Austin Film Society asks council to consider $35 million to modernize city-owned studios

Austin Film Society (AFS) leaders briefed the Economic Opportunity Committee on March 20 about the organization's workforce programs and the city-owned Austin Studios and requested $35,000,000 to modernize aging facilities.

Holly Herrick, head of film at AFS, and Martie Jones, head of Austin Studios, described the studios as a 20-acre hub that has hosted more than 1,200 projects, supported over 45,000 jobs and generated roughly $2.8 billion in economic impact for Austin. Jones said the AFS lease extends to 2084 and that capital needs include maintenance and modernization to remain competitive with new, purpose-built studios opening elsewhere in Texas.

"It's bringing jobs and dollars to support the creative economy," Jones said, describing recent productions that spent hundreds of millions of dollars locally. The presenters said they have had cost-estimating support from Rogers O'Brien Construction and a feasibility study and value-engineering work is available to flesh out a bond ask.

Council members asked for follow-up details and a breakdown of the $35,000,000 estimate. AFS said it would provide more detailed cost materials and feasibility work and noted that prior bond funds in 2006 and 2012 had enabled major studio upgrades that helped the city attract large productions.

AFS also highlighted its Creative Careers workforce program and the AFS cinema, noting the organization's role in training and placing local talent and in distributing grants to independent filmmakers. No formal council action on funding was requested at the March 20 committee meeting; AFS asked the committee to consider the studio modernization need as the city evaluates future bond packages.