Landman Team Director Stephen Kay and Actors Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Elliott Join Project with April 26, 2026 Deadline

When the cast and crew of a major television production rolls into town, the ripple effects extend far beyond the film set. News that director Stephen Kay, alongside stars Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Elliott, and Andy Garcia, was on location for the Paramount+ series Landman in late April 2026 immediately sparked interest in communities familiar with the show’s West Texas setting. While the series is filmed primarily around Fort Worth and weather-dependent locations across North Texas, the presence of such high-profile talent inevitably draws attention from industry observers and locals alike, prompting a closer look at what In other words for regional creative economies.

The Landman production, inspired by the Boomtown podcast and developed by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, has become a significant cultural touchstone since its November 2024 debut. Its portrayal of the modern oil industry—centered on Tommy Norris, a landman navigating the complexities of West Texas energy deals—has resonated with audiences for its unvarnished look at the intersection of environmental, economic, and geopolitical forces. By April 2026, with the show renewed for a third season following strong reception to its second-season premiere in November 2025, the series had firmly established itself as part of Sheridan’s growing neo-Western universe, which includes titles like Yellowstone and Tulsa King. This continuity brings not just viewership but sustained economic activity to the regions where it films.

For North Texas communities, particularly those in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the arrival of a Sheridan-led production represents more than just celebrity sightings. Fort Worth’s Cultural District, home to institutions like the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, often serves as a hub for creative professionals drawn to the area’s growing film infrastructure. The Texas Film Commission, which administers the state’s Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, has reported increased applications from productions seeking to leverage Texas’ diverse landscapes and skilled crew base—exactly the environment that attracted Landman to shoot scenes in and around the city. Local trade schools such as Tarrant County College’s Film and Media Arts program have seen heightened interest in their cinematography and production design courses, reflecting a broader trend where high-profile productions inspire workforce development in adjacent fields.

The economic impact extends beyond direct hiring. When a production of this scale operates locally, it generates demand for ancillary services: catering companies sourcing from regional suppliers like Fort Worth’s Hollyhock on Magnolia or Rodeo Goat, transportation firms managing unit moves between locations, and accommodation providers hosting cast and crew for extended stays. Hotels in the Cultural District and Near Southside neighborhoods frequently report increased occupancy during shooting periods, while local vendors benefit from the concentrated spending of a temporary but well-funded population. These second-order effects contribute to what economists call a “creative cluster” effect, where successful productions attract further investment in studio space, post-production facilities, and related services—potentially positioning Fort Worth as a more competitive alternative to traditional hubs like Austin or Los Angeles for certain types of film and television work.

Given my background in analyzing how cultural productions intersect with regional economies, if you’re in the Fort Worth area and interested in how entertainment industry trends might affect local opportunities, here are three types of local professionals worth connecting with:

• Entertainment Industry Liaisons: Look for professionals who work with the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau’s film office or the Texas Film Commission’s regional representatives. They understand incentive programs, location permitting processes, and how to connect local businesses with production needs.
• Skilled Tradespeople with Set Experience: Seek carpenters, electricians, and painters who highlight experience on film or television sets. Familiarity with union guidelines, call schedules, and the fast-paced, temporary nature of production work is often as valuable as technical skill.
• Local Supply Chain Partners: Identify caterers, transportation services, and hospitality providers that have previously worked with film crews. Reliability, scalability, and knowledge of studio zones or common shooting locations (like those near the Trinity River or in the Stockyards) are key differentiators.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated experts in the fort worth tx area today.