San Antonio’s Film Industry Poised for Growth with State Incentives
Published on June 23, 2025
New Texas legislation boosts funding and benefits for film, TV, and media production projects.
SAN ANTONIO (June 23, 2025) – Yesterday, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 22, which marks a significant milestone for the state's film industry. The bill opens the door to potential growth in San Antonio-based productions and expanded job opportunities.
The legislation increases funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) from $250 million to $300 million per biennium. With guaranteed funding through 2035, this represents a historic $1.5 billion investment in Texas’ film industry over the next decade. According to the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism office, every $1 invested in the program yields $4.69 in economic returns, underscoring the film industry’s impact as a key economic engine for the state.
In addition to the state incentives, the San Antonio Supplemental Film Incentive (SSAI), funded by the City of San Antonio’s hotel occupancy tax, offers up to a 7.5% rebate on eligible local expenditures. When combined with the state’s incentive, qualifying productions in San Antonio may receive a total incentive package of up to 38.5%. This makes San Antonio’s incentives the most competitive in Texas and one of the most attractive in the nation.
“With the passage of this new state law, San Antonio is poised for a major leap forward in our local film industry,” said Krystal Jones, Director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “The City of San Antonio continues to champion filmmaking through sustained investment in the local film incentive program. With screen-worthy locations, free film permits, talented crew, and incentives for projects of all sizes, this momentum signals an exciting new era for San Antonio’s media production industry.”
The SSAI is designed to grow the local media production industry, boost film-related tourism, and keep San Antonio competitive with other top filmmaking destinations. Key eligibility requirements include:
- At least 60% of the production must take place in the Greater San Antonio Metro Area
- A minimum San Antonio spend of $100,000
- Must hire at least 10% San Antonio-based paid crew and cast and Texas hiring requirement percentages in line with State incentive requirements
- Primary production office and hotel accommodations located in San Antonio
The San Antonio Film Commission, a division of the City of San Antonio's Department of Arts & Culture, facilitates film permits on City-owned properties, connects local crew and vendors with job opportunities, showcases the City’s film-friendly locations, and provides government liaison services on active productions. For more information about filming in San Antonio and details on the San Antonio Supplemental Film Incentive, visit FilmSanAntonio.com and @filmsanantonio.