Illinois Will Break Ground on New Film Studio
Construction begins next week on the $95 million Hollywood River Studios project in Wood River.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Film — General
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Developers are set to break ground on October 12, 2026, for Hollywood River Studios in Wood River. The 100-acre project, which includes sound stages and an e-gaming arena, marks a significant investment in Illinois infrastructure.
Why it matters
The project is fueled by expanded Illinois film tax incentives, which are successfully attracting production companies to the state. By leveraging these benefits, developers aim to create a competitive hub that draws projects away from rival regional film markets.
The development covers 100 acres at the former Enviro-Tech Business Park and carries a current budget of $95 million. This represents a significant increase from the previous cost estimate of $60 million for the multi-use site.
The players
J.B. Pritzker
J.B. Pritzker is the current Governor of Illinois who is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
The details
The facility will house sound stages, a hotel, a conference center, and an e-gaming arena. This development is part of a broader strategy as production companies increasingly split their work between Illinois and Missouri to capitalize on regional incentives.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony for Hollywood River Studios.
Industry Dynamics
This development reflects the ongoing effort by Midwestern states to capture a larger share of the entertainment industry market. By building dedicated infrastructure, Illinois is positioning itself to compete more aggressively with established national production hubs.
Local residents and businesses may see economic growth and increased professional opportunities as the construction moves forward in Wood River. The addition of a conference center and e-gaming arena suggests the site will serve as a multifaceted public venue beyond film production.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how state-level tax policy can directly dictate where large-scale entertainment infrastructure is built. Readers should watch for whether this trend of splitting productions across state lines continues to alter the regional economic landscape.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's growing production landscape in the Illinois Film — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox2Now.
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