Texas approves $1.5 billion film incentive package to retain industry talent

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has officially enacted a $1.5 billion film incentive program aimed at attracting major production projects and retaining local creative talent.

The new law seeks to bolster the state’s entertainment industry and stop the "brain drain" of professionals moving to rival film hubs. Media for Texas, an Austin-based nonprofit, led the advocacy efforts to secure the funding.

In March, the organization hosted a showcase on the South Lawn of the Texas State Capitol to demonstrate the film production process to lawmakers. Supporters argue the massive incentive package is necessary for Texas to remain competitive in the national creative economy.

Texas has authorized a landmark $1.5 billion film incentive package, marking a decisive escalation in the intensifying economic "arms race" among U.S. states. The move signals Austin’s intent to reclaim market share from traditional production hubs like California and New York, which have steadily ceded projects to tax-friendly jurisdictions such as Georgia.

By securing this substantial budgetary commitment, Texas is telegraphing its ambition to foster a self-sustaining cinematic ecosystem. The strategy extends beyond merely courting Hollywood blockbusters; it is a defensive play to stem the "brain drain" of homegrown directors, screenwriters, and technical talent who have historically migrated to Los Angeles in search of a viable career path.

This pivot reflects a broader shift in state-level industrial policy. Governments are increasingly moving away from relying solely on broad-based low-tax environments, opting instead for targeted fiscal interventions designed to nurture high-value-added sectors. However, the program’s long-term success will hinge on the state's ability to provide rigorous administrative oversight and ensure that the projected economic multiplier delivers a genuine return on investment for Texas taxpayers.

Texas, particularly the Houston area, is home to one of the most vibrant Vietnamese American communities in the country. This incentive package creates a wealth of new opportunities for our local filmmakers, actors, and production professionals to make their mark on the industry right here at home. Instead of having to relocate to California, the talent within our community—from those rooted in our local Little Saigons to the next generation of creatives—can now build their careers and tell their stories without ever leaving the state.