By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com
DUBLIN (February 21, 2017) – Dublin is officially a Film Friendly Texas (FFTX) certified community.
The announcement was made to the community earlier this month at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet by an official with the Texas Film Commission, a division of the governor’s office, who presented a certificate to community leaders that recognized the newly acquired film friendly status.
The pursuit of film friendly status has been incorporated in a number of the city’s annual events, including the annual banquet. The event played on the lights, camera, action theme, offering awards that spoke to movie classics and encouraging members to decorate tables paying homage to their favorite films. Meanwhile, the Dublin is currently “setting the stage” for its annual Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.
The designation puts the city on the map with more than 100 others across the state. In addition to receiving the commission’s seal of approval, the city is now included in a database searched by filmmakers, television crews and producers of commercials, video games, music videos and other visual media who are searching for filming locations.
To qualify for the program, Luanne Schexnider and Julia Broussard with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, who with the support of the Dublin City Council attended a FFTX workshop in Waco and submitted photos of potential filming locations that are now a part of the Texas Film Commission database.
Images on file representing some of Dublin’s film friendly locations include the Grafton Street Church, the Miller Grist Mill and downtown, along Patrick Street. The commission has also obtained images of other locations across the city.
It’s no secret that Dublin has a rich history, with stories of days gone told through exhibits and artifacts at several museums, including Dublin Bottling Works plant, W.P. Kloster Museum, Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum, Ben Hogan Museum and the city’s historical museum.
While some people may argue that history is all the community has to offer, Broussard said existing businesses coupled with structures that maintain their historical significance can be used to entice filmmakers. She also said vacant buildings can transition into film sets with little work and without the need to disrupt location business operations.
“A lot of buildings aren’t being used right now and they love that,” Broussard said. “What some people see as a minus is a plus for filmmakers. We are going to take our lemons and make lemonade.”
Meanwhile, she said Dublin offers a population ready to support filming projects by working as crew members and extras, as well as motels for moviemakers to sleep in and restaurants that offer catering or in-house dining options.
“With everything we can offer, Dublin really is set up to be a successful film town,” Broussard said.
There are a number of Texas cities and communities that have benefited from the designation and numerous movies that put the Lone Star State on the big screen, according to the Texas Film Commission Facebook page.
More about FFTX
FFTX provides ongoing training and guidance to help statewide communities effectively accommodate on-location filming and market their communities as filming destinations. Whether it’s for a two-day television commercial or a two-month feature film, the Texas Film Commission wants every Texas community to be prepared to welcome filmmakers in a way that benefits its residents, businesses and the community. Certification in the Film Friendly Texas program sends a message to filmmakers that a city is serious about attracting their business.
The one-day workshop includes an overview of the Texas media production industries; explains how film locations are chosen; sets expectations for working with different types of productions; expediting film inquiries; addresses the use of public property for filming locations; explains location agreements, production insurance and neighbor notifications; and provides information on creating effective filming guidelines.
We as filmmakers in the community for 7 years would have loved to of known about it