Media for Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powering the future of film and media in the Lone Star State. We’re building a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem through key initiatives that help workforce, productions, and Texans at every career level access the resources they need to succeed in this industry. Whether you’re a producer wanting to connect with the community or a student looking to jumpstart your media career, we’re establishing the infrastructure to help you thrive.
MEET THE TEAM
CHASE MUSSLEWHITE
CO-FOUNDER
GRANT WOOD
CO-FOUNDER
EMILY RUHL
BOARD MEMBER
Chase Musslewhite is a director, writer, and producer from Houston, Texas.
Her films have screened at festivals including Cannes, Seattle, Austin, New Orleans, and Berlin, and her work has been featured at leading industry forums such as Sheffield Meet Market and The Gotham. After years in the global film industry, including running a commercial production company Flux Films, Chase returned home to focus on her passion: Texas stories and elevating the Texan voice. While pursuing her MFA in directing at the University of Texas, she experienced firsthand the challenges of producing films in-state amid more competitive incentives elsewhere. This inspired her to put her film career on pause and found Media For Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming Texas into a global leader in film, television, and media.
Grant Wood is a film and media producer from Midland, Texas.
The future of Texas has always been top of mind for him. After earning his undergraduate degree in producing and directing at the University of Texas, he began working under a local producer, where he was tasked with mapping out film incentive opportunities nationwide. It was then he understood why Texas was falling behind, and made a vow to change it. To broaden his experience, Grant stepped into the business world, running a Texas-based startup in Dallas before joining the talent agency William Morris Endeavor in Hollywood. Armed with both business acumen and industry insight, he left WME to found Media For Texas, fulfilling his commitment to building Texas into a national leader in film and media.
Emily Ruhl is a filmmaker, producer, writer, actress, and model, named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment in 2024.
Known for her work in magazines like Teen Vogue and Elle Canada, and as the face of cosmetic brands like Smashbox and MAC, she debuted as an actress in Drake Doremus’ “Newness.” Emily made her directorial, producing, and writing debut with “BLUE MOON,” which premiered at NewFest and has been featured in over 100 festivals worldwide. She founded the film production and financing company, Public School Pictures, and supports future filmmakers through her non-profit, the Back to School program.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
NICK HAMPSON
DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
LIZ LEVY
Brand and Marketing Chair
GILLIAN SAROFIM
Events Chair
HERE'S HOW
WE'RE MAKING
IT 
5 KEY PILLARS
With $1.5 billion secured, we're bolstering the infrastructure Texas needs: workforce development, education partnerships, community investment, smart policy, and global promotion. At the same time, we're your direct connection to everything you need for a successful production in Texas: from certified crews and local talent to industry partnerships and resources.
HERE'S HOW
WE'RE MAKING
IT
5 KEY PILLARS
With $1.5 billion secured, we're bolstering the infrastructure Texas needs: workforce development, education partnerships, community investment, smart policy, and global promotion. At the same time, we're your direct connection to everything you need for a successful production in Texas: from certified crews and local talent to industry partnerships and resources.