Keating told council members that Black Mountain Studios will feature multiple sound stages, related production facilities, offices, retail stores, restaurants and themed back-lot streets such as those of the Old West. Approval of the land sale is the first step in a city permitting process required for everything from the design to the actual construction of the Hollywood-style studio and tourist attraction. But, from comments by council members Tuesday night, Keating can expect smooth sailing. It will create jobs, and it will not cause pollution. It will not decrease property values, but will be an asset to the town.
Some local officials have their doubts.
Bob Hirsch, director of the state's Motion Picture Division, also questions whether a large studio could be a viable enterprise in Southern Nevada. That's the appropriate question. But Keating said she has appropriate answers in the way of backers. Among them is her husband, Barry Schlesinger, chairman of Heitman Properties, Ltd., one of the largest real estate management companies in the nation, operating in 40 states. If Keating is successful in her endeavor to found the largest movie studio outside of Los Angeles, then her story would rival many of the television docudramas she has produced in the past 15 years.