Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Sweetwater has achieved the status of a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community. This designation comes after the city completed a comprehensive training and certification process under the Texas Film Commission.

Governor Abbott remarked, “Congratulations to Sweetwater on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 175 other Texas communities that have received this recognition.” He highlighted how the program equips communities to align local businesses with production needs, fostering job creation for local residents and boosting spending at local enterprises. Abbott expressed gratitude to the Texas Film Commission for aiding communities like Sweetwater in marketing their appeal and supporting job creation through media production.

Senator Charles Perry, who is an alumnus of Sweetwater, stated, “As a Sweetwater graduate, I’m proud to see my hometown earn the Film Friendly Texas Community designation.” He noted that this recognition highlights Sweetwater’s unique character and economic potential, opening opportunities for job creation and investment in film and media production.

Representative Stan Lambert shared his enthusiasm: “I am thrilled that Sweetwater has been named a Film Friendly Texas Community and appreciate Governor Abbott’s support for local job creation in West Texas.” He emphasized Sweetwater's embodiment of Texan values through its landscape and community spirit.

Mayor Jim McKenzie expressed pride in this achievement: “We appreciate the opportunity to become certified by the Governor, to be officially in the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community program.”

Sweetwater now joins over 175 communities across Texas that benefit from ongoing training provided by the Texas Film Commission. This initiative aims to help communities accommodate on-location filming activities effectively.

The Texas Film Commission has been instrumental for over 50 years in promoting local economies by positioning Texas as a prime location for various forms of media production. From 2007 to 2024, it attracted over $2.5 billion in local spending and generated more than 189,000 production jobs statewide.

For further information about what Film Friendly Texas Communities offer or job opportunities in digital media within Texas, resources are available at gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview and gov.texas.gov/film/hotline respectively.