Best Buy’s newly unveiled 70,000-square-foot content studio is a game-changer, not only for the company but for the broader content production industry in Minneapolis. While Minneapolis has some decent stages for shooting content, there hasn’t been a massive, fully-equipped studio with all the bells and whistles—until now. Best Buy’s move could set the stage for other companies to follow suit and build similar in-house content production capabilities.

The studio’s features include multiple sound stages, audio suites, and areas for building sets, creating a versatile space for all kinds of tech-focused video production. While many companies have been outsourcing their content creation, Best Buy has joined the growing trend of bringing production in-house to streamline the process, maintain better control, and cut costs. This shift also allows them to better highlight the role of technology in everyday life—something central to their brand.

Although it’s unlikely that Best Buy will rent out its studio for independent filmmakers or external projects, the idea itself sparks an interesting conversation about the potential for high-end production spaces in Minneapolis. Local filmmakers and production teams have long been craving a more robust studio environment to compete with the likes of Georgia and other states that offer substantial tax incentives for film production. While the city has taken steps in that direction with a $25 million tax incentive and a new film commission, it’s still a small drop in the bucket compared to larger markets.

Best Buy’s move is a reminder that as content consumption continues to shift, having a dedicated space for production could be an invaluable asset. Minneapolis may not yet have a massive state-of-the-art facility, but the growth in local content creation could one day make it a hub for more expansive production possibilities.