San Antonio's film community is sizing up its future after Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation expanding the state's tax incentives program for movies and TV shows.

Why it matters: Senate Bill 22 opens the door for Texas — including San Antonio — to attract more major film and TV productions and create more job opportunities for local creatives.

Catch up quick: The law gives consistent funding for the first time to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, to the tune of $300 million every two years.

• The total investment is projected to reach $1.5 billion through 2035.
• For every $1 spent on incentives, Texas sees about $4.69 in economic return, according to the state's Economic Development and Tourism Office.

Zoom in: San Antonio's Supplemental Film Incentive, funded through hotel occupancy taxes, offers up to a 7.5% rebate on eligible spending.

• Combined with state incentives, productions could receive up to 38.5% in total rebates, making it one of the most competitive packages in the state, according to Krystal Jones, director of the city's Arts and Culture department.
• "San Antonio is poised for a major leap forward," she said in a statement.

What they're saying: Paul Ardoin, director of the University of Texas at San Antonio's film and media program, says the law's long-term scope could help build a stronger industry footprint in San Antonio and lead to more Texas stories being told.

• He says the local talent pipeline is expanding, with UTSA's Film/Media program entering its fourth year with more than 300 majors.
• "We're seeing increasing numbers of young people becoming fluent in digital media storytelling," Ardoin tells Axios.

The fine print: Productions that hire veterans for at least 5% of their crew can qualify for an additional 2.5% incentive — an edge that could benefit Military City USA.

• "San Antonio may be well-positioned to capitalize on that," Ardoin says.

Tell a movie buff

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama could've spent the summer living every 21-year-old millionaire's dream — instead, he chose to live like a monk at the famed Shaolin Temple in China.

Catch up quick: Until now, fans had seen only blurry tourist clips of Wemby jogging around the temple ground, which quickly earned him the nickname "Zenbanyama."

• But on Tuesday, Wembanyama gave fans a firsthand look when he posted a carousel of Instagram photos documenting his two weeks training at the Buddhist temple.
• The photos show him with a shaved head, meditating and practicing martial arts alongside Spurs strength and conditioning coach Guillaume Alquier.
• In one image, Wemby's wielding a traditional Shaolin staff.

What he's saying: Wembanyama joined LeBron James, Tom Brady and streamer Kai Cenat for an episode of "The Shop" over the weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York, where he opened up about the retreat.

• "My goal going there was putting my body through things that it's not used to doing and allowing my range of movement and strength," he said.
• He trained in kung fu daily and admitted to sneaking out to eat meat, despite the all-vegan regimen, so he could maintain his weight, according to The Athletic.

How it works: Retreats like the one Wemby attended typically start at $1,000 for half a month or $100 a day.

What's next: Wemby, who was sidelined last season due to a blood clot, is expected to be cleared in time for training camp in October.

Pass to a fan

Texas is one of 32 states where bans on same-sex unions could snap back into place if Obergefell v. Hodges — the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality 10 years ago today — were overturned.

Why it matters: A decade later, the milestone for marriage equality remains fragile, particularly in states with pre-existing bans like Texas.

By the numbers: About 60% of LGBTQ+ adults live in states where marriage rights would be at risk if Obergefell were struck down, per the Movement Advancement Project.

Reality check: Congress codified same-sex and interracial marriage in 2022 with the Respect for Marriage Act, but the law doesn't prevent states from restricting those rights if Obergefell falls.

What they're saying: Shannon Minter, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights' legal director, says a full reversal of Obergefell is unlikely, but warned of mounting efforts to undermine same-sex marriage equality.

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📈 C.H. Guenther & Son expanded its portfolio by acquiring Idaho tortilla manufacturer Fresca Mexican Foods to boost its production capacity. (SA Business Journal 🔑)

🍻 Alamo Beer Co. partnered with Hulu to launch a real-life version of the fictional Alamo beer from "King of the Hill" ahead of the show's reboot premiere on Aug. 4. (Express-News 🔑)

🍕 Godfather's Pizza has returned to San Antonio with a new location on the Far West Side after a 35-year hiatus. (CultureMap SA)

Thursday

🎶 Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring Mike Aguilar and The Coupes, along with Porch Dream, at Texas Public Radio headquarters, 6-9:30pm.

• Plus there's free parking.

Friday

🤠 Head up I-10 to catch rising country star William Beckmann at Seguin Schoolyard.

• Tickets start around $27; doors open at 6:30pm.

Saturday

🍑 Shop fresh Fredericksburg peaches, wine, jams and more at Peach Fest at The Shops at La Cantera, 10am-6pm.

• Entry is free.

🌈 Celebrate Pride Bigger Than Texas with a festival at Crockett Park, starting at 11am, followed by a parade at 9pm.

• Festival presale tickets are $12; the parade is free.

Sunday

🍹 Sip your way through a margarita festival at Smoke Skybar, 6-10pm.

• Tickets start at about $44.