Texas Just Supercharged Its Film Industry: What That Means for El Paso

In an exciting plot twist, Texas has finally passed a film incentive bill that doesn’t just flirt with Hollywood, it throws open the gates and rolls out the barbecue-stained red carpet. Governor Greg Abbott let the long-anticipated legislation become law, and with it comes a $100 million increase in the state’s incentive program, bringing total available funds to $150 million annually through 2035. That’s potentially $1.5 billion in cash back for productions over the next decade. For Texas creatives, especially in cities like our very own El Paso, this is the stuff indie dreams are made of.

The Hollywood Reporter coined a term that could stick, even if it's exciting to think about what new names we make for ourselves on this new horizon of American film.

For now, "Hollywood South" has a nice ring to it.

Texas Film Incentives Now Surpass Neighboring States

Texas now outpaces nearby competitors like New Mexico, Arizona, and Louisiana in annual film incentive funding. That’s no small feat considering Netflix just expanded its New Mexico footprint, and Arizona has been clawing for projects. While Texas still lags behind behemoths like California and Georgia, the increase positions it as a serious contender in the film industry arms race.

Projects with budgets of $1.5 million or more will be eligible for 25 percent back in qualified spending. And for those going the extra mile, shooting in rural areas, historic sites, or hiring veterans can earn them additional 2.5 percent bumps. Reality TV is also eligible. Shows with a $1 million budget or higher can snag 10 percent back.

Even better, the program is pre-funded through insurance and franchise taxes, meaning no more every-two-years budget begging. That’s financial consistency in a state that usually prefers to keep filmmakers sweating.

Moral Clauses and Content Restrictions Raise Concerns

Here comes the fine print. Texas included a clause that allows the state’s film office to deny incentives to productions that portray Texas or Texans in a negative light. This means films critical of the state, or just a little too gritty, may find themselves cut off from the cash.

Senator Paul Bettencourt took aim at the Paramount series Landman, criticizing its tone and language. “It simply is a bad product and not something the Texas taxpayers would want to be supporting,” he said.

Faith-based projects and family-friendly content will get additional perks. Creatives may find themselves forced to choose between creative freedom and financial incentive, a dynamic that could shape the kinds of stories told in Texas moving forward.

El Paso Filmmakers Could Reap Major Benefits

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This law could be a major boost for creatives in El Paso. Organizations like Creativ El Paso, which already offer funding and support to local filmmakers, now find themselves better positioned to compete for attention from larger productions.

With the incentives favoring in-state crew hires, ramping up to a 50 percent requirement by 2031: local filmmakers, editors, designers, and other creatives stand to gain. El Paso’s unique landscape, diverse culture, and low cost of production make it a strong candidate for both big-budget and indie productions looking for something fresh.

Texas may have just written itself a starring role in the future of American film, and border cities like El Paso might finally get the screen time they deserve. Meaning we may be able to tell stories about border life that don't focus so much on cartel activities and instead shed light on the unique culture of our space in America.

Texas Joins the Big Leagues in Film Production

Between Matthew McConaughey offering to give back 15 percent of his paycheck to film in Texas and Woody Harrelson lobbying for the bill, it’s clear that the Lone Star State is serious about its place in the industry. Sure, there are a few political fingerprints smudging the lens, but the resources and potential are undeniable.

Filmmakers with a Texas-sized vision now have more reason than ever to shoot right here at home. Whether you’re a studio exec or a scrappy El Paso director with a story to tell, the message is loud and clear: the cameras are rolling, and Texas is ready for its close-up.