Las Vegas Is Becoming Hollywood 2.0
By Michael Fortin
LAS VEGAS — The skyline isn’t the only thing rising in Southern Nevada. With billions in new film infrastructure, generous tax incentives, and a fast-growing crew base, Las Vegas is positioning itself as the next major U.S. film and television production hub—Hollywood 2.0. And the ripple effect for Los Angeles and the aerial cinematography world is undeniable.
Major Studios Are Betting Big on Nevada
Two of the industry’s biggest names—Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery—are investing heavily in Las Vegas-based production campuses. Summerlin Studios, a $1.8 billion development backed by Sony and Howard Hughes Holdings, will feature state-of-the-art sound stages, post-production facilities, and a crew training center aimed at building up local talent.
Warner Bros. is close behind, proposing an $8.5 billion production facility near UNLV. Both projects are tied to Nevada Assembly Bill 238, which could expand state film tax credits from $10 million to $120 million annually for the next 15 years. Unlike many one-off incentives, this bill requires long-term investment, permanent jobs, and regional infrastructure—making Las Vegas a serious player.
CineDrones’ Perspective: Aerial Cinematography’s Next Frontier
At CineDrones, we’ve spent over a decade capturing cinematic aerial footage for Hollywood’s top productions. As Las Vegas evolves into a full-fledged film capital, we see immense opportunity for drone cinematography in this emerging market.
Nevada’s unmatched geography—ranging from downtown skylines to vast desertscapes—provides breathtaking backdrops that few regions can match. Combine that with less congested airspace, consistent weather, and a production-friendly permitting environment, and you have a drone operator’s dream.
Whether it’s capturing high-speed car chases along desert highways or dynamic tracking shots through the Strip, Las Vegas offers aerial cinematographers a new, creative playground. As productions shift east, CineDrones is ready to meet the demand.
What This Means for Los Angeles
Hollywood isn’t going away—but it is being challenged. The rise of Las Vegas as a production alternative brings lower costs, reduced bureaucracy, and fresh energy to an industry still recovering from strikes and economic uncertainty.
For Los Angeles-based companies and creatives, this isn’t just competition—it’s a call to innovate, collaborate, and adapt. Many productions will begin splitting operations between L.A. and Vegas, capitalizing on the strengths of both cities.
As this new production pipeline forms, CineDrones is already developing strategies to support studios operating in both regions, ensuring seamless aerial coverage and production continuity no matter the location.
Looking Ahead: Why Las Vegas Matters
Las Vegas is no longer just a filming destination—it’s becoming a permanent base for content creation. With billions being invested, workforce pipelines forming, and state-level support accelerating growth, Nevada is set to transform the entertainment map.
At CineDrones, we’re not just watching this transformation—we’re flying right into the heart of it.
Want to shoot in Las Vegas?
CineDrones offers FAA-certified aerial production solutions for film, TV, commercials, and branded content. Contact us today to explore our Las Vegas drone production packages.
