BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas Lawmakers are seeking to attract more film and TV productions to Texas by revamping the state’s current film incentive program. A new proposal would invest nearly half a billion dollars towards attracting filmmakers to Texas and boosting the economy.

Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick has voiced that one of his major priorities for the 89 Legislative Session is making Texas America’s film capitol. Now, the state has proposed nearly $500 million in funding to establish Texas as a major player in the film industry.

If the bill passes, it would include $48 million in grants for smaller productions and commercials, plus up to $450 million in tax credits. The state’s current 18-year-old film incentive program provides rebates to reimburse production companies between 5% and 20% of the money they spend in the state.

Supporters of the funding boost say the proposed increase of incentives could attract more major productions to Texas, creating jobs and boosting local economies.

College Station video production company Texas Filmworks told KBTX the film funding raise would give Texas towns a chance to showcase small businesses, local talent, and small-town charm.

“I think anytime you can bring work into our community that showcases one, the talent, the space that we have here as Bryan-College Station, that’s a good thing,” Filmworks’ General Manager Andrew Kilzer said. “It’s a way to showcase our community and show what we’re capable of, and why we’re a good place to come and do business.”

NPT Network, a performing arts group in Downtown Bryan, helps actors and models connect with opportunities in film and television. Many had to look outside of Texas to find consistent work, but the proposed film incentive increase could change that.

“If you wanted to work in film and TV, and you really wanted to make an honest go of it, you had to relocate to Los Angeles,” explained NPT Network general manager Brian Cunningham. “Now, there’s more opportunity for them to come back home and continue to work and continue to pursue acting as a career.”

In 2007, former Governor Rick Perry created the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program to attract major film and TV productions to the state. For local industry professionals, extra funding would help them compete for projects with other states like Georgia, New Mexico, and New York.

“If the State of Texas is willing to step in and make this a reality… It’s going to basically level the playing field to what other states are already doing,” Kilzer offered.

Both Texas Filmworks and NPT Network say a funding increase would mean more project opportunities, economic growth, and exposure for the Brazos Valley.

“We’re showing off the talent- the film and industry talent that’s here in Texas- but also just showing off our state and showing what a great place this is not only for to tell stories but also to live and to do work,” described Kilzer.

Cunningham added, “I’m hoping that with the increased incentives, we start to see more people willing to take a leap of faith and give their dreams an honest try.”

The proposal is currently making its way through the Texas Legislature and if it passes the increased funding could go into effect later this year.

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