San Antonio Film Incentive 2026 — SAFI Calculator & Program Guide
San Antonio's SAFI adds 10–14% on top of TMIIIP for qualifying productions. Model the full stack.
San Antonio's San Antonio Film Incentive (SAFI) is one of the most competitive city-level programs in Texas, offering a 10% base rebate plus performance bonuses for qualifying productions on top of the Texas state TMIIIP program.
SAFI Program Terms
| Incentive Component | Rate | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Base city rebate | 10% | $250,000 combined |
| Local hire bonus | +2% (if ≥15% SA-resident crew) | Included in $250K cap |
| Veteran bonus | +2% (SA-resident veterans) | Included in $250K cap |
| Maximum SAFI rebate | 14% | $250,000 |
The $250,000 cap is more generous than Houston's HFFIP ($100K), making SAFI effective across a broader range of production scales.
Combined San Antonio Stack
A scripted production with $2M qualifying Texas spend, strong local hire, and veteran crew:
- TMIIIP base (25%): $500,000
- SAFI (14%, capped at $250K): $250,000
- Combined rebate: $750,000 (37.5% effective rate — but note TMIIIP has a 31% internal cap)
The SAFI amount is a city payment in addition to the state TMIIIP payment, not counted against the 31% TMIIIP cap.
San Antonio as a Production Destination
San Antonio brings unique production value: the River Walk, the Alamo, Mission Trail historic sites, distinctive Hill Country access, and a bi-national cultural texture that Los Angeles and Austin can't replicate. The city's film office is producer-friendly with fast permitting and active on-set support.
SAFI Application
Apply through the San Antonio Economic Development Department or Film SA. Applications must be submitted before principal photography. The program is funded from the city's tourism and general fund — confirm current availability before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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