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Council advances film‑friendly ordinance to streamline permits, seeks certification from Texas Film Commission
Summary
The council considered and introduced a filming ordinance intended to create a clear permitting process and fee schedule to make Laredo film‑friendly for productions; the Laredo Film Society and Convention & Visitors Bureau supported the move.
The council heard an item to add a new article establishing filming regulations, including a permitting process, fee structure and assignment of the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau as administering agency.
Lede: Assistant director of the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau told the council the city lacks a standard, cross‑departmental permitting process for film, television and other production work; the proposed ordinance would adopt model policies to certify the city as “film friendly” under Texas Film Commission standards.
Nut graf: Supporters, including the Laredo Film Society, said film‑friendly certification helps attract productions, strengthens cultural programming and leverages a new Texas state incentive program. The council voted to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance for further consideration.
What proponents said: Ryan Cantu, board member of the Laredo Film Society, said the Texas legislature recently approved a large filmmaking incentive package and that producers search the Texas Film Commission’s list of certified communities; he urged passage to support local talent development and to build a location photo inventory for potential shoots.
Council action: After public comment from the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Laredo Film Society, council voted to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance; staff said the CVB will administer permits, require insurance and coordinate across city departments.
Ending: The measure was put on the council’s legislative track for subsequent readings; staff will coordinate location inventories and draft the final permitting procedures for later votes.
