Texas Film Bill Gains Star Power: McConaughey, Harrelson Push for Bigger Incentives

Texas is taking steps to become a top destination for film production, with support from some major Hollywood stars. On Monday, actor Matthew McConaughey, a native of Texas, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to endorse a bill that aims to strengthen the state’s film industry. The bill would expand the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, which has already had a positive impact on the state’s economy.

McConaughey, who is well-known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective, believes Texas can compete with other film hubs, like Hollywood, by building better infrastructure and training local talent. “California… doesn’t have the incentives to compete,” McConaughey said, reflecting on his 33 years in film. He added that one of his biggest regrets is not filming more of his movies in Texas, especially those set in the state.

Also supporting the bill was actor Woody Harrelson, McConaughey’s co-star in a new family comedy series currently being filmed in Dripping Springs, Texas. The two actors agreed to take a 15% pay cut to keep the production in Texas instead of moving it to Georgia, a state known for its film-friendly incentives. McConaughey pointed out that the production has already spent $12 million on local Texas businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and even Harrelson’s barber.

The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, launched in 2007, offers tax breaks and reimbursements to film productions that hire local talent and spend a significant portion of their budget in Texas. Since its creation, the program has brought in $2.5 billion in economic benefits and created nearly 200,000 jobs, proving the value of investing in the film industry.

However, Texas has struggled to compete with other states that offer more generous incentives. To address this, Senator Joan Huffman introduced a bill, SB 22, which would secure $500 million every two years for the next decade to help keep Texas competitive. The bill would also expand the program to allow more productions to qualify for top-tier incentives and increase the amount of money available for reimbursements.

“The incentives we currently offer are good, but they need to be reliable and consistent,” Senator Huffman said. She explained that many producers struggle to convince their teams to film in Texas when other states offer more attractive deals. SB 22, she said, would ensure that Texas stays in the running for future film projects.

Senator Donna Campbell also spoke in favor of the bill, but raised concerns about the type of content that would be allowed under the program. “I think it’s a good bill. The purpose of it and everything. That’s not the question. We have the discretion and it’s outlined—no porn, no inappropriate images,” Campbell said. She emphasized the importance of maintaining family-friendly values in the state’s film industry, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved. “Would we allow our children in the school rooms to hear certain language? If we’re going to be family-friendly, then we should stay family-friendly,” she said. Campbell added that while the Governor has discretion over what productions are approved, it’s important to make sure the content aligns with Texas values.

Senator Pete Flores also supported the bill, stressing the importance of reflecting Texas’ unique story in the films produced in the state. “Weave in the story of Texas. The language of the telling of that story can be told through the artistry of the trade,” he said, highlighting the importance of preserving the culture and identity of Texas in its film productions.

McConaughey echoed the idea of creating a self-sustaining film industry in Texas. “We create our own industry, our own pipeline for film and television,” he said. “Eventually, we won’t need the state’s financial incentives at all.” He believes that with the right investments, Texas can become a strong force in the film industry, attracting more productions without relying on financial incentives.

If the bill passes, it would help Texas stay competitive with other states in attracting film productions, while also creating a long-term, self-sustaining film industry. As McConaughey put it, the future of filmmaking in Texas isn’t just about making movies—it’s about building a thriving industry that can stand on its own.