A New Hollywood Hub in North Texas
The world of Taylor Sheridan, creator of blockbuster series like ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘Tulsa King,’ is expanding once again, and its latest chapter is unfolding in the suburbs of North Texas. Production for the new Paramount+ series ‘Frisco King,’ a highly anticipated spin-off starring Samuel L. Jackson, has returned to the city of Southlake, Texas. While causing minor traffic disruptions for locals, the filming signals a significant moment for the region, potentially transforming it into a new destination for film tourists worldwide.
Filming is currently concentrated on the west side of the city, leading to temporary road closures and expected traffic delays. This follows a previous shoot in the bustling Southlake Town Square, which drew large, enthusiastic crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood action.
Behind the Scenes: Why North Texas?
Taylor Sheridan, a Texas native himself, has a history of deeply integrating his filming locations into his narratives, making the setting a character in its own right. Producers of ‘Frisco King’ have explicitly stated their intention to feature the North Texas region prominently, a move that promises to showcase its unique landscape and culture to a global audience.
This trend is part of a larger movement that has seen Texas become an increasingly attractive location for major productions. The state’s incentive programs, such as the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP), have played a crucial role in drawing productions away from traditional hubs like California and Georgia. For high-profile series, this not only brings direct economic benefits through local spending on hotels, catering, and crew, but it also lays the groundwork for long-term tourism revenue.
The Coming Wave of Film Tourism
The impact of a successful Taylor Sheridan series on a location cannot be overstated. ‘Yellowstone’ turned parts of Montana and Texas into pilgrimage sites for fans, boosting local economies and creating entirely new tourism markets. A 2021 study from the University of Montana reported that the series brought an estimated $72 million in economic activity to the state.
Should ‘Frisco King’ achieve similar popularity, Southlake and the surrounding North Texas area could experience a comparable surge in interest. Travelers are increasingly drawn to visiting the real-life locations they see on screen. We can anticipate the emergence of guided tours of filming spots, increased business for local shops and restaurants featured in the series, and a general rise in the region’s profile as a travel destination.
For visitors planning a trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the near future, the ‘Frisco King’ production offers both a minor inconvenience and a unique opportunity. While it’s wise to check local traffic advisories, you might also have the rare chance to witness a major television series in the making. More importantly, you’ll be visiting a place on the cusp of becoming a new star on the pop culture map, a location whose story is just beginning to be told to the world.
