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Lawmakers, actors look to increase film/TV production across the state

Lawmakers, actors look to increase film/TV production across the state
The Ellis County Museum in historic downtown Waxahachie has a new window exhibit that showcases the dozens of film and TV productions that saw at least part of their production in the area. The museum is located at 201 S. College St.The Ellis County Museum in historic downtown Waxahachie has a new window exhibit that showcases the dozens of film and TV productions that saw at least part of their production in the area. The museum is located at 201 S. College St.

Advocates for increased film and television production in the state of Texas will push their cause again with the start of the 89th Legislature in Austin, which kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 14. Several bills looking to make the state even more attractive to productions have already been pre-filed, with more likely.  

Not necessarily a coincidence with its timing, last week saw five film luminaries with Texas ties – Woody Harrelson, Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renee Zellweger – team up in a video entitled “True to Texas” that highlights how the industry benefits the economy. (View the video on Quaid’s Instagram page and YouTube).

Composite image of actors in the "True to Texas" video.
In a recent video, actors with Texas ties are pushing for more film and television productions to be done in the state. Image courtesy of Adkins Publicity.

In his post, Quaid raises the question, “Why should Texas movies be made anywhere but Texas?” before providing the answer, “Filming in Texas isn’t just about showcasing our stunning landscapes – it’s about creating jobs, boosting local economies, and building a thriving industry right here at home. … Let’s keep the cameras rolling and the economy growing – because everything’s bigger (and better) in Texas.”

Over the years, dozens of productions have been brought to life in this area, a list of which can be found in a new window exhibit at the Ellis County Museum.

Most recently, those have included the TV western mini-series, “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” which filmed here in 2023, and “The Chosen: TV Series,” which began production in 2017 and continues to film on a Midlothian soundstage. Work on season five of its planned seven seasons took place in 2024.

Another photo of the Ellis County Museum's film and television production window exhibit.
Another view of the Ellis County Museum window exhibit on area film and television production.

Two cities in Ellis County – Midlothian and Waxahachie – are among more than 175 across the state recognized as Film Friendly Designated Communities by the Texas Film Commission, which operates under the governor’s office.

One pre-filed bill, HB 1452 by Giovanni Capriglione, R-Keller, would make film and television products eligible for funding under the state’s major events reimbursement program, establish a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, establish virtual film production institutes at two universities, and designate media production development zones.

Other pre-filed bills include HB 292 by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio, and HB 1162 by Matt Shaheen, R-Plano. Both relate to grant awards through the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program.

As of 2024, Ellis County was ranked No. 12 out of Texas’ top 20 counties for TMIIIP-awarded projects, according to the governor’s office.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.

 

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