Most people have heard that in 2025, Texas secured $1.5 billion film incentive bill to encourage the entertainment industry to film content in Texas and make it a competitive place for productions that often take place in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Vancouver. Many people saw the star-heavy video that included Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Renee Zellweger and more rallying for the bill to pass. That video, as well as much behind-the-scenes effort getting the bill passed, was the work of Media for Texas, a nonprofit organization powering the future of film and media in Texas. Their mission is to help create a future where Texas leads the nation in film and media, where “stories won’t only be made here – they’ll be born, developed, produced, and delivered here.”
Media for Texas was founded by Texas natives and University of Texas alumni Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood, both of whom work in the entertainment industry. We had a chat with them to learn more about what they do, and what the new funds mean for the future of entertainment in Texas.
What was the impetus for starting Media for Texas?
Chase: Media for Texas grew out of our shared belief that Texas could and should be a major global media hub. That belief became personal when I lost financing for a Texas-set feature film due to uncompetitive state incentives, while Grant’s background mapping out incentive programs nationwide made it clear how far Texas had fallen behind peer states. After the 2023 legislative session, we decided to leave our current endeavors (Grant was at WME, I was getting my MFA at UT) to found Media for Texas, with a focus on securing long-term incentives in 2025 and building a sustainable industry that allows Texans to develop, produce, and work at home.
A primary focus has been securingfilm incentives. Does the $1.5 billion bill make Austin competitive with Atlanta and Vancouver?
Grant: Yes! This legislation places Texas among the top five incentive states in the country. Texas now offers up to a 31 percent cash rebate, which is competitive with Georgia and more efficient since productions don’t have to sell credits through brokers. While Texas doesn’t incentivize non-resident labor like Atlanta or Vancouver, our goal isn’t just to service Hollywood, it’s to build a sustainable, homegrown media ecosystem. For the first time in years, Texans now have the tools and funding to stay home and build that future.
Have you started to see a shift and more projects move into production?
Chase: Absolutely. While many productions are waiting for final program rules expected in early 2026, interest is extremely high. We speak with dozens of producers each week actively planning to shoot in Texas, and several projects are already filming that would not be here without SB22.
Is Austin the most popular city to film in Texas?
Grant: When people think of Texas filmmaking, Austin is often the first city that comes to mind, thanks to its long history of independent cinema and creative leadership from filmmakers like Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, along with institutions like Austin Film Society and Austin Studios. That said, Texas’ real competitive advantage is that it isn’t dependent on a single hub. Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and West Texas all play distinct and growing roles, allowing Texas to function as a multi-city ecosystem rather than a one-city industry like our competitors.
What is your primary focus now?
Chase: With the legislative work largely complete, Media for Texas is entering its next phase as a 501(c)(3) focused on workforce development. We’re building training and placement pathways for Texans and veterans and creating a statewide pipeline connecting college students directly to productions. These efforts also help productions access incentive uplifts tied to veteran and student hiring.
What projects are coming up that you’re particularly excited about?
Grant: There are several major projects looking at Texas in the coming year that we can’t yet announce. We’re excited to see Brothers finishing production in Austin and Landman renewed for a third season. The momentum is real, and we expect an exponential increase as the months progress!
Approximately how many jobs will be created as a result of the incentives?
Chase: At roughly a 25 perecnt incentive rate, a $300 million biennial fund supports about $1.2 billion in Texas production spending every two years. That translates to approximately 82,000* local hires per biennium. Over the 10-year life of the program, this equates to well over 400,000* paid on-set job opportunities statewide. Note: These are short-term, project-based jobs, meaning many Texans will be rehired across multiple productions, so it isn’t necessarily 400,000 individual people.
*Estimates based on Motion Picture Association data showing approximately 68 local hires per $1 million in production spending.
Are there professions needed locally you’d suggest people try to break into?
Grant: Production is one of the most accessible entry points into the entertainment industry, and many people begin their careers as Production Assistants. From there, workers can move into departments like camera, art, costume, sound, locations, or visual effects, depending on their interests and skills. Media for Texas is working with colleges, universities, and workforce partners across the state to help Texans enter these roles with practical, on-set knowledge so productions can hire locally with confidence.
How can people become members of Media for Texas?
Chase: We will officially launch memberships in 2026 once our programs are fully operational.
What are the benefits of membership?
Grant: Members will receive access to exclusive events, advocacy updates, statewide networking opportunities, guidance navigating the Texas media industry, and our monthly newsletter highlighting opportunities across the state, among other fun things to come!
What are some projects you’re personally working on?
Chase: We are in development on a Texas period piece set against a familiar chapter of our state’s history. More to come, but we are very excited about this one.
12. Anything you’d like to add?
Grant: Texas has always had the talent, culture, and infrastructure to support a thriving media industry. With long-term incentives finally in place, we’re focused on making sure Texans are positioned to benefit from this moment for years to come.
Learn more at: https://mediafortexas.com/