AUSTIN, Texas -- Some industry experts believe that Texas may be losing its movie magic.
A new mini-series about Waco's infamous standoff between federal agents and the Branch Dividians begins Wedensday, but the show wasn't shot where the siege happened, not even close.
Now some are wondering if filmmakers fleeing from Texas will be a growing trend.
It comes after lawmakers cut the budget of the state's film incentive program during the last legislative session, reducing it from $32 million to $22 million. The fund provides tax benefits for video game, film, and television-makers who bring their busines to Texas.
Some say the Lone Star State is losing its luster for filmmakers, and its production workforce is moving elsewhere now the cuts are in effect.
"Because we haven't been supported in our incentive game a lot of the people have left, and so now we're kind of scrambling to get those folks back," said Texas Motion Picture Alliance Executive Director Mindy Raymond.
Last session some conservative lawmakers wanted to get rid of the incentive program altogether, saying that Hollywood shouldn't benefit on the backs of Texas taxpayers. However, those in the industry say the incentives are crucial to keeping jobs in the Lone Star State.
"This is a program for Texas, by Texans, it benefits Texas," Raymond said.
Film industry experts say along with states like New Mexico, neighbors like Georgia and Louisiana are stealing the spotlight with their incentives, but others say Texas shouldn't even bother with a fund for films.
"We think we ought to go all the way down to zero. But rather than spend it somewhere else, let's give it back to taxpayers and let's let them keep it," said Texas Public Policy Foundation Vice President of Research Bill Peacock.
Some conservatives argue that a tax break for Texans would provide a bigger boost to the Texas economy.
"Creating more jobs," Peacock said. "And those jobs would more likely be here permanently rather than these film jobs which are just here while they're filming."
In Texas film and television productions, 70 percent of the paid crew and cast members, including extras, must be Texas residents. For video game projects, 60 percent of total production days must be completed in Texas.