Hollywood makes its way to the city of Wood River

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal
[email protected]

Wood River Farm Investments LLC presented its plans in June to the Wood River City Council to bring Hollywood to the city; “Hollywood River Studios” that is.

The investment group shared details about taking the site, once known as the Envirotech Business Park and now known as Wood River Business Park, and developing an esports arena and multiple film studios on site.

And, at the Monday night (July 7, 2025) Wood River City Council meeting, those plans were approved as the lone sealed offer was opened, presented, and discussed.

The Wood River City Council then officially approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of the city-owned surplus real estate, accepting the group’s $1 million offer for the entire 105-acre site.

Located near Illinois Routes 3 and 143, the business park had been initially developed back in the mid-1990s to hopefully attract environmentally friendly businesses to set up in the region.

Now, plans for the site will involve the development of up to six studios for both film and sound production that will be designed to support professionals within the entertainment industry. Chris Breakwell, the CEO of Wood River Farm Investments LLC, speculates that this redevelopment will also bring several hundred jobs to the region along with it.

Breakwell noted that his group anticipates an investment of around $62 million, and, with each production that the Hollywood River Studios produces, a resulting 150 to 300 permanent and temporary jobs, perhaps as many as 500 or more, are also expected.

With an initial capacity for two shows to be able to be filmed at the same time, Breakwell said that his group has developed plans for expansion beyond this initial capacity if the studios prove successful. He further noted that the esports program already existing at East Alton-Wood River High School was a key factor in the group’s decision to include an esports arena in the site’s development.

Another key factor: the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit. This tax credit was enacted by the state in 2008 and offers incentives that include tax credits for salaries, post-production activities and more. Location also played into the appeal, with Wood River’s proximity to the city of St. Louis and all the historical, architectural features that surround it.

Expecting to break ground on-site in January 2026, Hollywood River Studios anticipates film production to begin later in 2026 or early in 2027.