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It looks like NBC might move the locally-filmed drama Friday Night Lights out of Austin to save money. It might be possible to use rural east New Mexico (we're thinking the Las Cruces area), but Louisiana for West Texas? Nah. Such a move is being forced on the show to save $100,000 an episode, and the network is considering these states. The city and Texas state lawmakers (even Gov. Perry) are trying to provide enough incentives for the show to stay put here in town.
This is all with the expectation that the show will be picked up for another season; although some may consider it "the best show on network television", it still struggles in the ratings against the powerhouse that is American Idol. We admit that we first started watching the show because we were eager to see what local landmarks were used, but eventually we got caught up in the relationships on the show. Here's hoping the show can stay in our fine town, especially since local filmmakers are working on it and the series puts about $1.5 million an episode into Austin's economy [Statesman].
[TV Blog: Keep “Lights” alive! And in Austin!]
Note: Friday Night Lights filmed a scene at this writer's house (for episode #106, if you're interested).
Photo from NBC
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Hey y'all, interesting update. Thanks for the info. I spotted Kyle Chandler, aka "coach", dining @ Guero's last night. So Tex-Mex restaurants on South Congress would apparently take a hit if the production moved out.
Just to nitpick, Las Cruces happens to be in southern New Mexico. I must say that if Austin loses the show, I'd be happy that LC gets it, since it's my other hometown. It would be fun to see the kids partying out in the desert or grubbing at Village Inn. Then it really would remind me of high school.
Hopefully they'll keep it around, the production makes for lots of local jobs. On any given shooting day theres a over a hundred local gaffers, electricians, caterers and other contractors there keeping things running smooth.
I've been to that village inn in Las Cruces... doesn't quite compare to Guero's... or Austin in general..
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!
Not that I watch or anything.
I agree with the post on slatecast.com that the city can pay, to keep the production in town.