Lights, Camera, Expansion: How America’s Studio Boom Is Creating the Biggest Opportunity for Models and Actors in Decades

By Alycia Kaback | Co-Founder of VIP Ignite Live and Truth Mgmt

If you’re an actor or model dreaming about breaking into the industry, listen closely — because we are living in a golden era of opportunity that most people don’t even see coming.

For the first time in decades, Hollywood isn’t just in Hollywood anymore. The film industry is expanding across the country — from Las Vegas to New Jersey, from Austin to Atlanta — and it’s creating a surge of work, casting calls, and production jobs that will rewrite the rules of the game for every performer brave enough to bet on themselves.

At VIP Ignite Live, this is the message I’ve been shouting from the rooftops: You don’t have to wait for Hollywood to come to you — Hollywood is being rebuilt all around you.

Nevada: The Desert Is Becoming the Next Studio Frontier

For decades, Las Vegas was known for neon lights, casinos, and entertainment of a different kind. But now, the city that never sleeps is about to add film capital to its list of titles.

Plans are underway for Summerlin Studios, a sprawling, state-of-the-art film campus backed by Howard Hughes Holdings, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The project — which could include up to ten soundstages, mixed-use developments, hotels, restaurants, and production facilities — represents more than $4.5 billion in total investment.

That’s not just a development. That’s a declaration.

Nevada’s unions are rallying for up to $95 million in tax incentives, and if approved, Las Vegas could become the “new Atlanta” for television and film. Thousands of new construction and production jobs will be created — and with them, new opportunities for models, actors, content creators, stylists, and producers.

For VIP Ignite Live talent, this is more than news — it’s a call to action. I tell my students all the time: Opportunity doesn’t knock — it moves. You have to move with it.

New Jersey: The East Coast Powerhouse Reclaims Its Film Legacy

When people think of show business, they picture palm trees, not toll booths. But New Jersey — yes, the Garden State — is quietly taking back the spotlight.

Netflix has begun building a $900 million studio campus on the grounds of the former Fort Monmouth Army base. Once complete, it will include more than 500,000 square feet of production space, post-production suites, backlots, and stages that rival anything in Burbank.

At the same time, Lionsgate Newark Studios is developing a 350,000-square-foot facility that will revitalize the city’s economy and open the door for a new generation of creatives. Add in the upcoming 1888 Studios in Bayonne — one of the largest planned film complexes on the East Coast — and you’ve got a powerful trifecta.

For actors and models working with VIP Ignite Live, this means one thing: you no longer have to uproot your life to chase your dream. You can live, train, and work right here on the East Coast — with industry professionals who are building the future of entertainment.

When I started VIP Ignite, it was out of frustration with how many talented people were being taken advantage of by scams and false promises. Now, seeing legitimate opportunities rising in places like New Jersey — where we’ve hosted countless bootcamps and auditions — proves that when you align with the right people, your geography doesn’t limit you. Your mindset does.

Texas: Where Big Dreams Go to Grow Even Bigger

Everything’s bigger in Texas — and that now includes the film industry.

Led by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, a massive studio expansion is happening near Fort Worth. The new complex, part of the AllianceTexas project, will be one of the largest in the world, complete with dozens of soundstages, production offices, and backlots.

Sheridan’s partnership with Hillwood Development and 101 Studios will bring billions in revenue and hundreds of new creative jobs to the region. Meanwhile, Austin continues to thrive with Austin Studios and a booming tech-creative scene that merges innovation with entertainment.

For talent, this means that Texas is no longer “flyover country.” It’s becoming one of the most desirable locations to work in film, TV, and streaming.

As I often remind our VIP Ignite community: The most successful people are the ones who see change before everyone else — and position themselves right in the middle of it.

That’s exactly what’s happening now. The expansion of studios in Texas isn’t just a trend — it’s a tectonic shift. Productions that once only filmed in L.A. are relocating to take advantage of lower costs and fresh scenery. For actors and models, it means more auditions, more bookings, and more chances to get on set.

Illinois and the Midwest: The Heartland Steps Into the Spotlight

For years, the Midwest was overlooked by the film industry — but not anymore. States like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio are aggressively expanding tax credits and infrastructure to attract productions.

One exciting development is Hollywood River Studios, a proposed $62 million complex in Wood River, Illinois, that will include soundstages, an e-sports arena, and creative-tech facilities. Just across the river in St. Louis, indie filmmakers and commercials are already finding affordable, professional-grade production space.

This matters because it democratizes opportunity. You shouldn’t have to move to L.A. and sleep in your car to chase a dream. The industry is coming to you — if you’re prepared.

That’s why at VIP Ignite Live, our mission is not just to train you to perform. It’s to teach you how to think like a professional.

When new studios open, they need talent who are ready: those who know how to show up on time, how to work with a director, how to network respectfully, and how to build a brand that makes casting directors say “yes.”

Georgia, New Mexico, and Beyond: The Blueprint for Success

While Nevada, Texas, and New Jersey are catching up, states like Georgia and New Mexico have already shown the power of production incentives.

Georgia’s film industry has exploded thanks to a robust tax credit system. Marvel, Netflix, and Warner Bros. have filmed countless projects there, turning Atlanta into the “Hollywood of the South.”

New Mexico, home to Breaking Bad and Oppenheimer, continues to attract major productions with its unique landscapes and forward-thinking incentives.

The takeaway? Wherever there’s investment in infrastructure, opportunity follows.

And that means actors, models, and creators need to be ready to step up their professionalism, adaptability, and personal branding.

The New American Entertainment Map

Let’s pause for a moment and look at the big picture.

If you draw a map of the United States right now, you’ll see hot spots lighting up across the country:

🎬 Las Vegas – New studio capital of the West.

🎬 Austin & Fort Worth – Expanding the Southern production base.

🎬 Newark & Bayonne, NJ – The rebirth of the East Coast industry.

🎬 Atlanta – A proven powerhouse for film and streaming.

🎬 Chicago & St. Louis corridor – The new frontier for indie filmmakers.

Each one represents opportunity for those willing to adapt and grow.

At VIP Ignite Live, we’ve always taught our community that success isn’t about being lucky — it’s about being ready when opportunity arrives. And right now, opportunity isn’t just knocking. It’s building.

Alycia Kaback’s Take: Why This Boom Matters

As I’ve worked with thousands of actors and models across the country, I’ve learned one undeniable truth: the industry rewards the prepared.

You don’t need a zip code in Beverly Hills to make it — you need preparation, discipline, and connection.

That’s exactly why we built VIP Ignite Live. Our mission has always been to connect legitimate talent with real opportunities — through education, networking, and exposure to top agents, casting directors, and photographers.

Now, with this wave of new studio development, those opportunities are multiplying. We’re already seeing talent who attended our bootcamps get callbacks for productions in Texas, Nevada, and New Jersey.

This isn’t theory — it’s happening.

And if you’re reading this, you need to ask yourself: Will I be ready when the next major casting call comes to my city?

Three Steps to Prepare for the Studio Boom

1. Elevate Your Brand

Update your headshots, refresh your reel, and align your online presence with the professional standards of the industry. Studios expanding into new states are looking for talent who look like they belong on set — and that starts with how you present yourself.

2. Network With Intention

Every new studio build means new producers, casting teams, and agents relocating. Don’t wait until they’re established — build relationships now. Attend local film festivals, creative networking events, and VIP Ignite workshops.

3. Stay Trainable and Adaptable

The entertainment industry evolves fast. The skills that got you booked in 2020 might not cut it in 2025. Take ongoing classes, learn on-camera technique, practice self-tapes, and stay adaptable.

As I tell every VIP Ignite Live student: The more flexible you are, the more visible you become.

The Future Is Local — and Global

In the coming decade, we’ll see content being created everywhere: Las Vegas, Austin, Newark, Chicago, Albuquerque — and yes, still Hollywood.

But the industry is shifting from a “single-city empire” to a nationwide network of opportunity.

That means your dream just got a lot closer. It’s no longer about who you know in Los Angeles — it’s about what you’re doing where you are.

Final Word: This Is Your Moment

For years, I’ve watched too many dreamers give up because they thought opportunity was out of reach. But today, it’s closer than ever. Studios are rising. Productions are multiplying. Jobs are being created.

And if you’re part of the VIP Ignite Live family — or ready to join us — then you’re already one step ahead of the world.

Because we don’t just teach talent how to perform.
We teach them how to position themselves for greatness.

The studio lights are turning on across America.
Will you be ready when they call your name?

Join VIP Ignite Live

If you’re ready to step into your moment, join our next free online Model and Actor Bootcamp this weekend. Meet industry professionals, learn the truth about the business, and discover how to build a legitimate career with Alycia Kaback and the VIP Ignite Live team.

👉 Register now at VIPIgniteLive.com