The economic impact of the film sector here in Houston more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year based on an analysis of productions assisted by the Houston Film Commission.

The local industry benefited from several major productions last year including filming of the second season of the Houston-based Netflix series “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 Film Commission totaled $27.1 million in 2024, up from $11.3 million the previous year. The overall economic impact of those productions hit $81 million, an increase of 138% and the largest total in more than seven years.

The Houston Film Commission 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.

“2024 proved to be an incredible year for our business as we worked to promote Houston to a broader audience of filmmakers,” said Alfred Cervantes, executive director of the Film Commission. “Through more than 200 presentations and dozens of marketing events and activations around the country, we’re engaging with the industry in new ways that are paying off.”

While the overall number of productions was down 33%, the spending and economic impact were far greater due to the Netflix and Paramount TV projects that had studio level budgets.

Written by A.J. Mistretta

Photo: A production image from the set of "Mo"