The City of Bowie recently joined the over 150 Film Friendly Texas communities in the state. Bowie, a North Texas city, had its designation announced on September 29 by Governor Greg Abbott.
Texas State Senator Drew Springer (R-Muenster) shared that this is part of the City’s goal to create a community for all types of businesses to thrive. Certification is made by the Texas Film Commission (TFC) after communities go through a multi-step process. The TFC is responsible for bringing production and media-related jobs to the state.
Once a community is certified, it will also receive additional training and support from the TFC. The commission is part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and was established 50 years ago.
Bowie Community Development Executive Director/PIO Cindy Roller said it is an accomplishment for the city and a step toward the future.
“Being Film Friendly Texas certified is a wonderful accomplishment for the community of Bowie,” Roller shared in the governor’s press release. “We are very excited to begin this partnership with the Texas Film Commission and all the offerings this can bring to our corner of Texas. We are looking forward to this undertaking and advancing our city into this new platform. We appreciate the assistance the Texas Film Commission has provided in making this happen for Bowie.”
Bowie is in the “North Central Area” of Film Friendly Certified Communities, according to the website. It joins multiple other communities in this area, including Archer City, Baird, Clifton, Graham, Waco, Wichita Falls, and Vernon.
“I congratulate the City of Bowie on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 160 other Texas communities who have received this recognition,” Abbott said in the announcement. “The Lone Star State is brimming with promise, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our communities to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.
“Through the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, communities large and small are readied to help match local businesses with production-related needs, creating jobs for Texas-based crew members and local residents, as well as spurring on-site spending at local small businesses. I am proud of all the Texas Film Commission has accomplished in helping communities like Bowie market their unique appeal and support local job creation through media production.”
Texas State Representative David Spiller (R-House District 68) shared that this certification will enhance not only the economy of the city but also its charm.
“Congratulations to the City of Bowie for their Film Friendly Texas designation by the Texas Film Commission. Bowie is an outstanding community, and this designation will only enhance the city’s unique charm and economic growth,” Spiller said in the press release.
Since being established, the TFC has brought over 183,000 production jobs to the state and attracted around $1.95 billion in local spending, according to the press release.
The City of Dumas also received Film Friendly Texas designation on September 22, The Dallas Express previously reported. Dumas is in the Panhandle Region, along with Fritch and Amarillo.
