Okay, this doesn't just affect Austin, this is a Texas wide thing, but come on Austin is already the hot spot for movie makers.

According to an article in the Austin Business Journal, "The long-awaited Texas film and television industry incentive bill is one step closer to being official.

The Senate passed the bill late Thursday after the House passed the amended measure Wednesday. The bill will now go before Gov. Rick Perry.

The bill earmarking $20 million worth of incentives for in-state productions originally was passed by the Senate May 17 but was sent back to the House with an amendment to include multimedia projects.

Film industry analysts said this will attract productions from nearby states with similar incentive laws, like New Mexico and Louisiana, which have siphoned production away from Texas.

If the bill is accepted by Perry, projects completed after Sept. 1 would be eligible for a rebate of up to 5 percent of their costs, or a maximum of $2 million.

A film must spend $1 million in Texas to qualify, including wages and equipment. After the project is completed, the company would need to verify the cash it spent. A greater incentive -- an extra 1.5 percent -- exists for "underserved areas," which include the Houston area.

A similar bill passed in 2005, but the Legislature never funded it."

I have been working closely with a couple of people in the local film industry as they want my Construction Company to help them "green build" a Special Effects Studio for them once they get their funding. I know from talking to them that they are really hoping this bill gets passed. Such shows as Friday Night Lights and others have been looking to move somewhere else that has better incentives and TX wants to keep them here.

I know my client is hoping they fund it this time so it'll provide more incentive for movie makers to come here besides using their green built green screne! Okay, sorry that was a deliberate plug...I know, I'm shameless!

Seriously, though, a lot of movies and television shows have already left TX to find "cheaper" pastures which has been a direct loss of revenue for the State, so this bill is truly needed.