Texas is known for its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and now, thanks to the likes of Taylor Sheridan, it’s also becoming a hotbed for film production. Recently, Sheridan, along with actor Dennis Quaid and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, took the stage at the Texas Senate Finance Committee to advocate for increased film incentives. This is not just about boosting Hollywood in Texas; it’s about creating jobs, fostering local talent, and building a sustainable film industry.
The Push for Increased Film Incentives
Why Are Film Incentives Important?
Film incentives are designed to attract filmmakers by offering financial benefits, such as tax credits or cash rebates, for shooting in a particular location. In Texas, the current incentives program boasts a record $200 million allocated by the Legislature in 2023, but it’s set to expire next year. Sheridan and others believe that a robust incentives program can draw more productions to the state and keep talent local.
During his testimony, Sheridan expressed his frustration over losing projects to neighboring states with more competitive incentives. He highlighted his own experience with the film Hell or High Water, which he had envisioned as a love letter to Texas but ended up being shot in New Mexico due to its more appealing incentives. “One of my great frustrations is that I wrote a movie called Hell or High Water, which was really my love poem to my state, and they filmed the darn thing in New Mexico,” he said, underscoring the need for Texas to step up its game.
Building a Local Workforce
Beyond just the financial incentives, Sheridan emphasized the importance of creating a skilled local workforce. He shared that he previously utilized incentives to train students at Tarrant County College, successfully graduating a crew that he then hired for his projects. This kind of investment in local talent not only helps keep productions in Texas but also provides job security for the crew.
“I would much, much, much rather hire a Texas local than fly in somebody from another state,” Sheridan stated. He pointed out that many of his projects, including Yellowstone and its prequel 1883, are intended to run for multiple seasons, guaranteeing jobs for cast and crew.
Dennis Quaid and the Call for Competitive Incentives
Hollywood’s Competition
Dennis Quaid joined Sheridan at the hearing, passionately advocating for Texas to ramp up its film incentives to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. “Today, if I were a young actor, I wouldn’t go to Hollywood. I would go to Atlanta because the smaller roles are there,” he said, referring to how Georgia has effectively developed its own film industry.
Quaid’s testimony also included a video featuring other Texas-born actors, such as Matthew McConaughey, Glen Powell, and Owen Wilson, highlighting the importance of a thriving local film scene. “What I would like to see happen here in Texas is for our incentives to rise to $500 million or $1 billion,” he suggested. For context, Georgia offered a whopping $1.3 billion in tax credits in 2022, making it a major player in the film industry.
Economic Benefits
Mayor Parker echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the financial gains that come from investing in local film production. “You don’t have to live in LA to produce film projects, and that is absolutely true,” she said, referencing Sheridan’s work in Fort Worth. Her remarks underscore the idea that Texas can be a viable alternative to traditional filming locations like Los Angeles.
Increased film production not only brings jobs but also stimulates local economies through tourism, hospitality, and related industries. With successful projects filmed in Texas, the potential for job creation and economic growth is immense.
Legislative Response and Future Implications
Support from Lawmakers
The response from lawmakers was cautiously optimistic. For instance, state Sen. Bob Hall, who once called for the abolition of the incentives program, noted the impressive return on investment for taxpayers. “I don’t know where we could ever put any money that we would get that kind of return,” he acknowledged, highlighting the economic impact of the film industry.
This shift in attitude among lawmakers suggests that the push for increased incentives may gain traction, especially as the state seeks to capitalize on its booming film industry. With powerful advocates like Sheridan and Quaid leading the charge, the prospects for Texas becoming a major film hub are looking promising.
The Future of Filmmaking in Texas
As Sheridan, Quaid, and others continue to advocate for more robust film incentives, it’s essential to consider what this means for the future of filmmaking in Texas. If the state can successfully increase its incentives, it may attract not only big-budget films but also independent projects looking for supportive and affordable shooting locations.
Additionally, as the local workforce grows and becomes more skilled, Texas could become a self-sustaining film industry. This would not only benefit local talent but also foster creativity and innovation in storytelling, enhancing the cultural landscape of the state.
Conclusion
Taylor Sheridan’s recent testimony before the Texas Senate Finance Committee marks a pivotal moment for the future of film production in the state. With the combined efforts of prominent figures like Dennis Quaid and supportive lawmakers, Texas has the potential to emerge as a major player in the film industry. By investing in incentives and local talent, the state can create jobs, stimulate its economy, and build a thriving film culture that rivals established hubs like California and Georgia.
