Texas gave out $25 million in film, TV incentives in 2011

The Texas Film Commission distributed approximately $25 million in state funds to 177 projects in 2011 under the auspices of the Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Details of the grants were recently released to the American-Statesman after a request under the state's Public Information Act.

"The Good Guys," the defunct Fox TV show that was shot in the Dallas area, received more than $5 million, the most of any single production. Locally shot critical darling "Friday Night Lights" received more than $5 million, with $2.9 million paid for Season Five and $2.4 million for Season Four.

The Robert Rodriguez-produced film "Predators" received $2.9 in incentives a year after the Rodriguez-directed "Machete" was denied funds due to what the film commission considered a negative portrayal of Texas or Texans. The Richard Linklater dark comedy "Bernie" received more than $600,000, and Terrence Malick's Oscar-nominated "The Tree of Life" received more than $400,000. Fourteen feature films received funding through the program.

Though individual films and television productions received the most money, the bulk of the 177 projects to qualify for funds were commercials. More than $1.3 million was distributed to 121 commercial productions. Stone Core Films of Dallas received $300,000 for work on 26 commercials, and Dallas' Sugar Film Production earned about $200,000 for its 22 commercial productions.

Austin-based production company Synthetic Pictures received about $25,000 in tax incentives for four commercials. Synthetic Pictures founder Justin Corsbie says the incentives, along with talent, locations and crew, have been key in deciding to shoot in Texas.

"The incentive can sway us to produce commercial jobs out of our Austin office rather than our L.A. or NYC offices, and it certainly helps a Texas company like ours maintain healthy sustainability," Corsbie said. "That said, I would encourage the powers that be to do more, as Texas is being left behind when it comes to film incentives. I understand the state needs its own healthy sustainability, but Texas is seriously lagging behind other states like Louisiana, Georgia and New Mexico. For example, Synthetic is producing a $6 million feature film in Louisiana this year that was originally set to shoot in Texas. The healthy incentives offered in states such as Louisiana are now a common part of independent film financing models and revenue streams, and have become a critical tool for independent films that are leveraging incentives to complete financing and mitigate investor risk."

Twenty video game productions received $1.27 million in funds, with 16 of the 20 projects based in Austin. Time Gate Studios of Sugar Land received the most money, about $350,000, for work on a single game, while Challenge Online Games Inc. of Austin received the most payments of any video game producer, approximately $55,000 for their work on four video games.

In order to qualify for incentives, production companies must submit documentation of spending and meet eligibility standards. Qualifying productions are eligible for up to 17.5 percent of spending in Texas or 29.5 percent of eligible wages paid to Texas residents, depending on budget levels and types of productions.

The Texas Film Commission's incentives program, which is administered through the governor's office, is expected to hand out considerably less money this year. The Texas Legislature cut the potential pool of money in half last session, approving $30 million to use in 2012 and 2013, down from $60 million in the previous biennium.

"The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program has allowed Texas to continue to compete based on its strong crews and varied locations, even though neighboring states have the higher grant percentages and available funds that are so attractive to producers," Texas Film Commission director Evan Fitzmaurice said.

"While the Texas Legislature renewed its commitment to the program and recognized its job-creation aspects by appropriating $30 million for the current biennium, the state routinely attracts much more producer interest than it has incentive funds available to accommodate."

modam@statesman.com; 912-5986