Two months after Fort Worth council members voted to grow the city’s film industry, a new state designation paves the way for a production facility in Alliance to start rolling.
The city of Fort Worth recently earned approval from the Texas Film Commission to establish the land within city limits as a Media Production Development Zone, also known as an MPDZ.
The designation opens up access to a two-year use and sales tax exemption for the construction, maintenance, expansion, improvement and renovation of a media production facility within the city. The program was established in 2009 to encourage a stronger film industry across the state.
The commission’s approval directly supports the conversion of a 224,616-square-foot facility in Alliance into a space for television and film production, including four 18,000-square-foot stages, a set building shop, storage, wardrobe and offices. The project is part of Hillwood’s AllianceTexas development.
“The MPDZ is just an incredible opportunity for the city. Not only will it attract new business here with the studio and infrastructure that we need, but it also gives us the opportunity to support more projects,” Fort Worth Film Commissioner Taylor Hardy told the Report. “Having this infrastructure in Fort Worth will make us a top choice for filmmakers.”
Council member Alan Blaylock, who represents north Fort Worth, previously confirmed that 101 Studios, the production company behind “Yellowstone,” is interested in the new Alliance space.
“It’s a step in the process, but we’re excited about the opportunity,” he said in December. “It’s great for the city.”
The move is also a boon to an industry that has grown rapidly in recent years with the introduction of multiple Taylor Sheridan productions and Phil McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil, bringing Merit Street Media to Fort Worth.
“The film and entertainment industry has created more than $700 million of direct economic impact in the City of Fort Worth since 2015,” Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement. “This is a true success story in our city, and I’m focused on continuing this momentum and creating real return on investment through this industry for the future of Fort Worth and its residents.”
Fort Worth’s first media production zone was established in the Near Southside neighborhood in 2018, which helped support the growth of Red Productions.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
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