AUSTIN, Texas — Texas state lawmakers are looking at ways to attract more film productions to the state.
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Wednesday, senators heard from actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid, as well as writer and actor Taylor Sheridan, who is best known for creating television shows "Yellowstone" and "1923," the latter of which has been filmed in the Austin area.
Both men told lawmakers that Texas is attractive to film crews, but that the state's funding of the film incentive program has not kept up to the demand. They urged lawmakers to increase the funding in an attempt to stay competitive and keep productions from going to other states that have strong incentives.
"We desperately need the employees," Sheridan said. "I would much, much, much rather hire a Texas local than fly in somebody from another state. And [I], creatively, would love to have those talents here."
"This incentive, which I think was $200-240 million last year, to raise that up to a point that's evergreen that people can rely on a sum that is there that could grow along with the amount of productions that come here," Quaid said.
Lawmakers can't pass any bills during hearings like these until the legislative session begins on Jan. 14.