In Arizona, two separate movie studios have moved forward with construction due to a new $125 million incentive from the state. The first $75 million will be distributed at the beginning of 2023, and then Acacia will receive the other half in 2025. First off, Acacia Filmed Entertainment announced their plan to build 14 soundstages on a 70 acre property in Scottsdale. The second project is the Desert Studios Complex and would be centered down in Buckeye. The 18-month construction project is set to begin next year and is estimated to cost somewhere around $200 million.

The president of Acacia Filmed Entertainment Matthew George explained the purpose of the bill was to create protection around the finances of the studio. Meanwhile Randy Murray of the Arizona Film and Digital Media Coalition details that its purpose is to “attract” to build these massive back lots and he anticipates that film crews will move to the area to make movies. “It’s a huge win for Arizona,” says Murray.

It would seem that the state of Arizona is trying to make some money off the industry that’s made California prosperous for so many years. That being said, it’s likely the Arizona film community will also prosper off of existing just a short flight away from Hollywood. Once construction is complete, it will be interesting to see if how popular the Arizona facilities truly are.