BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
Zooming out
Production incentive budget allotments
Budget allotment
$250M
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program saw its biggest funding allotment in program history from the state Legislature in 2023.
$200M
$150M
$100M
$50M
0
2017 2019
2021
2023
2015
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE BUDGET BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“We were awarded $200 million [in 2023]. … That’s essentially a billion dollars of incentivized media production,” said Paul Jensen, executive director of the Texas Media Production Alliance. Collin County has seen over 50 productions use the incentive program since its inception, according to the Texas Film Commission’s website. “Hoovey,” a project filmed partially in McKinney, spent over $950,000 in state and supported over 300 jobs for Texas residents, according to data from the Texas Film Commission.
The Texas Film Commission incentivizes film productions in the state through the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Filmmakers are required to complete at least 60% of the total production in Texas to be eligible for the incentive. The program has seen over $2 billion in incentivized spending statewide since it was established in 2007, according to the Texas Film Commission’s website. Data from the state film commission shows for every $1 paid through the incentive program, $5.20 is spent in the state.
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Looking ahead
a crazy, wild idea, bring it to us, and if there is any way to make it happen, we will.” While working to attract new and bigger projects, the visitors bureau is also planning events to honor the 50th anniversary of “Benji,” which was the first notable film from the city. Festivities are planned for October, per Visit McKinney staff.
Shumate said she often fields calls from scouts looking for potential filming locations in the city. Interest from scouts becomes a top priority when she receives a call due to the potential for the city to draw in a large production. “We’re open for business,” Visit McKinney Executive Director Aaron Werner said. “Even if it seems like
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