Taylor Sheridan's decision to move his productions to Texas has transformed Fort Worth into a significant economic hub, drawing billions in investment and solidifying its reputation as "Hollywood South." This remarkable shift is largely attributed to the collaborative efforts between Sheridan and Hillwood, a prominent real estate development company led by Ross Perot Jr. and Mike Berry.

Speaking at a TCU Center for Real Estate event, Perot and Berry discussed the evolution of their 27,000-acre AllianceTexas project. While initially conceived as an airport project, its potential expanded dramatically with Sheridan's involvement. Perot Jr. notably advocated for an economic development strategy centered around Sheridan's global phenomenon, Yellowstone, recognizing the immense activity and resonance his shows had with both Texas and broader U.S. audiences. Mike Berry, initially skeptical, soon witnessed the hundreds of millions in local revenue and global viewership generated by Sheridan’s productions, acknowledging Perot’s foresight.

The tangible result of this vision is SGS Studios, a massive 450,000-square-foot facility developed in partnership with Sheridan’s production company, Hillwood, and Paramount Television. Located within the AllianceTexas development, SGS Studios has emerged as the largest active studio space in Texas, capable of hosting four large-scale productions simultaneously. Hillwood and Sheridan reportedly invested $65 million into the studio, which is designed not just as a filming location but as a comprehensive ecosystem. This includes collaborations with TCU and local schools to cultivate a new generation of film professionals, emphasizing a return to the industry's independent and gritty roots, leveraging Texas's unique environment for ambitious storytelling.

Sheridan's influence is already evident with productions like Landman Season 2, which recently filmed at SGS Studios. This series, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Michelle Randolph, explores the West Texas oil boom. Its first season shattered streaming records, becoming Paramount+’s most-watched original debut, with Season 2 anticipated for release next month.