Paramount CEO considers Austin facility amid California antitrust dispute

Paramount Pictures is assessing a 415,000-square-foot industrial building in Austin’s Bluebonnet Business Center as a possible site for a new movie and television studio, three people familiar with the matter said. The move is being considered as the company confronts an antitrust investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta related to its planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at about $110 billion.

The Austin property, located at 9219 Old Manor Road, includes a large cross-dock facility with 36-foot ceilings, 96 dock doors and a 4,000-amp power supply. Public filings show a 25,685-square-foot executive suite is under construction, with a budget of $350,000 and design work by Powers Brown Architecture.

Paramount has not confirmed any commitment to the Austin location, and a company spokesperson declined to comment. Representatives for the property’s developer, Hines, and broker Aquila Commercial also did not respond to requests for comment.

Industry observers note that relocating a studio outside California could reduce exposure to the state’s tax rates, regulatory environment and unionized workforce. An Austin business leader said the potential project raises questions about its economic impact, workforce opportunities and benefits for the state.

If the Texas site is finalized, it would align with Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to attract entertainment production to the state through tax incentives and film-industry programs. Austin already hosts several studio facilities, including those operated by Troublemaker Studios and the Austin Film Society.