Picture this: You’re grabbing coffee downtown when suddenly there are film trucks everywhere, actors in costume walking around, and someone with a clipboard asking if you want to be an extra in a movie. Sound like a fantasy? Not anymore.
Texarkana just earned something pretty special – the Film Friendly Texas designation from Governor Abbott and the Texas Film Commission. Translation? Your town is now officially on Hollywood’s radar as a great place to make movies and TV shows.
What Does “Film Friendly” Actually Mean?
Think of it like this: Texarkana just graduated from film school – not to make movies, but to host them. The city went through training to learn how to work with film crews, connect local businesses with production needs, and basically roll out the red carpet for filmmakers.
Governor Abbott put it perfectly: “Through the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, Texas communities are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, creating jobs for Texans and spurring on-site spending at local businesses.”
In other words, when a film crew comes to town, they’re going to need everything from catering to equipment rentals to hotel rooms. Your local businesses are about to get some serious opportunities.
Why Texarkana Caught Their Eye
Representative Gary VanDeaver hit the nail on the head when he said, “This town has a lot of character, and we’re excited to share that with filmmakers looking for a place that feels both unique and inviting.”
Filmmakers are always hunting for locations that look authentic and interesting. Texarkana’s got that small-town charm mixed with enough infrastructure to handle a film crew. Plus, you’re literally on the border of two states – how cool is that for a movie setting?
What This Could Mean for Your Wallet
Here’s where it gets exciting for regular folks like you and me. When film crews come to town, they don’t just bring cameras – they bring paychecks. We’re talking about:
- Jobs for local people as extras, assistants, and crew members
- Business for local restaurants feeding hungry film crews
- Hotel bookings for cast and crew staying in town
- Equipment rentals from local businesses
- Transportation, security, and dozens of other services
Mayor Bob Bruggeman is clearly excited about the possibilities: “We look forward to the opportunities this will bring — from creative storytelling to meaningful economic growth for our community.”
You’re Not Alone in This Adventure
Texarkana just joined more than 200 other Texas communities that have earned this designation. That means you’re part of a statewide network of film-friendly places, all working together to attract productions to Texas.
City Manager David Orr gets it: “This designation reflects our commitment to growth, creativity, and regional collaboration, and we’re excited about the doors this will open.”
The Big Picture: Texas is Taking Over Hollywood
For over 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has been working to bring movie magic to Texas. They’re not just talking about movies either – we’re talking TV shows, commercials, animation, video games, and all kinds of digital media production.
Why does this matter to you? Because every time a production chooses Texas over California or New York, that’s jobs and money staying right here in the Lone Star State.
Your Next Move: Keep Your Eyes Open
Now that Texarkana has this designation, don’t be surprised if you start hearing about film projects coming to town. When that happens, here’s what you can do:
Pay attention to casting calls for extras – you might end up in a movie! Support local businesses that work with film crews. Keep an eye out for job opportunities in the film industry.
If you’re interested in film industry jobs, check out gov.texas.gov/film/hotline for cast, crew, and digital media opportunities across Texas.
Ready to see your town on the big screen? Texarkana just earned its Hollywood credentials, and who knows? The next time you’re downtown, you might just walk into a movie scene. How awesome is that?
