Denison has picked up a fourth state "Friendly Texas" designation, this one aimed at animation, visual effects, video games and other digital media work.
The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office in the governor's office announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that the Texas Film Commission had certified Denison as a Digital Media Friendly Texas community after the city finished a multi-step certification process. The state calls the result a "Grand Slam," since Denison already held Music Friendly Texas, Film Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas certifications.
What the program does
According to the Film Commission, the Digital Media Friendly program is meant to encourage digital media production around the state and add jobs in fields such as video games, animation, extended reality and visual effects. Certified communities are marketed to companies looking for places to work, and the program connects Texas digital media workers with job listings and networking.
It also teaches communities about digital literacy. Local governments and nonprofit economic development or tourism groups of any size can apply.
What local leaders said
Mayor Robert Crawley said the certification gives the city "an incredible opportunity to showcase the people and experiences that make Denison special" and could open doors for economic growth and partnerships.
