San Antonio, Texas, November 28, 2025
The San Antonio City Council has approved updates to its film incentive program, now offering rebates up to 45% for qualifying productions. This includes a base rebate increase from 7.5% to 10%, additional incentives for hiring local talent and military veterans, and expanded eligibility to include commercials and various production types. The program aims to boost the local economy and attract more filmmakers to the area, as evidenced by a significant increase in film permits in recent years.
San Antonio Increases Film Incentives to 45% with New Program
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio City Council has approved significant updates to its film incentive program, now offering a combined rebate of up to 45% for qualifying film and commercial productions filmed in the city’s metropolitan area.
Key Updates to the Film Incentive Program
- Base Rebate Increase: The base rebate has been raised from 7.5% to 10% of approved Greater San Antonio Metropolitan Area (GSAMA) spending.
- Additional Uplifts: Productions can earn an extra 2% rebate for hiring 35–50% local cast and crew, and another 2% for employing at least 5% military veterans.
- Expanded Eligibility: The program now includes commercials, alongside films, TV series, documentaries, webisodes, and music videos.
- Workforce Development Requirement: Productions must partner with local colleges or universities to provide training or internships, fostering local talent development.
Stacking with State Incentives
The San Antonio Film Incentive Program (SAFI) can be combined with the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP), which offers up to 31% cash rebates on qualified Texas-based production spending. This combination allows eligible projects to receive a total rebate of up to 45%, making San Antonio one of the most competitive filming destinations in the United States.
Program Administration and Funding
Administered by the San Antonio Film Commission, the program is funded by the city’s hotel occupancy tax. The maximum award for any single project is $250,000, subject to available funds. The program’s budget remains at $250,000 per year, with the potential for fewer but larger-budget productions to benefit from the incentives.
Impact on the Local Film Industry
San Antonio has experienced a 165% increase in film permits from 2022 to 2025, growing from 221 to 586. Total film days nearly doubled to 710. Notably, the “Yellowstone” prequel, “1923,” recently filmed in San Antonio.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the incentives, productions must:
- Expenditures: Spend a minimum of $100,000 in the eight-county area, including San Antonio and Hill Country locations like Boerne and New Braunfels.
- Filming Days: Conduct at least 60% of production days within the area, with primary lodging within city limits.
- Local Hiring: Ensure at least 10% of paid crew and cast are San Antonio-area residents.
These updates aim to attract more film and commercial productions to San Antonio, boosting the local economy and establishing the city as a leading destination for filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new combined rebate percentage for film productions in San Antonio?
The combined rebate for qualifying film and commercial productions in San Antonio is now up to 45%.
How can productions qualify for the additional 2% rebates?
Productions can earn an extra 2% rebate for hiring 35–50% local cast and crew, and another 2% for employing at least 5% military veterans.
What types of productions are eligible for the San Antonio Film Incentive Program?
The program now includes commercials, alongside films, TV series, documentaries, webisodes, and music videos.
What is the maximum award for a single project under the program?
The maximum award for any single project is $250,000, subject to available funds.
What are the eligibility criteria for productions to qualify for the incentives?
Productions must spend a minimum of $100,000 in the eight-county area, conduct at least 60% of production days within the area, and ensure at least 10% of paid crew and cast are San Antonio-area residents.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Film Incentive Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Combined Rebate Percentage | Up to 45% for qualifying productions. |
| Base Rebate Increase | Raised from 7.5% to 10% of approved GSAMA spending. |
| Additional Uplifts | 2% for hiring 35–50% local cast and crew; 2% for employing at least 5% military veterans. |
| Expanded Eligibility | Includes commercials, films, TV series, documentaries, webisodes, and music videos. |
| Workforce Development Requirement | Partnership with local colleges or universities for training or internships. |
| Maximum Award per Project | $250,000, subject to available funds. |
| Program Budget | $250,000 per year, with potential for fewer but larger-budget productions to benefit. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum $100,000 spend in the area, 60% of production days within the area, and at least 10% local crew and cast. |
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