McAllen Designated Film Friendly Texas Certified Community

The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor today announced the City of McAllen has been designated by the Texas Film Commission as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process.

“Congratulations to the City of McAllen on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film Friendly Texas training, communities are prepared to support media production, spurring on-site spending at local businesses and creating good-paying jobs for Texans.”

McAllen is now a Music Friendly Texas and Film Friendly Texas Certified Community.

“I applaud the leadership of Mayor Villalobos and the McAllen City Commission, and I appreciate the dedication of city staff in earning the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. “During the last legislative session, I joined my colleagues in supporting a $300 million appropriation for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, administered by the Texas Film Commission. Earning this designation is important for cities like McAllen, as it signals their commitment to the industry, attracts film professionals to our region, and positions the city to take advantage of the state incentives.”

“McAllen’s Film Friendly Texas designation reflects the city’s growing reputation as a place where creativity, culture, and economic opportunity thrive together,” said Representative Bobby Guerra. “Congratulations to our local leaders and community partners for continuing to showcase the Rio Grande Valley as a destination for innovation and storytelling.”

“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,” said Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. “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.”

“This designation creates new opportunities to promote tourism, support local talent, stimulate economic growth, and introduce new audiences to the spirit and character of our community,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are proud to join other Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities across the state and look forward to positioning McAllen as a destination where creativity, culture, and opportunity come together.”

“Achieving the Film Friendly Texas certification reflects the City of McAllen’s commitment to economic development, collaboration, and innovation,” said City Manager Isaac Tawil. “This process required coordination across multiple departments to ensure our city is prepared to support film and media productions efficiently and professionally.”

“Receiving the Film Friendly Texas certification is more than a designation for McAllen — it is a statement about where our city is headed,” said McAllen Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Elizabeth Suarez. “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.”

More than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities across the state receive ongoing training and guidance from the Texas Film Commission on media industry standards, best practices, and how to effectively accommodate on-location filming activity in their community.

For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office has helped grow local jobs and economies by promoting Texas as the premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game, and extended reality production. To explore all that Film Friendly Texas Communities offer, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview. For cast, crew, and digital media job opportunities in Texas, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/hotline.

The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional, and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work, and visit.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Governor’s Press Office at (512) 463-1826.