26-06-2025
Expanded film incentives could grow local industry
San Antonio's film community is sizing up its future after Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation expanding the state's tax incentives program for movies and TV shows.
Why it matters: Senate Bill 22 opens the door for Texas — including San Antonio — to attract more major film and TV productions and create more job opportunities for local creatives.
Catch up quick: The law gives consistent funding for the first time to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, to the tune of $300 million every two years.
The total investment is projected to reach $1.5 billion through 2035.
For every $1 spent on incentives, Texas sees about $4.69 in economic return, according to the state's Economic Development and Tourism office.
Zoom in: San Antonio's Supplemental Film Incentive, funded through hotel occupancy taxes, offers up to a 7.5% rebate on eligible spending.
Combined with state incentives, productions could receive up to 38.5% in total rebates, making it one of the most competitive packages in the state, according to Krystal Jones, director of the city's Arts and Culture Department.
"San Antonio is poised for a major leap forward," she said in a statement.
What they're saying: Paul Ardoin, director of the University of Texas at San Antonio's film and media program, says the bill's long-term scope could help build a stronger industry footprint in San Antonio and lead to more Texas stories being told.
He says the local talent pipeline is expanding, with UTSA's Film/Media program entering its fourth year with more than 300 majors.
"We're seeing increasing numbers of young people becoming fluent in digital media storytelling," Ardoin tells Axios.
The fine print: Productions that hire veterans for at least 5% of their crew can qualify for an additional 2.5% incentive — an edge that could benefit Military City USA.
