Grant Wood (center left) and Chase Musslewhite (center right) helped host the Texas Film Experience during SXSW 2025. | Photo by Marshall Tidrick and Media for Texas
What do “Dazed and Confused,” “Rushmore,” “Boyhood,” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” have in common? They were all filmed right here in the Lone Star State.
On the flip side, movies like “No Country for Old Men,” “Holes,” and “The Highwaymen” are set in Texas, but were filmed elsewhere in the US. Why? Higher filming incentives in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Oklahoma make it cheaper to film.
Grant said he hopes new film makers and industry professionals will be able to stay in their home state and work in the field they love.
Photo by Marshall Tidrick and Media for Texas
That doesn’t sit right with sixth-generation Texans + filmmakers Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood, who are products of UT Austin’s Radio-Television-Film program. Around two years ago, the pair founded Media for Texas in an effort to bolster statewide incentives.
You may have seen the organization’s star-studded “Good for Texas” campaign, or maybe you watched Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson vouching for incentives at the Texas Capitol.
That’s where Musslewhite and Wood come in, as they advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 22. We spoke with them to learn about why they believe local film production is important for Texans.
MixxedFit Workout | Monday, May 12 | 6:15-7:15 p.m. | Turner Roberts Recreation Center | Free with RSVP | Shake up your fitness journey with a complimentary class that blends dance and boot camp.
“Friends” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Upstairs at Caroline | Cost of purchase | Tell your pals “I’ll Be There For You” as you take on other teams in a battle of sitcom smarts.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” | Tuesday, May 13-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall | $35+ | Pop the champagne and prepare to be entertained during this musical mash-up extravaganza.
Salt & Still: Yin Yoga + Halotherapy | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Austin Salt Cave | $22+ | Connect with your yoga practice while enjoying halotherapy, aka spending time in the salt cave.
Wednesday, May 14
Rooftop Sessions x Friends Fair | 7-10:30 p.m. | The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center | $10 | Head to the museum’s rooftop for a video art showcase, bespoke poetry sessions, and live music by Hexpartner and p1nkstar.
Temperatures will soar to 104Âş on Wednesday, May 14, potentially breaking high temperature records for May. Extreme Heat Warnings may be issued as early as Tuesday, which is expected to reach 101Âş. (KXAN)
Drink
Local beers, including the “Vacancy Classic” American-style lager of Vacancy Brewing, “Mosaic Takedown” West Coast-style India pale of Pinthouse Brewing, and “Firemans #4" golden or blonde ale of Real Ale Brewing Co., all took home gold medals in the World Beer Cup. If that made you thirsty, head to one of these breweries.
Number
$15,000. That’s how much newly hired teachers in core subjects could stand to earn in stipends from Austin ISD, which is drafting plans to turn around failing marks from the Texas Education Agency at certain schools. Interested educators can attend events on Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15 at AISD’s Central Office. (KUT)
Real Estate
Attention, homeowners. The deadline to protest your property tax appraisal is on Thursday, May 15 (or 30 days after your notice was delivered). Learn how to file an appeal. (Austin American-Statesman)
Mansion Monday
If riding horses into the sunset is your dream, this Hill Country estate is for you. Located off Hamilton Pool Road, the Madrone Ranch residence features 3.5 acres to roam, access to miles of private riding trails, a covered + open horse arena, a pool, a sauna, and an open floor plan.
Sports
Is there a battle of the quarterbacks in Longhorn football’s future? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Lake Austin? Hop aboard a donut boat and take a smooth, quiet ride through the lake’s scenic no-wake zone — perfect for date nights, family hangs, or chill mornings with coffee from Mozart’s. Book your self-captained donut boat + enjoy a one-of-a-kind lake day.*
Seasonal
Get ready for an unforgettable season in Hill Country. Omni Barton Creek Resort’s Summer in the Hills is happening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With breathtaking views, luxury accommodations, a world-class spa, and mouthwatering dining, the resort is perfect for a weekend retreat or a summer staycation. Book your stay.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Austin.
A cotton wrap dress that boasts an elegant halter neckline and chic wrapping at the waist. We love it for summer grill outs, casual afternoons by the beach, and warm weather weekend hangouts.
My dad’s in town from northern Wisconsin, so I’ll be out for the rest of the week. While he’s here, I plan to take him to see the bats on Congress, watch a Round Rock Express game, and enjoy lots of breakfast tacos. Overall, I’m just excited to play tourist in my favorite city.
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