In a decisive move to boost the film and television industry in Texas, a bipartisan group of senators unanimously passed legislation on Monday that will significantly increase state funding aimed at attracting production to the Lone Star State.

Overview of Senate Bill 22

Filed by Senator Joan Huffman, SB 22 mandates the Texas comptroller to allocate $500 million biennially into a new Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund through 2035. This funding commitment marks a historic high for state allocations toward media production since the inception of the film incentive program in 2007.

Competitive Landscape

Senator Huffman emphasized that the bill aims to make Texas more appealing for film producers who often turn to other states like New Mexico and Georgia, which have established stronger financial incentives. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing attended by prominent actors such as Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, Huffman remarked, “Producers who want to film in Texas often have difficulty convincing the capital management side of film production companies to allow filming here when presented with more robust and consistent incentives being offered in other states.”

Economic Impact and Historical Context

The Texas film incentive program has shown a remarkable return on investment, reportedly generating a 469% increase in economic activity. This statistic is backed by the Texas Film Commission, although it has drawn skepticism from some economists and lawmakers who question the efficacy of such financial incentives.

Since 2007, funding levels have fluctuated greatly, with previous sessions offering anywhere from $45 million to $200 million, leading to uncertainty among producers about the availability of grants.

Support from Hollywood

The support for SB 22 is bolstered by endorsements from industry figures. McConaughey stated that expanded funding could position Texas as a media hub, fostering development in post-production facilities and cultivating a skilled local workforce. He remarked, “There’s going to be a point where we are not going to need financial incentives from the state because the infrastructure will be in place, and that will be a major game changer.”

Legislative Concerns

While there is support for boosting film production, some lawmakers have expressed reservations regarding taxpayer money funding productions that are not deemed “family-friendly.” Senators such as Paul Bettencourt raised concerns specifically about shows like “Landman,” noting its use of profanities. The bill’s potential restrictions would exclude certain types of content from receiving grants.

SB 22 sets guidelines for eligible projects, explicitly prohibiting funding for pornography, obscene material, local events, and certain games, although it does grant discretion to the governor’s office regarding project eligibility.

Encouraging Family-Friendly Productions

In addition to increasing overall funding, the bill proposes higher rebate amounts for smaller films, increasing the benefit to 25% for qualifying productions. This shift aims to encourage more family-friendly, faith-based projects, aligning them more closely with the values of certain legislators. Producer Chad Gundersen highlighted how existing projects, like “The Chosen,” have faced funding challenges due to these limitations.

Conclusion

The passage of SB 22, alongside its counterpart, House Bill 4568, signals a promising future for the Texas film industry. As discussions continue, stakeholders eagerly anticipate how these changes will reshape the landscape of film and television production in Texas.