Celebrities Advocate for Texas as New Film Capital
Matthew McConaughey and other A-list stars are advocating for Texas to become the new center for film production, promoting economic benefits through the True to Texas initiative.
Hollywood A-listers Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger have united to promote Texas as a new hub for film and television productions.
The campaign, part of the True to Texas initiative, aims to encourage filmmakers to relocate their productions to the state and advocate for state officials to provide financial incentives to make the move more appealing.
The new ad features McConaughey and Harrelson drawing from their characters in "True Detective," under the direction of Nic Pizzolatto. McConaughey stated, "Hollywood is a flat circle, Woody. This industry is like somebody's memory of an industry. I'm talking about a whole new hub for film and television. A renaissance. A rebirth."
"A small fraction of Texas budget surplus to turn this state into the new Hollywood," Harrelson added.
The ad also emphasizes the economic benefits of filming in Texas, with Quaid, Thornton, and Zellweger highlighting how local productions can boost the economy and create jobs.
McConaughey mentioned, "Texas stories deserve a Texas backdrop. That's why I teamed up with Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger for True to Texas. It's time to bring film and TV productions home!"
He said, "Filming in Texas isn't just about showcasing our stunning landscapes -- it's about creating jobs, boosting local economies, and building a thriving industry right here at home."
The Texas Senate has proposed a budget allocation of $498 million to improve the state's film incentives, which could establish Texas as a significant player in the film industry.
As celebrity support for Texas grows, Los Angeles has seen a decrease in filming activity, shifting the industry's landscape. Filming in Los Angeles reached a historic low in 2024, as cited by FilmLA, showing a 5.6 percent decline from the previous year.
Challenges like devastating fires and competition from other states have also prompted movements to retain production within Los Angeles.
Amid these developments, public figures such as Mel Gibson and Jon Voight have been appointed Special Ambassadors to Hollywood to promote growth and sustainability in the industry.
