Van Designated Film Friendly Texas Certified Community
AUSTIN – The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor today announced the City of Van 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 Van 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.”
“Congratulations to the City of Van on earning its Film Friendly Texas certification,” said Senator Bob Hall. “Van has a unique character, rich history, and welcoming spirit that make it a natural setting for film and media production. East Texas is proud to showcase Van to new audiences while supporting local businesses and bringing new investment to the community. I look forward to seeing all that this exciting designation brings to Van and the surrounding East Texas region.”
“Becoming a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community is an exciting opportunity for the City of Van,” said Mayor Ernie Burns. “It allows us to showcase our unique East Texas charm, rich history, and welcoming spirit to filmmakers from across the state and beyond. More importantly, it has the potential to bring new visitors, support our local businesses, create economic opportunities, and introduce our community to audiences who may have never discovered Van otherwise. We are proud to open our doors and share the story of our hometown.”
“We are very excited to have Van designated as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said City Manager Jeff Hudgens. “It’s a great way to showcase Van’s unique backdrop and history to a wider audience while stimulating our economy. It’s a win-win situation.”
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.