Film Official: Incentives Keep Texas In Picture
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The director of the Texas Film Commission says incentives used to reimburse production companies are helping lure them to the Lone Star State.
Director Heather Page told a House panel Wednesday that legislation last year allowed the commission to raise its refund rate for production costs by 5-percent.
The reimbursements go toward entertainment companies that hire Texans and spend money in the state. While the rate isn't as high as other states, Page says it's enough to keep Texas competitive.
She says Texas has provided $128 million in incentives over the past seven years.
But Warner Bros. Entertainment executive Michael Walbrecht testified that Texas will have to boost its incentives to be more competitive. He says Texas is doing "just enough" to get filmmakers to come to the state.
North Texas has seen everything from major blockbusters, with "A-List" stars, to local churches shooting their own movies, and hometown writers and directors, filming in the metroplex.
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