Matthew McConaughey testifies in Texas Lege Wednesday, calling for more film investment

Movie star and Austin resident Matthew McConaughey returned to the Texas Capitol Wednesday to push for increased incentives to expand film production in the Lone Star State.

This time, McConaughey was joined by his brother-from-another-father — perhaps literally — Woody Harrelson, a fellow Hollywood actor and Texas native.

The two stars testified on behalf of House Bill 4568, which would expand investment in the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) and adjust the parameters for the type of projects that qualify.

Altogether, the fund would infuse $2.5 billion into Texas’ burgeoning film economy over the next 10 years. Through the legislation, the Texas Film Office would issue grants to movie projects that spend at least $250,000 on production in Texas.

“HB 4568 can be a sustainable and profitable investment and damn good ROI for our state and Texas residents,” McConaughey said in his remarks before lawmakers.

HB 4568 is presented as a job creator for the Lone Star State, both by its co-sponsors and McConaughey, who said a recent commercial shoot for his tequila brand, Pantalones Organic Tequila, resulted in 260 days of work for employees. The shoot also had a positive impact on the economy that included hiring local catering companies and booking 59 hotel stays, the actor said.

“We’ve set up incentive programs that are attracting industries that provide well-paying jobs for young men and women coming out of our public and higher-education systems, and just like auto manufacturing, computer chip making, oil and gas production, the finance industry and so many other industries, the film industry can thrive in states who provide limited incentives to work there,” Matthew McConaughey added.

However, critics point out that the bill reduces the percentage of a film project’s employees that must be state residents, meaning a large swath of its beneficiaries won’t be Texans. Currently, 55% of a film’s employees to be Texas residents for it to qualify for state incentives.

However, should the bill pass, just 35% of all actors, crew and extras must be Texas residents for a film to qualify for this incentive starting Sept. 1. In 2027, that number jumps up to 40%, and in 2029, it increases to 45%. By 2031, the required minimum will be half.

Another stipulation laid out in HB 4568 is that the “film project must portray Texas and Texans in a positive fashion.” Films that portray “family values” are also incentivized through the fund. Inappropriate and pornographic projects, as well as political PSAs and attack ads, wouldn’t qualify.

HB 4568’s companion bill, SB 22, already passed the Senate. That proposal would support the film industry by providing $500 million to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) every two years and doubling its current funding level.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick listed SB 22 as one of his top legislative priorities in the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, in an effort to establish “Texas as America’s film capital.”

Patrick also praised the incentive as “an opportunity for us to export Texas faith and family values to the rest of America and the world while growing our economy and enriching Texas workers.”
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This article appears in Apr 16-29, 2025.