In an industry known for its liberal leanings, actor Dennis Quaid is making waves as he advocates for more funding of film projects in his home state of Texas. Quaid, along with other native Texan actors, recently took part in an ad to encourage support for funding to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. According to Quaid, Texas is “more business-friendly” and has the potential to become “the film capital of the world.” With the state’s incentive program offering between 5% and 20% grants for film and television projects, along with requirements for Texas residents to be part of the production, it seems Quaid’s dream may not be too far off.
Quaid, a native Texan, is leading an effort to turn Texas into the new Hollywood in the film industry. During an appearance on Fox News’s Jesse Watters Primetime, Quaid lobbied for more funding for film projects in his home state, citing the state’s business-friendly environment as a key asset in attracting filmmakers.
According to Quaid, Hollywood productions are increasingly drawn to states like Georgia and Oklahoma due to their favorable tax incentive programs, with some receiving up to 40% of their production costs back through tax credits. Quaid believes that Texas has the potential to compete with these states and become the “film capital of the world.”
To that end, Quaid is urging support for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, which offers grants for film and television projects ranging from 5% for those costing between $250,000 and $1 million, to 20% for those exceeding $3.5 million. The only requirements of the program are that 70% of the paid crew and cast must be Texas residents, and that 60% of total production days must be completed in the state.
Additionally, the Texas House Bill 4419 would establish a film events trust fund, which would raise the state’s film rebates from $45 million to $200 million in the budget. The House has already approved the bill, but the Senate has yet to vote on it.
The incentive program has been in place since 2007 and has earned $1.95 billion in-state spending, resulting in a 504% return.
Quaid sees this effort as a way to boost Texas’s economy and create jobs beyond just those in the film industry. He draws a parallel to the California gold rush, stating that while a few may strike it rich with filmmaking, the real profit will come from the business growth associated with such an industry.
Texas can undoubtedly take advantage of its business-friendly environment and strategic location to become the new hub for filmmaking. With continued support for the incentive program and the film events trust fund, Texas could become a major player in the film industry, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Dennis Quaid’s push to make Texas the new Hollywood is not only a sound business decision, but it’s also a way to escape the failed policies of California. High taxes, stifling regulations, and a lack of incentives have driven filmmakers out of the state and into more welcoming pastures. Texas offers a chance for movie makers to create quality content while also supporting local economies. With the potential for a 504% return on investment and a film events trust fund, it’s clear that Texas is the future of the film industry. It’s time for California to take note and start making changes if it wants to stay in the game.
