The San Antonio Film Incentive (SAFI) program supports productions filming in the Greater San Antonio Metro Area (GSAMA). When combined with statewide incentives, eligible film and commercial projects can receive up to a 45% rebate package. San Antonio is the most financially competitive filming destination in Texas, surpassing other major cities in the state and rivaling leading film hubs across the region.
Program Guidelines(PDF, 276KB)
Eligibility & Requirements
SAFI provides a rebate to professional film and television productions that:
- Film primarily in the city of San Antonio.
- Hire locally from San Antonio-based cast, crew and department heads.
- Promote San Antonio-based vendors and services.
- Increase tourism to the San Antonio area.
- Make San Antonio a more desirable production destination.
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Eligible Project Types
- Feature Films
- Short Films
- Documentaries
- TV Movies
- TV Pilots
- TV Episodes
- Webisodes or digitally distributed motion pictures
- Music Videos
- Commercials
NOTE: Infomercials and political ads are not eligible project types.
Workforce Development
Productions must offer a workforce development component which could include:
- On-set shadowing opportunities.
- Employment of college students or recent graduates (24 months or less) in paid entry-level positions.
- Workshops, trainings, or education engagements conducted in partnership with a local higher education institution.
Incentive Details
SAFI is a rebate program. Funds are distributed after project completion.
Incentive Rate
You may receive up to 14% of approved GSAMA-qualified spending, verified by the City of San Antonio:
- Base Rebate
- Receive 10%.
- Local Hire Uplift
- Receive an additional 2% for employing 35 to 50% local cast and crew.
- Veteran Hire Uplift
- Receive an additional 2% for employing at least 5% military veterans.
The maximum San Antonio award for any single project is $250,000 and dependent on available funds.
State Program
SAFI rebates can be combined with the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) for a potential total incentive of up to 45%. It is one of the most competitive production incentives in the United States and the highest in Texas.