Bright Lights, Big City: Powering the Entertainment Industry in Austin
Unsung Heroes Fueling the Hollywood Dream
When you think of the entertainment capital of the world, images of bustling Los Angeles or glittering Las Vegas often come to mind. But in recent years, a different city has emerged as a hub for the entertainment industry – Austin, Texas. This thriving metropolis, known for its vibrant music scene and burgeoning tech sector, has also become a prime destination for film, television, and digital media production.
At the heart of Austin’s entertainment ecosystem are the unsung heroes – the electrical professionals who keep the lights on, the cameras rolling, and the megawatt stars shining. From providing high-powered, reliable service to iconic music venues, to designing cutting-edge electrical systems for state-of-the-art production facilities, these experts are the backbone of the city’s creative economy.
“Austin has really become a mecca for the entertainment industry over the past decade,” says Jane Wilcox, owner of Longhorn Electric, a family-owned electrical contracting company that has been powering Austin’s most high-profile projects for over 30 years. “And we’ve been there every step of the way, ensuring that every light, every camera, and every piece of equipment has the power it needs to bring these productions to life.”
Bright Lights, Big Ambitions: Fueling Austin’s Entertainment Boom
The story of Austin’s rise as an entertainment hub really begins in the 1980s, when the city’s unique blend of music, technology, and counter-culture first caught the attention of the entertainment world. It was during this time that director Richard Linklater’s cult classic “Slacker” brought national attention to Austin’s quirky, offbeat vibe, showcasing the city’s thriving indie music scene and underground arts community.
\Longhorn Electric was there from the beginning, powering the iconic venues and recording studios that gave rise to Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” As the city’s music scene exploded in the 90s and 2000s, Longhorn Electric worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that iconic stages like Antone’s Nightclub, Continental Club, and Saxon Pub had the electrical infrastructure to host legendary performances by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, and Asleep at the Wheel.
But Austin’s entertainment ambitions didn’t stop at music. In the early 2000s, the city began to attract major film and television productions, drawn by its diverse locations, growing talent pool, and attractive tax incentives. Blockbusters like “Friday Night Lights,” “Bernie,” and “The Tree of Life” all shot on location in Austin, further cementing the city’s reputation as a hub for the entertainment industry.
“We’ve worked on some of the biggest film and TV projects that have come through Austin,” says Wilcox. “From designing the electrical systems for massive sound stages to providing reliable power for outdoor film shoots, our team has the expertise to handle any job, no matter how complex or high-profile.”
As Austin’s entertainment industry continued to grow, so did the city’s need for top-notch electrical services. Longhorn Electric expanded its capabilities, investing in the latest technologies and training its team to stay ahead of the curve. The company played a crucial role in powering the city’s first major league sports franchise, Austin FC, designing the electrical systems for the team’s state-of-the-art stadium, Q2 Stadium.
“The entertainment industry in Austin is constantly evolving, and we’ve always been there to adapt and innovate alongside it,” says Wilcox. “Whether it’s the latest in concert lighting, virtual production technology, or advanced security systems, our team has the knowledge and expertise to deliver the cutting-edge solutions that these projects demand.”
Powering the Dream: Longhorn Electric’s Role in Austin’s Entertainment Boom
The secret to Longhorn Electric’s success in powering Austin’s entertainment industry lies in the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service.
“We’re not just electrical contractors – we’re partners in our clients’ success,” says Wilcox. “From the moment we start a project, we’re laser-focused on understanding their unique needs and finding ways to exceed their expectations.”
This customer-centric approach has earned Longhorn Electric a reputation as a trusted, reliable provider among some of the biggest names in the entertainment business. The company has worked with major production companies, venue owners, and live event organizers, delivering top-notch electrical services for a wide range of high-profile projects.
One such project was the recent renovation of the legendary Moody Theater, home of the long-running PBS series, “Austin City Limits.” Longhorn Electric was tasked with upgrading the venue’s electrical systems to support a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, ensuring that the iconic performances captured on “Austin City Limits” would continue to wow audiences for years to come.
“The Moody Theater was a really exciting project for us,” says Wilcox. “We knew the importance of this venue, not just for Austin’s music scene, but for the entire entertainment industry. Our team worked tirelessly to design and install an electrical system that would provide the power and reliability needed to showcase the best of the best in live music.”
But Longhorn Electric’s impact on Austin’s entertainment industry extends far beyond iconic music venues. The company has also played a crucial role in powering the city’s burgeoning film and television production scene, working on projects for major studios and streaming platforms.
One such project was the electrical design and installation for the new production facility of a leading VFX and animation studio. The state-of-the-art facility, which features advanced motion capture stages, virtual production sets, and high-powered rendering farms, required a robust and flexible electrical infrastructure to support its cutting-edge technology.
“This was a complex project that required a deep understanding of the unique power needs of a modern production facility,” says Wilcox. “Our team worked closely with the studio’s engineers to develop a custom electrical solution that would provide the redundancy, efficiency, and scalability they needed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual effects and animation.”
Powering the Future: Longhorn Electric’s Vision for Austin’s Entertainment Industry
As Austin’s entertainment industry continues to evolve, Longhorn Electric is poised to play an even more pivotal role in shaping its future. The company’s commitment to innovation and its deep understanding of the industry’s changing needs have positioned it as a strategic partner for the businesses and organizations driving the city’s creative economy forward.
“We’re not just providing electrical services – we’re helping to power the dreams and visions of the entertainment industry in Austin,” says Wilcox. “Whether it’s the next big music festival, the next blockbuster film, or the next groundbreaking virtual production, our team is always ready to step up and deliver the reliable, cutting-edge solutions that these projects demand.”
One area where Longhorn Electric is especially excited about the future is the rapidly evolving world of live events and virtual production. As the entertainment industry continues to adapt to the post-pandemic landscape, the demand for innovative, flexible electrical systems that can support a wide range of live and hybrid events is only going to grow.
“The pandemic has been a real game-changer for the entertainment industry, forcing everyone to rethink the way they approach live events and production,” says Wilcox. “But we see this as an incredible opportunity to showcase our expertise and help our clients navigate this new reality.”
Longhorn Electric’s team of highly skilled electricians and engineers are already working on cutting-edge projects that blend traditional live elements with cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technology. From designing the electrical infrastructure for hybrid concert venues to powering virtual production stages, the company is at the forefront of the industry’s technological transformation.
“The future of entertainment is going to be all about flexibility, scalability, and innovation,” says Wilcox. “And we’re excited to be the trusted partner that helps our clients in Austin realize their wildest dreams, whether they’re on stage, on set, or in a completely virtual world.”
As Austin continues to cement its status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, Longhorn Electric will be there every step of the way, lighting up the city’s stages, soundstages, and production facilities with the reliable, cutting-edge electrical solutions that keep the show going.
“We’re incredibly proud to be a part of Austin’s entertainment story,” says Wilcox. “And we can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to power the dreams and visions of the creative minds who call this city home.”
