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  • Media Production Development Zone Program

Media Production Development Zone Program

The Media Production Development Zone Act (MPDZ), established by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009 and administered by the Texas Film Commission, is designed to encourage the further development of permanent moving image production sites to help strengthen Texas’ economy. 

MPDZ allows for a sales and use tax exemption for the construction, maintenance, expansion, improvement, or renovation of a media production facility at a qualified media production location for up to a two year period. Media production facilities include, but are not limited to: animation/CGI studios, post production facilities, sound stages, video game development studios, and production office space. 

Media Production Development Zone Advisory Committee


Phases at-a-glance in the MPDZ Review Process

  1. The project submits an application to the local municipality or county that has jurisdiction over the proposed location.
  2. The local city council or county commissioners court must certify the project for local benefits.
  3. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts must certify that the project will have a positive impact on state revenue.
  4. The Comptroller-appointed Media Production Advisory Committee must recommend the use of the exemption for the project.
  5. Finally, the Texas Film Commission must designate the location and certify the project to grant the exemption.

The review process evaluates a variety of factors associated with each project including, but not limited to:

  • job creation and wages, 
  • capital investment, 
  • return on state investment,
  • financial strength of the applicant, 
  • the applicant’s business history, 
  • analysis of the relevant business sector,
  • and public and private sector financial support.

Helpful Links

  • Texas Government Code, Chapter 485A – Media Production Development Zone Act

  • Texas Administrative Code – Media Production Development Zone Rules

  • MPDZ Designation Process Flowchart


Contact & Apply

To see if your project meets the program criteria and learn how to apply, please contact us.

In This Section

Incentives

  • Texas Production Incentive (TMIIIP)
  • TMIIIP Additional Grant Award
  • TMIIIP Forms & Guidelines
  • TMIIIP FAQ
  • Media Production Development Zone Program
    • Media Production Development Zone Program Advisory Committee
  • Sales Tax Exemptions & Refunds
  • Program Impact and ROI
  • Other Financial Resources

Apply for MPDZ

Interested in learning more and applying? Contact us below to learn more. 

Contact Us

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Texas Film Commission

P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-9200


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