McAllen might not look anything like Hollywood, but it’s one step closer to being a premiere film destination thanks to a recent designation by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. On May 28, it was announced that McAllen has officially been recognized as a Film Friendly Certified Community. Representative Bobby Guerra said of the exciting news, “McAllen’s Film Friendly Texas designation reflects the city’s growing reputation as a place where creativity, culture, and economic opportunity thrive together.”
With this certification comes the ability to pitch potential locations for filming and to create unique economic opportunities. Part of the designation process involved the appointment of a community liaison, and Visit McAllen’s vice president Leah Wooldridge got the nod. She attended workshops to learn how to best collaborate with professionals in the film industry and how to make the city an appealing location for upcoming projects.
Wooldridge said, “We’ve got a lot of creativity here in McAllen,” and plenty of places that would shine as the backdrop for movies and television shows. The Convention Center Visitors Bureau collected photos to send along to the Film Commission Database to provide a clear idea of why select locations were especially appealing. Wooldridge noted that images of both the performing arts center and convention center were included.
Submissions to the Film Commission Database are ongoing
Leah Wooldridge told My RGV that members of the McAllen community can submit their storefronts, buildings, and properties to Visit McAllen for Film Commission Database consideration. She emphasized that they’re looking for a wide array of options. “They might be looking for an old warehouse, or something industrial. They might even be looking for something a little more agricultural.”
The idea is to capitalize on the myriad ways the area is appealing to film crews, from its temperate climate to its affordability. The Convention Center Visitors Bureau will work alongside prospective filmmakers to request the proper permits, scout areas for filming locations, and make arrangements with construction crews and caterers to fulfill all of the filmmakers’ needs while generating profits for local businesses.
Wooldridge said, “We can help put them in touch with the right people. We are a resource to our local filmmakers, as well as those that are coming around the state.” She added, “It’s a great opportunity for McAllen to get seen by people who may have never heard of us before.” Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. agrees. He similarly said, “What a great opportunity to showcase not only our rich culture and history in the mainstream media, but also how safe and close-knit our community has always been.”
Representative Muñoz, Jr. added, “I applaud the City of McAllen and I am certain that this designation can only bring about more positive effects for our region as a whole. We appreciate the Governor’s Office for their ongoing support and always look forward to working with them for the betterment of our state.”
It was perhaps Elizabeth Suarez, the CEO/President of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, who summarized it best when she said, “Receiving the Film Friendly Texas certification is more than a designation for McAllen — it is a statement about where our city is headed. We are excited about the partnerships, investment, and national attention this can bring to our city, and we look forward to building lasting relationships within the film industry while continuing to showcase everything that makes McAllen unique.”
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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