Deep in the Heart {Media Production Facility}

Dude Ranch Meets Hollywood Backlot

Words Christopher Ferguson

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Alton Butler’s planned production studio and upscale Butler Ranch retreat, set to break ground in Bastrop, is no exception. The production lights are big and bright, or will be soon, according to Alton, founder of production company Line 204.

After falling in love with Austin and pouncing on an opportunity to acquire an exceptional 558-acre patch of dirt along 4.5 miles of the Colorado River, Alton and his team have spent the last several years working with partners like STG Design to plan a first-of-its-kind media production facility outfitted with southern hospitality and all the trappings for long-term leisure and recreation.

Imagine rows of 20,000 square foot sound stages arranged in a grid, like you’d see in Hollywood, except the buildings look more like upscale barns than Californian warehouses. As film and TV production in the state of Texas continues to boom, aided by lawmakers’ incentives for out-of-state productions to relocate, Alton’s timing couldn’t be better.

But the real draw isn’t just the production potential; it’s the opportunity to afford crews, as well as the general public, a little bit of Lone Star leisure. After all, what good is work with no play?

Planned ranch amenities include a wellness center, private bungalows, curated chef’s menus, an event venue, and plenty of recreation: fitness equipment, 17 miles of hiking trails, a shooting range, archery, paddleboards, horseback riding, and even llamas.

Over time, as the amenities expand and productions come, stay, and go, Alton sees a chance for a little bit of lore to develop around the place.

“We’ve split the land for production space into 5-acre sectors. Sets will get built, reused, and then become draws for the ranch guests as well. I’m hoping to get a piece of the Westworld set shipped from Utah,” beams Alton.

Situated down the road from Elon Musk’s own planned community, momentum is in the air, and the center of gravity for media production may just be migrating south.

Good Stewards
Alton’s team has led cleanup efforts along the property’s riverfront, working with municipalities to preserve it for future filming and leisure.

It’s Showtime!
Phase one of the project plans to break ground this year.

Contact
filmbastrop.com
line204.com
info@line204.com