Dallas Film Scene Heats Up: Festivals, Mixers, and Fresh Incentives Fuel
Dallas video production professionals have plenty to celebrate this month. From a Texas-centric film festival in Garland to brand-new state incentives worth hundreds of millions, September’s first two weeks are packed with opportunities to screen, network and secure funding for your next shoot.
It Came From Texas Film Festival (Sept 12-14)
Garland’s Plaza Theatre becomes the epicenter of Lone Star cinema when the third annual “It Came From Texas Film Festival” rolls out Friday through Sunday. The program spotlights iconic Texas-made features—Bonnie and Clyde, Bernie, The Alamo and more—paired with documentaries, Q&As and even appearances by the relatives of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
Why it matters for producers
- Texas-shot classics underline the region’s versatile locations—from 1960s Western sets to modern metros—reminding scouts that you don’t need to leave DFW for diverse backdrops.
- Garland’s cultural-arts sponsorship demonstrates municipal support for indie exhibitions—handy intel when pitching community partnerships.
- Early-bird passes ($55) include priority seating and local-business discounts, making the fest a cost-effective talent-scouting trip.
DIFF September Mixer (Sept 10)
Before the festival weekend hits, Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) hosts its monthly mixer at Virgin Hotels Dallas (Design District) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. No panels, no formal program—just cocktails, raffle giveaways and a roomful of directors, gaffers and gear vendors.
Production impact: Mixers like this often function as informal job fairs. If you’re staffing up for a late-fall commercial or need to test-screen a short, bring business cards. Complimentary valet with food-and-beverage purchase keeps overhead low.
Classic Craft at Texas Theatre (Sept 18-21)
Historic Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff is doubling as a crash course in film history and technique:
- Sept 18 – “MEGADOC: The Making of Megalopolis”
A behind-the-scenes deep dive into Francis Ford Coppola’s epic, ideal for producers eyeing large-scale set builds. - Sept 20-21 – Barry Lyndon 4K Restoration
Kubrick’s natural-light photography screens twice, offering cinematographers a rare chance to study analogue exposure on a 40-foot screen. - Sept 21 – The Toxic Avenger (1984) + Lloyd Kaufman Q&A
Cult-film legend Kaufman’s appearance is a pipeline for horror directors seeking distro advice.
Tech takeaway: Bring a notebook—a restored print is the ultimate color-grading reference standard.
Texas’ New $1.5 B Film Incentive (Active Now)
On Sept 1, Senate Bill 22 unlocked the first $300 million tranche of what will total $1.5 billion over ten years for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Projects can recoup up to 22.5% of in-state spend—and even more in rural zones—provided 70% of crew are Texas residents.
Key Points for Dallas Shoots
- Application Window: Rolling, but early submissions get priority until funds are allocated.
- Spend Thresholds: $250K for features/series, $100K for commercials—well within most DFW ad budgets.
- Stackable Perks: Productions shooting in Dallas city limits can layer municipal fee waivers and hotel-tax rebates.
Quick-Look Production Calendar
Date | Event | Category | Value to Producers |
Sept 10 | DIFF Mixer @ Virgin Hotels | Networking | Meet crew & investors |
Sept 12-14 | It Came From Texas FF | Festival | Texas-focused content & panels |
Sept 18 | “MEGADOC” Screening | Doc/Panel | Large-scale set insights |
Sept 20-21 | Barry Lyndon 4K | Masterclass | Lighting & color study |
How to Leverage the Moment
- Scout Local Talent: Attend the DIFF Mixer with a clear pitch; mixers move fast.
- Capture Texas Tax Breaks: Pre-apply for the incentive fund before locations lock; Dallas qualifies for major spend credits.
- Host a Test Screening: Texas Theatre rents mid-week slots—perfect for rough-cut feedback after the festival weekend.
- Cross-Promote: If you’re premiering at Garland’s fest, partner with Dallas creatives met at the mixer for BTS content.
The Takeaway
Dallas video production is poised for a breakout autumn. With funding incentives live, a hometown festival spotlighting Texas classics, and multiple industry meet-ups on the calendar, the next two weeks offer both inspiration and practical pathways to get your project green-lit. Don’t just watch—show up, network, and roll camera.
