Austin, TX The Next "Hollywood"

Between our recent ranking as the #1 City to Live & Make Movies by MovieMaker Magazine and the upcoming ground-breaking of Villa Muse, a studio-focused development, Austin is moving into the big leagues in the entertainment industry.  While we've always had a plethora of creative talent, Austin has taken the back seat to industry capitals like New York, LA, and Nashville.  But now, world-class studios, production facilities, and the infrastructure to support the business of becoming a star are headed to town.

In fact, Austin has ranked among the top three cities on MovieMaker Magazine's list in the last seven years.  Rebates for filming in Texas and Austin Film Commission's discount program for cast and crew at local businesses have helped secure Austin's position on the top of the rankings.  Our progressive culture, hip reputation and collabrative community are going to keep us there. 

An upcoming benefit to the east side of Austin is Villa Muse, scheduled to break ground in 2008 and be completed in late 2009.  This community will include a 200-acre studio complex, 9,000 home master-planned residential community and other commercial opportunities.  The unique design focused on interconnectivity will allow artists to complete one project in several different medium in one sitting.  The Villa Muse development is projected to have a $6 billion impact on the economy during construction and at least that after it's built.

Overall, the influx of industry professionals will only continue to help keep Austin real estate hot.  And, being a Red Carpet fanatic myself - I can't wait for more starlets to head to Austin, TX!

Sources: Austin Business Journal, MovieMaker, www.villamuse.com