Why film productions are picking Texas

The latest: Texas officials are drafting rules for the state's updated incentive program, set to disburse $300 million every two years over the next decade to qualifying projects.

State of film: The phones at Media for Texas "have been ringing off the hook" since the state Legislature boosted funding for the program last year, says Chase Musslewhite, one of the nonprofit's co-founders.

• "Big-time studios are calling us — Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount, as well as a stream of different independent productions and TV shows," Musslewhite says.

Follow the money: The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program paid around $57 million to 43 projects, including commercials, films and TV shows, in the 2024-25 biennium.

• The state estimates those projects spent $285 million and accounted for roughly 11,700 jobs.

How it works: Productions receiving an incentive from the state must ensure that at least 35% of their paid cast and crew are Texans.

• Media for Texas is working on creating more shadowing and job opportunities for students and veterans in upcoming productions.

Zoom in: Dallas College opened a virtual production soundstage this month, hoping to train more students in the growing film and TV industry.

The bottom line: Producers from LA and New York filming outside Houston recently told Media for Texas staff that they were so happy with their experience that they plan to film their next projects in the state.

• "In Texas, we're primed to take charge in this industry and finally offer a different, unique voice to the equation," Media for Texas co-founder Grant Wood tells Axios.

Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect that nonprofit Media for Texas is based in Dallas (not Austin).