Hey, aspiring indie filmmakers, actors, and hardworking crew members of Texas! Get ready, because the Lone Star State is making a serious play to keep film productions right here at home. Senate Bill 22 (SB 22), passed with a solid 114-26 vote in the Texas House on May 26, 2025, is pouring new life into the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Texas is trying, but it’s not quite Hollywood yet. Let’s give a big shout out to our friends at the Texas Media Production Alliance for all their hard work on this issue.
More Cash for Your Films
SB 22 is Texas’ way of saying, “We’re done watching Georgia and New Mexico steal our spotlight.” The bill sets up the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund, stuffed with $300 million every two years until 2035. That’s a nice jump from the $200 million we’ve been working with, and it means rebates for spending on local crew, actors, and supplies. For indie filmmakers hovering around that $500,000 budget mark, this is a lifeline. You can apply for grants to cover costs, but here’s the rub: you need to spend at least $500,000 in Texas to qualify, up from the old $250,000 minimum. So, if your coming-of-age flick about a skateboarding armadillo is super low-budget, you’ll need to dream a bit bigger to tap into this cash. The bill lowers the Texas residency requirement for cast and crew from 55% to 35% (rising to 50% by 2031), so you can bring in a couple of out-of-state buddies without losing your shot at the rebates. Want to sweeten the deal? Film in a rural Texas town or an economically distressed area, and you could score an extra 2.5% rebate. You’ll also get that bonus if you hire Texas military veterans for at least 5% of your crew or make a “Texas Heritage” film that celebrates the state’s spirit (think wide-open plains and family-friendly stories). Finish your editing or visual effects in Texas, and you’ll snag another 1% rebate. Not bad, right?
If you’re a veteran or based in a rural area, you’re an extra-hot commodity thanks to those bonus rebates. So, dust off your demo reels and toolkits—Texas is about to get busier.
The Catch
Now, don’t start planning your wrap party just yet. Texas loves its rules, so the Governor’s Office gets to eyeball your project and can say “nope” if they think it’s too out-there. There’s also a 2.5% bonus for faith-based films, which might make some indie filmmakers raise an eyebrow unless your script involves, say, a heartwarming barn dance. Oh, and you need to shoot at least 60% of your film in Texas to qualify for the money. So, no sneaking off to Arizona for those cactus shots and expecting a check.
Why This Matters for Indie Dreamers
For indie filmmakers, actors, and crew, SB 22 is Texas finally stepping up to the plate. That $500,000 minimum might feel like a stretch for some, but it’s within reach for ambitious indies, and those rebates could mean paying your crew properly or getting your film into festivals like, say, Austin Action Fest & Market. For actors and tradespeople, it’s a chance to work on more projects without packing up for Atlanta. Texas is making a solid effort, but let’s be real—it’s playing catch-up with states that have been wooing filmmakers for years.
So, indie filmmakers, rally your Texas crew, scout some small-town locations, and maybe hire a veteran or two. SB 22 is your chance to make that $500,000 passion project shine with a little help from the state. Actors and crew, get ready for more work. Texas is trying to be a film star—let’s see if it can keep up the momentum! Don’t forget to stick some action in there!
Austin Action Fest & Market is rooting for Texas indie filmmakers, actors, and crew, with just a pinch of side-eye for good measure.
