Animation & Visual Effects Production in Texas

The Texas production industry has always been in-step with the latest technologies and techniques, and animation and visual effects are no exception. The Lone Star State is home to multiple postproduction, visual effects, and animation companies, all with full production capabilities. For example, the entire postproduction and visual effects for the blockbuster series of Spy Kids films were actually done in-house at Austin-based Troublemaker Studios.

With a tradition of cel animation, and now a vibrant computer animation industry, Texans have the capability of creating everything from 3-D feature films to flash animated commercials. The long running children's television show The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and the feature-length film The Ant Bully were both animated and produced in Dallas by DNA Productions.

More than 55 animation and visual effects companies in Texas provide support and talent to the local and worldwide film industry. And new projects are coming out of Texas everyday! The History Channel's new animation and live-action hybrid show Jurassic Fight Club is being created by San Antonio's 1080 Entertainment, and Sony Picture Animation's Open Season 2 is currently in production at Reel FX Studios in Dallas.

Why Texas for Animation & VFX

Financial Incentives
Texas offers production incentives for live-action and animated film, TV, and commercial projects equal to 5% of in-state spending. Animators are also eligible to receive sales tax exemptions on many of the goods and services used during production. You can visit the Texas Incentive Program page for more information.

Support Industries
There are support service companies for the animation & VFX industry throughout the state, including motion capture studios, software and hardware manufacturers, art outsourcers, and audio facilities. Texas is your one-stop shop for production. Please visit our Production Directory for a list of companies that offer some of these services.

Clusters of Talent
Companies have migrated to cities such as Austin, Dallas and San Antonio because of their large collection of talented artists, designers and visionaries. New talent from Texas universities and colleges, as well as those from other industries, such as film and music, has helped the animation community grow. Local professional organizations and industry-specific conferences have also provided an environment for creativity.

Competitive Business Climate
Texas has one of the lowest tax burdens of any other state and has no state income tax, factors that have lead many companies to call the Lone Star State 'home'. With strong communities, school districts, transportation networks and other resources, Texas is convenient and stable place to do business. We're Wide Open for Business.

2008 Texas Animation, Games & Visual Effects Showcase

The Showcase is a collaboration of the Texas Film Commission and A Bunch of Short Guys (Texas Animation Guild) that shows the quality and quantity of great work being produced in Texas. To request a copy for yourself, please contact Katy Daiger at the Film Commission.