As Dallas pursues a state designation as a media production hub, the city’s economic development committee will eye incentives for the South Side Studios along Botham Jean Boulevard.
A joint venture formed in 2023 between North Texas-based real estate developer Matthews Southwest and Talon Entertainment Finance, South Side Studios Dallas, LLC, is looking to invest in a few buildings on the property near Forest Avenue.
South Side Studios already hosts production for television series such as USA’s “Queen of the South” and TBN’s “The Chosen.”
Its existing facilities include about 70,000 square feet of stage space and production offices at its west building, with its building near Forest Avenue hosting a mill area, wardrobe storage and a prop shop.
Now, the partnership is proposing renovations spanning a studio production facility with three sound stages, hair and makeup rooms, production offices, a commissary and green rooms for waiting or lounging. One of the soundstages would include an LED virtual production wall.
Additional improvements include upgrades to the roof and HVAC, along with sound-proofing.
The expansion of South Side Studios coincides with Dallas’ pursuit to become both a Media Production Development Zone and a Qualified Media Production Location.
Both state designations administered by the Texas Film Commission allow for tax breaks to create new jobs and encourage recurring capital investment.
The renovations at South Side Studios are estimated at about $6.2 million, with another $1.5 million slated for furniture, fixtures and equipment.
If South Side Studios becomes a state-endorsed location, it could receive sales tax exemptions for construction and related materials. The tax break would see Dallas forgo about $150,000 in sales tax, while the state’s loss would be about $456,000.
The studio is expected to increase regional economic activity by $13.6 million, according to a study from public policy firm TXP, Inc.
Next steps include the city council authorizing the city as a production zone, then putting forward the South Side Studios project as a qualified location within the production zone. City council is set to review the matters on May 22.
