The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor announced on April 27 that the City of Roanoke has been approved by the Texas Film Commission as a Media Production Development Zone. This designation is intended to encourage the development of permanent moving image production sites in Roanoke, with goals to create jobs and expand both local and state economies.
Governor Greg Abbott said, “Texas’ growing media production industry supports local job creation and brings new revenue into communities across our great state. I congratulate the City of Roanoke on their designation as a Media Production Development Zone. The Texas Film Commission works with our community partners to leverage the tools needed to help innovative entrepreneurs and hardworking Texans to thrive.”
The Media Production Development Zone Program was established by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009 and is administered by the Texas Film Commission. It allows for a sales and use tax exemption for up to two years for construction, maintenance, expansion, improvement, or renovation of media production facilities at qualified locations. These facilities can include animation or CGI studios, post-production facilities, sound stages, video game development studios, and production office space.
Film and Music LLC submitted an application for this program which allowed Roanoke to begin its approval process. The company plans to renovate an existing building in downtown Roanoke into three studios along with production offices and editing space.
Senator Tan Parker said, “Roanoke’s designation as a Media Production Development Zone is a strong step toward driving job creation and economic growth in our region. It opens the door to new investment, supports both creative and technical careers, and positions North Texas as a destination for innovation in media and production. This is how Texas stays competitive and leads.”
Representative Ben Bumgarner added: “Congratulations to the City of Roanoke, Mayor Gierisch, and the City Council for being designated as a Media Production Development Zone by the Texas Film Commission. This designation highlights the economic and cultural significance of the City of Roanoke not only within the DFW Metroplex but across the state of Texas.”
For more than five decades, according to information from state officials provided in this announcement, the Texas Film Commission has worked through economic development programs aimed at growing local jobs while promoting Texas as a destination for film-related industries.
