than star power to the area. Over 1,400 jobs in addition to 700 construction jobs will be created by the project, and the studio is expected to bring in $2 billion to the local economy in the first decade, the company said during the June 3 meeting.

Line 204 Studios said they are eager to boost the local economy and bring Hollywood-style movie production to the Austin area.

"The community has expressed a unique desire to develop and strengthen the film industry here in Central Texas, and we believe this unique and environmentally friendly project will drive economic growth and contribute to Bastrop's future success," the company wrote on June 4.

While many approved of the project, some worry that the studio could hurt Bastrop's small-town feel, affecting traffic, noise and the environment.

If approved, the studio will join Troublemaker Studios, owned by acclaimed filmmaker and Austinite Robert Rodriguez; Rodriguez, along with director Richard Linklater, are bringing in stars Ben Affleck and Alice Braga for upcoming film "Hypnotic" filming in Austin later this year. As the city grows, so does its film influence with films and shows making Austin the set of choice.

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