Texas News

Governor Abbott promotes media industry growth with upcoming workshop for Texas communities

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, along with the Texas Film Commission, has announced an upcoming virtual workshop designed to help Texas communities pursue economic growth by becoming certified as Film Friendly Texas or Digital Media Friendly Texas. The workshop, to be held on November 14, aims to equip local leaders with the necessary tools and insights to attract media production, create jobs, and boost local economies through film and digital media industries.

Workshop Details and Objectives

The workshop, co-hosted by the Texas Film Commission, Visit El Paso, and the El Paso Film Festival, will run from 9:30 AM to 12:45 PM CT on Thursday, November 14. It will feature professional development sessions, including “How to Become a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community” and “How to Become a Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community.”

The event encourages participation from city and county officials, convention and visitors bureau representatives, chamber of commerce members, and local economic development leaders. Those attending the workshop will serve as liaisons between their communities and media production inquiries, facilitating the certification process to become Film Friendly or Digital Media Friendly Texas communities.

Attending this virtual workshop is a critical step for communities working toward certification. The online format provides a convenient opportunity to complete the workshop component required for both programs, allowing communities across the state to take part from anywhere.

A Gateway to Economic Growth and Job Creation

Governor Abbott emphasized the positive economic impact media production has on communities throughout Texas. “Texas is a leader for media production, creating a positive economic impact in communities across our great state,” said Abbott. “With a rich history of film and TV production spanning more than a century, Texas is the premier destination for production across media industries, including digital media. The Texas Film Commission works with our community partners to market their unique attributes, attract new investments in media production, and drive local job growth.”

Two Certification Programs to Promote Media Industries

The Film Friendly Texas Certified Community program was launched in 2007 and now includes over 175 communities across the state. Communities that earn this certification are recognized for their efforts to attract film, television, and commercial productions, helping drive local job creation and economic expansion.

The Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community program, launched earlier this year, focuses on attracting digital media industries, including animation, visual effects (VFX), video games, and extended reality (XR). This new program helps Texas communities position themselves to tap into the rapidly growing digital media landscape, creating jobs and fostering innovative technologies.

A Record of Success in Media Production

For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has played a pivotal role in building the state’s reputation as a hub for media production. Through its programs, the commission has helped attract more than $2.5 billion in local spending and created over 189,000 jobs in film, television, animation, and digital media production since 2007.

Reeve Bull, Director of the Office of Regulatory Management, highlighted how the programs align with the state’s broader economic strategy: “Whether it is shortening critical infrastructure timelines through permit reforms or increasing the timeliness of professional licensing, these actions help make Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Workshop Registration and Additional Information

Communities interested in participating can register for the virtual workshop and learn more about the Film Friendly Texas and Digital Media Friendly Texas programs by visiting the official Texas Film Commission website at gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_workshops.

This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for Texas communities to unlock new avenues for economic development by leveraging the power of film and digital media production. Through these certifications, communities across the state can position themselves to attract high-profile projects, create jobs, and contribute to the growth of local economies.

By fostering partnerships between media production industries and local governments, the Texas Film Commission continues its mission to make Texas the top destination for creative professionals in the United States.

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