Since our inception in 2023, we’ve made significant strides toward establishing Texas as a major media destination. Join us as we continue building the infrastructure, community, and advocacy needed to make Texas the third media coast.
DAWNING OF A NEW ERA
SB22, the monumental $1.5 media incentive bill, was signed into law by Governor Abbot and the new film program began in September 2025. Full speed ahead!
THE TEXAS MADE AWARD
Celebrating Texas-made Media with MFT
Media For Texas was honored to award Taylor Sheridan’s Texas show, Landman, the inaugural Texas Made Award at the ATX TV Fest. The recipients of the award included actors Billy Bob Thornton, Jacob Lofland, and Michelle Randolph as well as show creator, Christian Wallace. The co-founders of MFT, Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood, presented the award.
THE BATTLES HAVE BEEN WON!
Thanks to Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Dennis Quaid, among others.
After three hearings with testimonies from celebrities Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Dennis Quaid as well as Mayor Mattie Parker, The Chosen producers, Chad Gunderson and Chris Juen, and a representative from Hillwood, Mike Berry, among many others, the bill passed in both chambers! The Senate and The House overwhelmingly voted YES on SB22. This process took weeks and we are thankful to every legislator who voted yes to the future of Texas, with special thanks to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Joan Huffman, and Representative Todd Hunter for leading us through this session.
A new movement has begun
#COMEANDFILMIT
Come and Film It started as a grassroots campaign to support the passage of SB22. The movement gained momentum on Instagram and X, with users sharing personal stories about how the media industry has positively impacted their lives and communities across Texas.
THE TEXAS FILM EXPERIENCE
A community day on the Capitol Lawn during SXSW
Texas film and media took center stage as we transformed the Capitol Lawn into a walk-through of the entire filmmaking process from script to screen. With live stunts, prosthetic demos, VR sets, and tents led by crews from Dazed and Confused, Spy Kids, Rushmore, Walker, 1923, and more, the day brought thousands together to celebrate the talent and impact of Texas film. Unforgettable highlights included setting (safely) a stuntman on fire, a full Friday Night Lights scene reenacted by original cast and crew, and free popcorn courtesy of Cinemark. The day left participants, legislators, and fans alike inspired by the scale, talent, and impact of Texas film.
SEE full participants credit list
Lights, Camera, Texas!
Filming with Texas Legends
For our documentary spotlighting the history of Texas film, Lights, Camera, Texas!, we had the privilege of interviewing some legendary filmmakers who either hailed from Texas or who live in Texas now. These include Richard Linklater, Robert Rodriguez, Tim & Karrie League, Evan Smith, Nic Pizzolato, Noah Hawley, Jeff Nichols, Jeremy Latcham, Elizabeth Avellon, and more.
THE FIRST HEARING
Kicking things off with a bang
MFT was excited to start off strong by providing testimony to the Texas Senate alongside Dennis Quaid, Taylor Sheridan, Ross Perot Jr., Mayor Mattie Parker, TXMPA’s Fred Poston, and others. This moment helped pave the way for a successful 2025 legislative session.
THE FIRST HEARING
Kicking things off with a bang
MFT was excited to start off strong by providing testimony to the Texas Senate alongside Dennis Quaid, Taylor Sheridan, Ross Perot Jr., Mayor Mattie Parker, TXMPA’s Fred Poston, and others. This moment helped pave the way for a successful 2025 legislative session.
THE REAGAN PREMIERE
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick sets the stage
In support of the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Media for Texas was honored to co-host the Texas premiere of Dennis Quaid’s Reagan to a room full of media industry members and legislators. It was an incredible event and one where the Lt. Governor announced it was his intent to make Texas the “media capitol of the world.” This event set things in motion for the legislative session to come.
GOOD4TX
Directed by Jeremy Wells with production help by Chase Musslewhite, co-founder of MFT, this was the organization’s first foray into advocacy for the Texas media industry. We are proud to continue to partner with the members of this video and showcase why MEDIA is good4tx!