Crockett is on the verge of becoming a Texas Film Friendly community, a move that could significantly boost the local economy. During the City Council meeting on May 16, officials discussed the potential benefits of adopting the Texas Film Commission's film-friendly policy, citing impressive economic gains from similar initiatives in nearby towns.

Wade Thomas, a local advocate for the initiative, highlighted the success of Stephenville, Texas, which recently hosted a film crew for the series "1883." The two-day shoot generated an astounding $12 million for the local economy, showcasing the financial impact that film productions can have on small communities. Thomas emphasized that Crockett has the unique charm and historic architecture that filmmakers seek, making it an ideal candidate for this program.

Lisa Clark, Executive Director of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, noting that the idea of becoming a film-friendly community has been discussed since 2017. She pointed out that over 180 cities in Texas are already certified, and Crockett has the opportunity to fill a gap in East Texas. Clark detailed how film productions not only bring in revenue through location fees but also create jobs for local residents, from crew positions to extras.

The council is now two-thirds of the way through the certification process, needing only to pass enforceable filming guidelines to complete the final step. This initiative promises to open new avenues for economic growth and job creation in Crockett, positioning the city as a potential hotspot for filmmakers looking for picturesque locations. The council's decision to move forward with this policy could pave the way for a vibrant new chapter in Crockett's economic landscape.