Irving, Texas, is positioning itself to join the growing list of cities capitalizing on the Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ) Act, a strategic initiative to drive film and television production through tax exemptions. This designation, established in 2009 and administered by the Texas Film Commission, allows for sales and use tax exemptions to develop, maintain, or expand media production facilities over a two-year period.

During a recent work session, the Irving City Council reviewed the MPDZ Act following the city’s first official request for an ordinance to create a zone. While the city has not disclosed the applicant or the proposed location, Economic Development Manager Bryan Haywood highlighted that this ordinance is a critical step for consideration by the Texas Film Commission.

Irving isn’t the only North Texas city pursuing this opportunity. Neighboring cities Fort Worth and Dallas have also shown interest in leveraging MPDZs to attract media production investments. Fort Worth recently approved its application for a new zone, and Dallas is reportedly pursuing a similar designation. However, there’s a cap on how many zones can be approved statewide and within each economic region: only 10 MPDZs can be active across Texas at any given time, with a maximum of five per economic region and three qualifying production locations per zone.

Currently, there are at least three approved MPDZs in the state, including two in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Fort Worth, one of the earliest adopters, first established a zone in 2018, using it to grow local companies like Red Productions and Backlot Media in the Near Southside area. Its latest application designates 2701 Spirit Drive in Alliance as the primary production location, a 45,114 square-foot office and production studio housed in an existing industrial building.

The MPDZ initiative comes at a time when Texas is doubling down on its commitment to the film and television industry. In 2023, the Texas Legislature approved a historic $200 million boost for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, making it a powerful economic tool to attract high-profile productions. North Texas has already reaped the benefits, hosting major projects such as The Chosen in Midlothian and Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and Landman in Fort Worth.

“For Irving, this could be a game-changer,” said Haywood during the meeting. “It becomes a valuable tool in our economic development arsenal, offering a new way to attract and support the media production industry.”

Irving’s Communications Manager, Saul Garza, confirmed that the city is still in negotiations, with no set timeline for City Council approval of the ordinance. Should Irving secure the MPDZ designation, it would position the city as a rising hub for film production, further solidifying North Texas as a major player in the entertainment industry.