The Texas Film Commission has certified Denison as a Digital Media Friendly Texas community, the governor's economic development and tourism office announced Wednesday. The designation follows the city's completion of a certification process with several steps.
The state program aims to bring animation, visual effects, video game and extended reality work to Texas towns and to grow local jobs in those fields, according to the announcement. Denison already held the state's Music Friendly, Film Friendly and Tourism Friendly certifications, so the new one gives the city all four. The office called that combination a "Grand Slam."
What local officials said
Mayor Robert Crawley said the certification gives the city a chance to show off its people and experiences and could open doors to economic growth and new partnerships.
Tourism Manager Jordan Starr said the designation recognizes digital media businesses and creative workers already active in Denison, and that the city wants to be a place for jobs as well as visitors.
Main Street Director Donna Dow said some Denison businesses have worked in the field "for quite some time" and that the city has "a strong creative community."
State Rep. Shelley Luther said the four designations help create local jobs and opportunities for families. Gov. Greg Abbott congratulated the city in a statement and thanked the film commission for helping communities market their workforce and other assets to digital media companies.
