Paramount Plus Series Highlights Texas Landmen: A Glimpse into the Oil and Gas Industry

A new television series has premiered on Paramount Plus over the weekend, heavily featuring the city of Fort Worth, Texas, in its storyline. The show, titled «Land Man,» explores the complex and often perilous profession of managing land within the Texas oil and gas sector. The series is directed by Taylor Sheridan, renowned for other successful projects such as «Yellowstone.»

«Land Man» stars Billy Bob Thornton in the lead role of Tommy Norris, a landman navigating the intense and hazardous landscapes of the oil and gas industry. The first two episodes, which aired on Sunday, depict Norris facing a range of threats including confrontations with a cartel and oil rig explosions. Such dramatic elements have raised questions regarding the accuracy of these portrayals from industry insiders.

Nancy McCaskill, president of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), which is based in Fort Worth, commented on the series in an interview with CBS News Texas. «We don’t make deals with bags on our heads,» she stated, addressing the dramatized scenarios depicted in the series. «We don’t run around and put out fires. Very few of us have incurred explosions.» Despite the embellishments, McCaskill affirmed that some elements of the storyline resonate with reality, as landmen often face challenging situations.

The AAPL represents over 12,000 landmen nationwide, whose work primarily involves negotiating with landowners to acquire leases for the exploration and development of oil, gas, and other energy resources. The organization’s headquarters features prominently in the series, with several scenes shot at their Fort Worth office and other local landmarks such as the Petroleum Club of Fort Worth and a West Camp Bowie gas station.

Sean Foster, a landman broker who attended a watch party for the show’s premiere, expressed satisfaction with its portrayal of his profession. «The show actually has conversations that we really do have to have on a fairly frequent basis,» said Foster, though he noted that «the countless hours a day spent just behind the screen looking at spreadsheets» are not showcased.

Both McCaskill and Foster highlighted the growing demand for landmen, spurred by the rise in popularity of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. They hope «Land Man» raises awareness about the critical role landmen play in facilitating energy production, ensuring a better understanding of the sector’s importance.

To further engage viewers and professionals with the show, the AAPL is planning to launch a podcast that will review each episode following its release, offering insights into the realities of a landman’s work in contrast to its fictional depiction.