Taylor Sheridan, the writer behind the 2016 film "Hell or High Water," describes his work as a love letter to Texas. Interestingly, he filmed it in New Mexico. The movie follows two brothers who turn to bank robbery to save their family ranch in West Texas. However, due to financial incentives, all the filming took place east of Albuquerque.
Sheridan mentioned that the 30% rebate offered by New Mexico was too attractive to pass up when he spoke to Texas lawmakers. In response, Texas legislators are working on a bill to invest at least $1.5 billion over the next decade to attract filmmakers, video game creators, and others in the entertainment industry. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is pushing this initiative, claiming it will help Texas become a major film hub and promote its values.
However, there’s a catch. To receive funding, productions must not portray Texas negatively. A film commissioner appointed by the governor will make these decisions, and some lawmakers are concerned about using taxpayer money for projects that might conflict with conservative values. This includes worries about violence, sexual content, and profanity in films.
Texas aims to compete with established film markets like New York and Georgia, especially as the national landscape shifts towards encouraging domestic filmmaking. Other states have incentives, but Texas’s approach to content control is unique. Executives in Hollywood are already expressing skepticism about these restrictions.
Over the past decade, the Texas Film Commission has rejected a significant number of applications for funding, with a peak rejection rate of 59% in 2021. While the reasons for denials are not tracked, it is unclear how many were due to content issues. With increased funding in 2023, Texas is attempting to create a more stable environment for filmmakers.
Stars like Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are backing the bill, even returning part of their salaries to film their new show in Texas instead of Georgia. They have also participated in promotional videos advocating for the grant program.
Despite the push for more funding, some experts question whether taxpayer money should be used to entice filmmakers. Studies have shown that such incentives often do not lead to significant economic benefits. For instance, New Mexico reportedly received only 14 cents for every dollar spent on film incentives.
The competition for attracting film projects is heating up. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a substantial tax credit program to keep up with states like Georgia, which has become a significant player in film production.
As Texas moves forward with its plans, it will be interesting to see how the content restrictions affect its ability to attract filmmakers. The state is looking to promote family-friendly productions and projects that highlight its history and workforce development. Lawmakers are keen to ensure Texas is portrayed positively in the media, reflecting the values they hold dear.