What this means
The announcement comes amid growing momentum for Houston’s film industry. Productions filmed in the region generated $27.1 million in direct spending and an $81 million economic impact in 2024, according to the Houston Film Commission.
The program offers a 10% rebate on local spending, capped at $100,000 per qualifying project, with a total of $400,000 available annually, per the news release.
Officials said the initiative, the most competitive of its kind in Texas, aims to boost local job creation and strengthen Houston’s position as a film production hub. The program is expected to renew annually based on funding availability and performance.
“Houston is one of the most diverse and visually dynamic cities in the country,” Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First, said in the release. “This new incentive sends a strong message that we’re open for business when it comes to film and television production.”
The incentive follows the Texas Legislature’s approval of Senate Bill 22 earlier this year, which allocates $300 million every two years through 2035 for statewide film incentives. According to the release, local leaders hope Houston’s program helps direct that growing industry interest toward the region.
“Incentive programs have long played a pivotal role in the film industry, and now Texas, and Houston specifically, can better compete for projects,” Alfred Cervantes, executive director of the Houston Film Commission, said in the release. “This new, more level playing field will be a game changer for us.”
Diving in deeper
To qualify, projects must film at least 60% of principal photography within 60 miles of downtown, spend at least $500,000 locally and hire at least 55% Texas residents as cast and crew. Houston First and the Houston Film Commission will oversee the application process.
Recent local highlights include Season Two of Netflix’s “Mo" and Paramount’s 1923 spinoff scenes in Galveston and Houston-shot films “Charliebird” and “Do No Harm,” both earning recognition on the festival circuit, as stated in the release.
