The City of Big Spring has been named a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community, according to an announcement from Governor Greg Abbott. The designation follows the completion of a training and certification process led by the Texas Film Commission.
“Congratulations to Big Spring on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor 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.”
State Representative Drew Darby commented on the achievement, highlighting Big Spring’s distinctiveness as a filming location. “Big things happen in small towns, and Big Spring is proving it,” said Darby. “I am proud to represent this vibrant community in the Texas House and am thrilled that it is now officially certified as a Film Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Film Commission. With landmarks like the historic Settles Hotel and a rich heritage that tells the story of West Texas, Big Spring offers a backdrop unlike anywhere else. I am grateful for the hard work of Mayor Moore and city leaders in making this a reality, and I appreciate Governor Abbott and the Texas Film Commission for highlighting our slice of heaven in West Texas.”
City officials expressed optimism about what this recognition could bring. “From our meticulously restored 1930s Hotel Settles and Municipal Auditorium to our turn of the century historic downtown, and from our namesake spring to our scenic bluffs and windswept plains, Big Spring offers an incredible variety of potential filming locations,” said Mayor Robert Moore. “Our Film Friendly Texas Certified Community designation means that more people will now see what makes our location so unique and better understand all that we have to offer.”
City Manager Todd Darden also spoke about Big Spring’s long-standing connection with film production: “The City of Big Spring is excited to be part of the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community Program,” he said. “Our community has always been a strong supporter of the arts, and our part of Texas has served as a filming location for movies and television shows over the last 55 years. With our involvement with Film Friendly Texas, we hope to welcome even more productions to our unique piece of West Texas.”
With this certification, Big Spring joins over 200 other communities across Texas receiving ongoing guidance from the Texas Film Commission regarding industry standards and best practices for accommodating film productions.
The Film Friendly Texas program, run by the commission within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office for over five decades, aims to help grow local economies by promoting various types of media production throughout the state.
For those interested in job opportunities related to cast, crew or digital media projects in Texas, further information can be found through resources provided by the Texas Film Commission.
