Council approves 'Film Friendly Texas' designation to attract productions

The Crockett City Council voted to adopt a Film Friendly Texas designation and related filming guidelines after a presentation from the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce that framed the change as an economic-development opportunity.

Wade Thomas introduced the proposal and Lisa Clark, identified in the meeting as executive director of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce, presented data and case studies showing how film productions can bring spending to local vendors, hire local extras and crew, and generate tourism. Clark said Crockett’s historic architecture and pineywoods setting make it attractive to many kinds of productions and walked council through examples of other Texas communities that have benefited from film projects.

Council moved, seconded and approved the film-friendly policy, which staff said is a three-step process: certification, workflow coordination with the Texas Film Commission and passing administratively enforceable local filming guidelines. Proponents said the policy could diversify revenue for the city and create short-term and larger-scale local economic opportunities.