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BEDC approves $10,000 sponsorship for 'Lights, Camera, Bastrop' film‑training event; one member recuses
Summary
The board approved a $10,000 sponsorship for a film industry training and public event proposed by local producer Mark Anthony Baca; legal counsel advised the board on promotional spending limits and one member recused from the vote.
The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation voted to provide a $10,000 sponsorship to an event called "Lights, Camera, Bastrop," a film‑production training and entertainment event proposed for Mayfest Park that includes free training classes, celebrity appearances and school outreach.
Organizer Mark Anthony Baca described the program as a one‑day intensive of free classes and demonstrations tied to his longer calendar of events and anti‑bullying and suicide‑awareness outreach in local schools. "Anybody that wants to take the classes can take them for free," Baca said, and added that he would pay instructors and was also investing his own funds toward the program.
Baca said the event expects wide attendance (he described projected attendance around 5,000) and listed celebrity participants and program elements intended to attract families and students, including special‑effects demonstrations, stunt and makeup workshops, and a screening. He requested $10,000 from the BEDC to help cover event costs; he said he would also provide private funds and sponsor support.
Legal counsel advised the board to consider whether the request qualified as a promotional expenditure for the city and reminded the board that promotional spending is subject to statutory limits (counsel referenced a 10% cap on promotion). Board members discussed available budget for promotion — staff described a lean budget and no dedicated promotion line item — and allocation options (sponsorship versus grant). One board member announced a conflict and recused because they had helped the applicant with initial planning through the arts center.
A motion to approve the $10,000 sponsorship (producer level), with the expectation that the BEDC be promoted as a donor in event materials, passed by voice vote; the motion carried.
Follow up: the organizer and staff agreed event promotion would include BEDC as a sponsor and staff noted the city could request a representative booth at the event. The board did not attach additional conditions beyond standard sponsorship recognition.
