Look for lots of lights, cameras, and action next year in Bastrop.
August 2023 is the targeted completion date for the $40.3 million first phase of the Bastrop 552 film studio, about 30 miles southeast of Austin. The first phase, encompassing 324 acres, will include six film studios totaling 108,000 square feet, an office building with 46,000 square feet, and a warehouse and mill shop with 108,000 square feet.
Construction on the first phase is supposed to start this June, according to an economic impact study performed by Austin-based Impact DataSource LLC. The study is included in documents filed with the Bastrop City Council, which is working its way through approvals for the project. The project is set to receive tax incentives thanks to the property’s designation as a media production development zone.
Bastrop 552 eventually is supposed to span 546 acres featuring 486,000 square feet of studio space, 300,000 square feet of warehouse and mill space, and 200,000 square feet of office space.
According to the economic impact study, the studio will generate an annual economic impact of $177.8 million, and directly and indirectly create 1,443 permanent jobs.
Bastrop Colorado Bend LLC is developing the project, which has drawn some opposition from local residents.
Alton Butler is the owner and CEO of Bastrop Colorado Bend; he also is owner and CEO of the Line 204 sound stages in Southern California. Clients of Line 204 include The Hollywood Reporter, Calvin Klein, Sesame Street, Hugo Boss, Old Navy, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Butler has said the Bastrop property someday might include a golf course and a ranch.
Set along the Colorado River in Bastrop, the film studio will eventually include 486,000 square feet of studio space.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri