Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated the City of Paris for being designated as the fourth Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community. This certification comes from the Texas Film Commission after Paris completed a multi-step process. The program aims to boost digital media production in Texas, creating jobs in animation, visual effects, video games, and extended reality.

“Texas is a leader in innovation,” Governor Abbott stated. “Building on our state’s long history of film and television production, industry leaders in Texas now play a major role in digital media production. I thank the Texas Film Commission for working with our communities to help market their existing assets, unique attributes, and skilled workforce to attract new investments in digital media production and grow local jobs.”

City of Paris Mayor Mihir Pankaj emphasized the significance of this designation: “Receiving the Digital Media Friendly Texas Community designation is important on so many levels. The growing economic impact provided by the digital media industries, whether it be video games, visual effects, or extended reality, has a ripple effect, providing revenues for so many members of a community; the lasting effect will continue to provide benefits for years to come. We are excited to be able to work with the Texas Film Commission to help bring these forward-thinking projects to Paris and Texas.”

City Manager Rose Beverly also commented on the achievement: “Paris is honored to receive the Digital Media Friendly Texas Community certification. This designation supports our commitment to expanding economic opportunity and preparing our workforce for the industries of tomorrow. It will help us raise awareness of technology career paths for our students and attract remote workers who value the quality of life our community offers. We appreciate the Texas Film Commission’s partnership in achieving this important milestone.”

The Digital Media Friendly Texas designation is available for local governments or non-profit economic development and tourism organizations across communities regardless of size or experience level. It aims at showcasing certified communities for attracting new digital media productions while fostering job growth locally.

More information about this program can be found at gov.texas.gov/film/page/dmftx_overview.

The Texas Film Commission has been promoting job growth through various forms of media production in its 50-year history under Governor's Office of Economic Development & Tourism.