The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP), administered by the Texas Film Commission within the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, provides cash grants to eligible film, television, commercial, animation, video game, and digital interactive media productions for qualifying spending in Texas. The program is designed to attract and retain moving image production in Texas by offsetting a percentage of in-state spending.
Program Structure
Grant Percentages
The program offers grants based on a percentage of eligible Texas spending. Base grant percentages and bonus categories are defined in program guidelines. Productions may qualify for additional incentives for filming in underutilized areas, employing Texas residents, or using Texas-based facilities and vendors.
Minimum Spending Requirements
Productions must meet minimum Texas spending thresholds to qualify. Thresholds vary by production type, with different minimums for feature films, television series, television pilots, commercials, and other production categories.
Eligible Productions
- Feature films: Theatrical release films meeting minimum spending requirements.
- Television series and pilots: Episodic content for broadcast, cable, or streaming distribution.
- Commercials: Advertising content produced in Texas.
- Animation: Animated content produced using Texas-based studios and talent.
- Video games: Interactive digital media developed in Texas.
- Digital interactive media: Other qualifying digital content created in Texas.
Eligible Spending
Qualifying Texas spending includes wages paid to Texas residents, payments to Texas vendors, facility and equipment rentals, lodging, and other production-related expenditures made within the state. Detailed eligible and ineligible expense categories are defined in program guidelines.
Application Process
Productions apply to the Texas Film Commission before or during production. The process includes an initial application with project details and budget, production in Texas with documented eligible spending, a final audit of eligible expenditures, and grant payment after verification.
Complementary Programs
- Texas Music Incentive Program: Productions with significant music components may also access TMIP.
- City Film Incentives: Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and other cities offer additional local film incentives that may be stacked with state program benefits.
- SBA Lending: Production companies may access SBA loans for equipment and facility needs. SBA 7(a) loans.
- Skills Development Fund: Production companies hiring and training Texas workers may access workforce training grants.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Production Company
Film and media businesses may qualify for programs beyond the Moving Image Incentive. Our free screening report identifies the full range of matching programs. Start your free screening →