Two months after Fort Worth city council members voted to expand the city’s film industry, a new state designation is setting the stage for a production facility in Alliance to begin operations.
The city recently received approval from the Texas Film Commission to designate land within Fort Worth’s city limits as a Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ).
This designation provides access to a two-year sales and use tax exemption for the construction, maintenance, expansion, improvement, and renovation of a media production facility within the city. The MPDZ program, established in 2009, aims to foster a stronger film industry across Texas.
With the commission’s approval, plans are moving forward to transform a 224,616-square-foot facility in Alliance into a space for television and film production. The site will include four 18,000-square-foot stages, a set building shop, storage, wardrobe, and office space. The project is part of Hillwood’s AllianceTexas development.
“The MPDZ is an incredible opportunity for the city. Not only will it attract new businesses with the studio and infrastructure we need, but it also provides us the ability to support more projects,” Fort Worth Film Commissioner Taylor Hardy told the Report. “With this infrastructure in place, Fort Worth will be a top choice for filmmakers.”
Council member Alan Blaylock, representing north Fort Worth, confirmed that 101 Studios, the production company behind Yellowstone, has shown interest in the new Alliance space.
“It’s a step in the process, but we’re excited about the opportunity,” Blaylock said in December. “It’s great for the city.”
The development is also a major boost for an industry that has seen rapid growth, fueled by productions like those from Taylor Sheridan and the arrival of Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media in Fort Worth.
“The film and entertainment industry has generated more than $700 million in direct economic impact for the city of Fort Worth since 2015,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “This is a true success story for our city, and I’m committed to continuing this momentum, ensuring a real return on investment for the future of Fort Worth and its residents.”
Fort Worth’s first Media Production Development Zone was established in the Near Southside neighborhood in 2018, supporting the growth of Red Productions.