First Lady Cecilia Abbott has announced that the City of Columbus has been recognized as the 200th Film Friendly Texas Certified Community. The designation was celebrated at the Texas Capitol in Austin, attended by community leaders from various parts of the state.
“Congratulations to the City of Columbus on being named the 200th Film Friendly Texas Community,” remarked First Lady Abbott. She emphasized the positive impacts on local economies and job creation associated with the film-friendly initiative.
Since its inception in 2007, the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community Program has been managed by the Texas Film Commission. The program supports local economies through film, television, and other media production activities that require services such as catering, lodging, and transportation, thus benefiting small businesses.
According to Texas Economic Development & Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, “The creative industries are incredibly important to the overall Texas economy.” Cruz highlighted the benefits communities gain from participating in the program, including job creation and increased production spending.
Stephanie Whallon, Director of the Texas Film Commission, expressed pride in fostering partnerships with communities to stimulate local economic growth through the media production industry. “The Texas Film Commission is proud to partner with our communities to grow local jobs and expand local economies by making Texas the premier media production destination,” she said.
Senator Joan Huffman praised Columbus for its unique appeal, saying, “This is a tremendous achievement that highlights everything that makes Columbus such a unique and welcoming place.” Huffman acknowledged Columbus’s historic town square and scenic landscapes as significant assets for filmmakers.
Columbus Mayor Lori An Gobert, RN, expressed excitement about joining the program, stating, “We look forward to promoting our beautifully historic and friendly town to people in the media industry.”
Becky Nutt, Executive Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, extended gratitude to Governor Abbott and the Texas Film Commission for their support. “A heartfelt thank you to Governor Abbott for his continued support of the film industry in Texas and to the Texas Film Commission for their dedication and hard work in making this recognition possible.”
Columbus now forms part of the network of 199 other Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities. These communities receive ongoing guidance and training from the Texas Film Commission to meet media industry standards and facilitate on-location filmmaking activities.
The Texas Film Commission, part of the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, has been promoting Texas as a diverse production destination for over 50 years. Interested parties can learn more about the Film Friendly Texas Communities and job opportunities by visiting the Texas Film Commission’s website.
