Filmmakers Without Hidden Agenda Choose Heartland Over Hollywood for ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘Twisters’

More and more filmmakers are turning away from Hollywood and embracing the heartland for their projects. Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah are becoming popular destinations for production due to the financial and personal incentives they offer. Notable series like “Yellowstone” and its spinoffs have recently filmed in Texas, drawing big names like Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, and Glen Powell to support the state’s incentives. The $200 million set aside by the Texas legislature for these incentives is set to expire in 2025.

Even stars like Dennis Quaid and Taylor Sheridan have testified before the Texas Senate Finance Committee to advocate for additional incentives and to emphasize the importance of employing local talent. Sheridan has expressed his desire to see Texas become a hub for film production, highlighting the state’s potential and booming infrastructure. He believes that Texas can become the new Hollywood hotspot due to its generous tax incentives and growing studio scene.

Dennis Quaid echoes this sentiment, suggesting that young actors should consider places like Atlanta or Texas over Hollywood for better opportunities. The appeal of filming in Texas extends beyond just financial incentives; it’s about telling honest, agenda-free stories that resonate with audiences. This authenticity and focus on blue-collar American values are attracting both filmmakers and viewers to projects like “Yellowstone,” “Landman,” and “1883.”

With other states like Oklahoma also ramping up their production incentives and storytelling efforts, the landscape of the entertainment industry is evolving. Films like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and series like “Twisters” and “Tulsa King” are finding success in Oklahoma, drawing on the state’s incentives and rich storytelling potential. Overall, there’s a shift happening in the entertainment industry, driven by a desire for genuine, relatable stories and a recognition of the vast talent and resources available outside of Hollywood.