HB873 Passed: Texas Continues Support of Moving Image Industry

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) has reported that House Bill 873 has passed not only the House but the Senate, and will be on Governor Rick Perry's desk for signing on April 23. It's celebration time.

Why? A little perspective is in order. In the 1990s, Texas -- in particular, Austin -- was becoming a film production alternative to Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver.

In 1991, under Governor Ann Richards, Texas began drawing more and more productions, and El Mariachi put Austin and Texas on the map. By 1995, the mission of Austin Film Society (AFS) evolved into an educational and support organization, providing education and funding for film-related projects.

Then in 2001, AFS partnered with the City of Austin to open Austin Studios, a 20-acre facility with production offices and sound stages on the site of the old Mueller airport. Film professionals didn't just come from here but lived here, including well-known filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez and Richard Linklater.

But mid-decade, the momentum faltered. Other states were offering competitive incentives, and the work needed to bring the sound stages at Austin Studios up to par wasn't happening. In 2004, a study the City of Austin commissioned was released, and for the first time, it was clear just how much of an impact the creative arts and the moving images industry had on Austin. The numbers are impressive: the economic impact of film in 2004 for Austin alone was nearly $360 million annually, 3,500 jobs created annually, and $1.3 million in annual tax revenues.

2006 was a banner year for film in Austin. TXMPA organized as an industry advocate, and began the much-needed work to get legislation passed that included financial support of film. Austin voters passed Proposition 4, which included funding for critical infrastructure upgrades to Austin Studios.

In 2007, TXMPA broadened its mission to include gaming and all moving-image production. Representative Dawna Dukes of Austin introduced HB1634, which established the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. This included not just traditional film, but all moving-image industries, including gaming. It also meant Friday Night Lights could continue local production, as well as Prison Break up in the Dallas area.

But that wasn't enough. Continued funding and evolving policies are required. Even in the last year, the incentives competition between the states has become downright aggressive to entice productions and the revenue that comes with them.

So 2009 is off to a great start. In January, Austin Studios re-opened with significant improvements. Now in April, HB873 has had a smooth passage through the Texas Legislature, and just needs some ink from Rick Perry's pen. Perry is expected to sign, so all you filmmakers who say you love Austin, now's the time to plan to come back.

Slackerwood will be following this story to see what celebrations Austin and TXMPA have planned, so watch this space.