Gov. Perry Signs HB 873 to Provide Incentives for Entertainment Industries

Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill (HB) 873 by Rep. Dawnna Dukes and Sen. Robert Deuell, which promotes the entertainment industry in Texas by providing incentives for the film, television, video and digital interactive media production industries.

“The passage of House Bill 873 is an important step in helping Texas regain its footing in the moving image business,” Gov. Perry said. “With this legislation, we are strengthening our state’s investment in a vital industry that not only shows off our state to the rest of the world, but also draws investment and creates jobs for Texans.”

The governor was joined by lawmakers, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, members of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, and representatives of the film, television, commercial and video game industries from across the state at Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios for the signing.

Texas has lost approximately 7,000 crew positions and $500 million in production spending to states with more competitive film incentives, such as New Mexico, whose feature film and television productions contributed $242 million to its state economy in 2008, and Louisiana, which earned $350 million in production in 2007. Currently, about 25 percent of Texas-based film professionals are working in these states, some starting to relocate permanently.

The moving image industry has brought more than $1.2 billion dollars to the state in the past 10 years. Gov. Perry noted that these investments would not only boost the entertainment industry in Texas, but would also indirectly affect other industries and businesses that support these productions.

For more information on this bill, visit http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB873.