DTA Members that attended our October Member Meeting were treated to a presentation from Randy Polk of Film Friendly SMTX at which he shared information on the moving image industry (aka film industry), the Texas Film Commission (TFC), and how downtown San Marcos business and property owners can benefit from the economic activity generated by film production.
TFC Film Friendly Program
San Marcos is one of over 100 Film Friendly certified communities across Texas. The Texas Film Friendly program prepares communities to meet the opportunities and challenges of accommodating media productions. By being ready to help match local businesses with production-related needs and services, Film Friendly communities can take better advantage of the economic development impact offered by moving image industries. More information is available on the City of San Marcos’ Film Friendly information page.
GSMP Study: Moving Image Industry drives more than $26MM of Economic Impact
Polk cited a recent study commissioned by (DTA member) the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) that, since 2008, over 110 moving image projects have taken place in Hays and Caldwell Counties that resulted in total economic activity attributable to the motion picture, film, and TV productions of $26.7 million and supporting 185 jobs. The full study can be read on the GSMP website here.
San Marcos’ filmography over the past 10 years includes: Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) • American Crime (TV Series: 2015 - 2016) • The Teller and the Truth (2015) • Boyhood (2014) • The Tree of Life (2011) • Friday Night Lights (TV Series; 2006 - 2011)
How to List Your Location for Films
Polk shared tips for business owners and property owners that wish to submit their property to the TFCs free digital library of locations available to filmmakers for use in films, television shows, commercials, music videos, and multimedia projects. Interested parties can add their location on the TFC website by clicking Submit Your Property for Films under the Resources tab or by clicking the direct link here.
Polk also recommends submitting properties to the Austin Film Commission directly, which can be done here.
Randy Polk is a former professor of Media Production at the University of Houston and he is happy to assist any DTA Members with their questions about benefiting from film opportunities in San Marcos. He can be contacted via email here.