I was at the Buda Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday and a representative from the Texas Film Commission was speaking.  I was surprised that many at my table were not aware of the film industry's presence in Texas, Austin or even in our own little community.  A few people didn't even seem aware that the television show "Friday Night Lights" is shot in Austin.

So thought I'd take a moment and let folks now about how little Hollywood in Texas. 

Over the years Austin has built up quite a reputation for being "film friendly".  There is a 'vibe' about the area that the movie iindustry likes.  It doesn't hurt that we can claim ties to such folks as: Rene Zellwegger, Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Quaid, the Owen Brothers just to name a few. 

But more than that the film, television and related industry means a lot to Texas economy.  The chart below shows 2007 figures...anyway you slice it there are some big bucks involved. 

Unfortunately the other states caught wind that there was money to be had if they too could have the film makers come to their fair states.  New Mexico and Louisiana's government ponied up and offered 25% incentives.  My understanding means that at the end of the filming, the state will write the studio a check equal to 25% of what they spent in the state.  This compares to the 5% figure that Texas offers. 

But it gets even worse...from a Texas perspective that is...the great state of Michigan...they offer a whopping 40% incentive.  And guess what...they have 40 productions that went their way this year. 

The sad thing is that many of the directors and producers would like to shoot in Texas but the incentives offered by other states make it almost impossible to do so.  Recently Disney productions gave instructions to their location scouts, to not even go to states that don't offer the deep incentives.  Don't even consider them!!!

The thing that is great about Texas from a filming perspective, is that we are such a large state with such a range of topagraphy, from desert, to hilly, to ocean front, they can shoot pretty much anything here. 

So the film community and commission are trying to get the state legislation to enact better incentives.  This is a big industry and we'd like get a piece of the pie.

Hey...if you want to be an extra, there's always something happening around town...give a yell and I'll tell you where to look.

In the meantime if you want to buy or sell a home in the Austin and surrounding communities, as always, we'd love to help you out.  Email us at info@adkor.net or call us at 512-449-6070.  You can also see what homes are available in the Austin area by checking out our website www.SoldByCeleste.com.