HOUSTON (June 23, 2025) – Leadership of the Houston Film Commission and its parent organization Houston First Corporation believe the passage of Senate Bill 22 will help the Houston metro region secure millions of dollars in new productions over the next decade.
Over the weekend Senate Bill 22 became law, dedicating $300 million in incentive funding to qualifying film productions every two years through 2035. The bill authored by Houston-area Senator Joan Huffman brings more money and stability to the Texas Moving Industry Incentive Fund, which lawmakers previously weighed every session. The measure was also backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Representatives from Houston First and the Houston Film Commission testified before key committees and lobbied lawmakers alongside counterparts from across the state in recent months. The Houston Film Commission also hosted the Texas Media Production Alliance (TXMPA) Road Show in mid-April to further rally support for the legislation from Houston region cast and crew. The organization’s efforts this session built upon activity in previously legislative cycles to raise awareness about the need for increased funding and stability in the program.
“Texas and the Houston region have tremendous untapped potential in the film industry and this measure gives us the tools we need to go out and win that business,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First. “We have worked hard to frame the opportunity for lawmakers in recent years and we’re so grateful to Lt. Governor Patrick, Senator Huffman and her colleagues for seeing this through.”
The incentive program allows film and television producers to recoup parts of their project investment such as employing Texas crews. In the most recent biennium, the state provided $200 million for the film incentive fund. The new law increases that to $300 million, but perhaps more importantly the legislation funds the program for the next decade, which means series and other multi-year projects will not run the risk of losing monies producers are banking on.
“Incentive programs have become a significant component of the film business and unfortunately our region has lost projects through the years to other parts of the country that had more competitive programs,” said Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission. “Now, the playing field is reset and we are in a much more aggressive position to secure projects than we’ve ever been in before.”
Dozens of film and television productions have been filmed in the Houston area over the years, from 90s classic movies like Reality Bites and Apollo 13 to more modern productions like the Netflix series Mo. But Cervantes said many producers in recent years have opted for locations where they can recoup part of their costs, even if it means other states or even countries standing in for Texas.
Paul Jensen, a producer with Houston-based production company Lucky Number 8, said the new incentive is “a game changer because it provides a stable, consistent program that signals our state’s long-term commitment to the film and television industry.”
Jensen said while his company focuses on telling Texas stories, he and his colleagues had become increasingly concerned they couldn’t continue to film in the state without more competitive incentives. “This new state legislation allows us to keep working here at home in Houston.”
In 2024, the local industry benefited from several major productions including filming of the second season of Netflix’s Mo and a period film production in Galveston for the Paramount series 1923, part of the Taylor Sheridan television universe.
Direct spending of projects filmed in the region and aided by the Houston Film Commission totaled $27.1 million in 2024 with an overall economic impact of $81 million.
The Film Commission also has increased its outreach and engagement with the broader film industry in recent years, hosting a total of 93 marketing events and related programs in 2024, a 33% increase over the prior year.
About Houston First Corporation
Houston First Corporation (HFC) is a local government corporation and the destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston's most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city's vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city's collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfirst.com
PR Contact
Carolyn Campbell
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carolyn.campbell@houstonfirst.com
