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“Landman” helped put Fort Worth on the map, brought in plenty of business and created new economic development opportunities, even if along the way the production has closed a few roads and disrupted the routines of some area residents.
It’s a far cry from a decade ago when the city saw only a trickle of major film or TV productions.
But if the Paramount+ TV series from Fort Worth’s own Taylor Sheridan symbolizes anything, “Landman” has come to represent a gusher of film and TV productions for the city.
Along with “Landman,” Sheridan and his 101 Studios have already produced or have more shows planned to produce in Fort Worth, including parts of “The Madison,” season 2 and season 3 of “Lioness.” A “Yellowstone” spinoff is filming in North Texas, too.
The most tangible evidence of projected growth is that Sheridan, 101 Studios and Hillwood opened SGS Studios in Alliance, which will be the largest film studio in Texas.
And more facilities are likely on the way, said David Glasser, CEO of Sheridan’s 101 Studios. Speaking at the State of the City event in October, Glasser said Hillwood and 101 Studios are planning a production studio five to eight times the current 450,000-square-foot one in Alliance.
The city’s growing presence in the film and video world is creating opportunities for students, businesses and others who often appear as extras on the show.
Local landman enjoys spotlight on Fort Worth
Just ask Kathy Robertson, a real life landman who has a role as an extra in the second season of the popular show.
Robertson is somewhat unique as one of the slightly more than the 25% of landmen who are women. She also knows a bit about the series from behind the scenes.
‘Landman’ has been filmed primarily in and around Fort Worth, including downtown and Texas Christian University.
As Robertson noted in March 2025 — before “Landman” became ubiquitous — fiction often distorts reality. In this case, the real landman plays an oil man’s wife in the series.
“I think that’s hilarious,” Robertson said of her role.
She enjoys the new season and likes the light shining on her profession. Still, she finds the characterization of the wife and daughter of Billy Bob Thornton’s character to be “a bit much.”
The senior vice president at PlainsCapital Bank knows a lot more about being a landman than her fictional counterpoint played by Arkansas-born actor Thornton, who plays Tommy Norris in the series.
Robertson’s scenes were filmed at the high-end Bowie House hotel. And she’s joined other residents in being quick to spot other Fort Worth landmarks showcased in the production.
She is proud the series is bringing lots of eyeballs to a city that traditionally existed in “flyover country,” while New York and Los Angeles received most of the attention.
The Season 2 premiere of “Landman” set a ratings record for Paramount+ with more than 9 million streaming views in its first few days. In early December, Paramount+ renewed the series for a third season.
TCU’s star turn
This season, Texas Christian University seems almost like a co-star with Thornton’s character’s daughter, Ainsley Norris played by Michelle Randolph, attending the school.
TCU was featured in the first season as well, with some scenes at a track meet with Jon Hamm and Academy Award nominee Demi Moore.
But this season, TCU is getting plenty of screen time and students are getting some time working on the production as well.
The school has worked with Sheridan’s production team to provide students with more than just a glimpse of what a major film production looks like. Brad Thompson, executive director of university events, worked to get students involved behind the scenes as well.
Students work behind the scenes or shadow professionals as the show is in productions in roles ranging from costuming to cinemotography.
Sheridan’s 101 Studios has also partnered with Tarrant County College to grow students who can work in the film industry.’
“It’s great for the city,” Robertson said. “When you think about where we were, we’ve come so far.”
Do you have something for the Bob on Business column? Email Bob Francis, business editor for the Fort Worth Report, at [email protected].
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.Editor’s note: During the holiday season, the Fort Worth Report is following up on the stories you told us you appreciated the most in 2025.
