Local filmmakers urge city to expand incentives, training and film production support
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Summary
More than a dozen producers, filmmakers and arts advocates told the council that San Antonio should invest in incentives, workforce training and a film strategy to keep and attract productions. Speakers said local incentives and program updates would create jobs and retain creative talent.
A group of San Antonio filmmakers, producers and arts advocates used the public-comment period Nov. 6 to urge the City Council to adopt stronger support for film and media production, including incentives, commissioning a film strategy and bolstering local training programs.
Speakers representing production companies, film-education programs and local arts organizations said incentives are often the deciding factor for where a film or television production shoots. Cezly Armstrong, a producer and president of Film Texas, and others said that with updated incentives and support, San Antonio could capture productions that now go to Dallas or Austin, creating jobs for local crew and boosting hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Speakers cited potential economic impacts and asked the council to invest in programs that provide on-the-job experience and studio development. Several speakers also called for partnerships with local colleges and high schools to create training pathways for camera operators, set designers and other crew positions so the next generation of creatives can work locally.
The remarks were part of a larger consent-agenda block that the council approved after pulling two items (0.22 and 0.24) for separate discussion. The council did not take specific action on film incentives at the Nov. 6 meeting; several councilmembers thanked the speakers and encouraged staff and advocates to continue working together.