Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a substantial piece of legislation aimed at transforming the Lone Star State into a film and TV epicenter. Senate Bill 22 boosts the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program by $1.5 billion, which is set to steadily draw more productions to Texas soil. According to Click2Houston, every two years through 2035, $300 million in incentive funding will be eagerly allocated to qualifying projects. This bill is a reaction to a history of potentially Texas-based productions opting for places with more financially appealing incentives.
As reported by Reel360, Governor Abbott let the bill pass without a signature, positioning Texas ahead of other regional competitors such as New Mexico and Louisiana. The state offers up to 25% back on in-state spending for productions over $1.5 million, with an additional 2.5% bump for productions meeting certain criteria, like employing local veterans or shooting in rural areas. Productions must shoot 60% of their footage in the state and increasingly utilize Texas-based crew to qualify.
The bill's passage has stirred local enthusiasm. "Now, the playing field is reset and we are in a much more aggressive position to secure projects than we’ve ever been in before," Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission, told Click2Houston. Media for Texas Co-founder Chase Musselwhite shared with KPRC 2 a vision for a statewide initiative, aiming to tell multifaceted stories from all corners of Texas.
Texas' push for more media production has certain stipulations that have raised some debate. Productions can be denied grants if they include "inappropriate content" or narratives that paint Texas or its citizens in an unflattering light, Reel360 reports. Additionally, the state reserves extra incentives for faith-based films and those promoting "family values." Preference will be given to content that offers a favorable depiction of Texas.
The economic impact of the film and television industry in Texas is not to be understated. Houston alone saw direct spending of $27.1 million in 2024, while Netflix's success with "Mo" and Paramount+ original series "Landman" highlight growing industry enthusiasm. As the bill takes effect in September 2025, it aims to significantly elevate Texas' film and TV industry landscape. With local support and state incentives, Texas reaches out to entice Hollywood, forging its own brand within the entertainment sector.
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