Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott, alongside the Texas Film Commission, has announced a virtual workshop aimed at certifying communities as Film Friendly Texas and Digital Media Friendly Texas. The event is scheduled for April 10 and invites Texas communities to explore local job creation and economic expansion opportunities through certification.

"Texas’ growing media production industry supports local jobs and creates revenue in communities across our great state," stated Governor Abbott. He emphasized the partnership with community partners that has led to over $2.5 billion in local spending and more than 189,000 production jobs statewide.

The workshop, cohosted by the City of Cedar Park, will provide professional development sessions such as "How to Become a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community" and "How to Become a Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community." It targets community leaders from city or county governments, convention bureaus, chambers of commerce, or local economic development corporations who will act as liaisons for media production inquiries.

Certification as a Film Friendly or Digital Media Friendly community requires attending this workshop. The virtual format offers an accessible means to meet program requirements.

The Film Friendly Texas initiative began in 2007 and now includes over 175 certified communities focused on fostering media production industries. Meanwhile, the Digital Media Friendly program launched last year aims to attract digital media productions like animation and video games across Texas.

For more information about the workshop or certification programs, interested parties can visit gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_workshops for registration details.