Commission approves $689,150 for two Las Vegas history documentaries by Boyd Productions

The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial voted to approve funding of $689,150 to Boyd Productions to produce two documentary films on early Las Vegas history: a film on the 1911 city founding era and a second about early Fremont Street history.

Jennifer Boyd, owner of Boyd Productions, told commissioners the films would allow deeper coverage of the 1911 period and the first 45 years of Fremont Street, and cited strong public interest in prior decade-long documentaries. Commissioners asked about timetable and contract details; staff explained contracts must be drafted by the city’s contracts office, typically requiring four to six weeks, and that contracts must return to the commission for final approval. Commissioner Cedric (surname not specified in the transcript) requested historical cost breakdowns from past documentary projects and a line-item budget; Boyd and staff agreed to provide a full breakdown as part of the contract packet.

Commissioner Seth Floyd moved to approve the item with direction that the contract be drafted subject to the provisions discussed; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous “aye” votes on the floor. Staff and legal counsel confirmed that the motion would earmark the funds and direct preparation of contracts, which the commission will review and approve at a subsequent meeting before signatures are executed.

The commission also discussed scheduling: commissioners asked that the contract and schedule be returned at or before the March 24 meeting or the next publicly noticed meeting, so the films’ production schedule can be finalized following contract execution.