US EditionMatthew McConaughey, industry reps push for Texas lawmakers to beef up state’s film incentive fund
- Texas Senate Bill 22 , filed by Sen. Joan Huffman, aims to increase film and television production in Texas by allocating $500 million every two years until 2035 to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund.
- Fueled by endorsements from Hollywood and a desire to compete with states like New Mexico and Georgia, SB 22 seeks to address the variability in past funding that has made producers hesitant to film in Texas.
- The bill modifies grant eligibility, offering rebates and grants based on spending within Texas, with additional incentives for projects in underutilized areas, those hiring veterans, and 'Texas Heritage Projects' that promote 'family values' and portray Texas positively, while explicitly prohibiting funding for pornography, local events, religious services, and casino-type video games.
- During a Senate Finance Committee hearing attended by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, supporters emphasized that the existing program has produced a 469% return on investment and that SB 22 would allow Texas to grow into a media hub, while some lawmakers raised concerns about funding projects with profanity.
- If passed, SB 22 is projected to attract more film and TV projects to Texas, create jobs, attract tourists, and boost the state's economy by establishing a stable, long-term incentive program and by training a local workforce, potentially reducing the need for out-of-state labor.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Texas Standard
Houston Public MediaMatthew McConaughey, industry reps push for Texas lawmakers to beef up state’s film incentive fund
Matthew McConaughey, who has spent more than three decades as an actor, told the Texas Senate Finance Committee on Monday that one of his only regrets is not making more films in Texas.
El Paso filmmakers optimistic as Texas strives to become film production 'capital'
The Texas Senate is proposing to double it's current incentive for filmmakers to $500 million, aiming to become the next powerhouse in film production. ABC-7 spoke with local filmmakers on how this could bring opportunities to the industry in El Paso. Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program currently has a $200 million package, now legislators want to significantly increase it to attract production crews to the Lone Star State. "Hollywood …
The Texas Tribune
Palestine Herald-PressTexas Senate panel approves $500 million infusion for film incentives
The bill would more than double the amount of money Texas spends to lure film and television projects and has the backing of Texas movie stars including Matthew McConaughey.
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