Over the last few months, the Dallas Film Commission has received numerous media inquiries about the status of the "Dallas" film and where it will be shot. As I'm sure you know, we have been in frequent contact with the studio and producers and recently submitted a proposal to them that included a variety of civic and community partners. We have also lobbied at the state level for financial incentives, a major influencer on how locations are chosen. Our efforts resulted in legislation passed last year supporting financial incentives for the industry, but funding has not been approved at this time. Currently, Texas is one of approximately a dozen states without some form of a program to incentivize local film production, and neighbors such as Louisian and New Mexico remain strong competitors.
Despite the state's lack of a financial incentives program, we are happy to report that the Dallas area is under consideration for a larger portion of the total shoot than initially suggested. Naturally, we would prefer the film be shot here in its entirety. However, the possibility that as much as one-third of the total may be filmed here estimated to be as much as $10 million in direct spending for the local economy. In addition, it's possible that producers will choose to film additional days once they are here.
My statements to media have been tentative and there are no official announcements at this time from the commission or from the studios. Be assured that I will keep you updated, and casting and crew announcements will be posted when appropriate. I hope you will continue to monitor our website and that you will send any questions to info@filmdfw.com.
Janis Burklund
Director
Dallas Film Commission
