A few weeks ago, the efforts of the Texas Motion Picture Association, also known as TXMPA came to fruition as the Governor signed the bill that made the Film Incentives a reality for Texas.  This means we get to keep "Friday Night Lights" and "Prison Break" productions in their respective areas (Austin and Dallas).

The City of Austin had already known the value of the "creative class" when it funded a Study on the impact of film, television, and the creative arts a few years ago, proving just how much money can come into a community through film related events.  We also passed Proposition 4, which funded, among other things, infrastructure improvement for Austin Studios. Yes, my city owns a film studio.  It's run by the Austin Film Society. Yes, I live in a great town.

The recently passed incentives is not the first effort to get incentives so we can keep film jobs in the state.  Legislature passed before, but didn't get funding. 

On Saturday, we the membership gathered to vote for open seats on the board.  During that meeting, Hector Garcia and other board members were clear about the need for continuing efforts.  This round the legislation had extra funds. In two years, we'll have to prove the first funding was money well spent, and worthy of continued funding.

Despite the title, the incentives, and the TXMPA relates to television, commercials, and the gaming industry as well as film.  We were smart enough to get an at-large BOD member within the gaming industry (one of the At-Large BOD slots, and an Austinite to boot). We also voted for an entertainment lawyer, who, among other things, comes from a politically active family.  Nice guy, too.  Don't let the lawyer thing fool you.

I hope I get an opportunity to participate more. If anything, help organize volunteers better.