DEPARTMENT: Department of Arts & Culture
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Debbie Racca-Sittre
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All Council Districts
SUBJECT:
Adoption of the San Antonio Film Commission Strategic Plan
SUMMARY:
This item adopts the San Antonio Film Commission Strategic Plan to increase film production in San Antonio. It also updates City Code Section 2-3 to establish the San Antonio Film Office as the designated film liaison agency and authorizes the waiver of fees associated with the use of City-owned facilities for filmmaking upon approval by the San Antonio Film Office and the director of the Managing City Department.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Established in 1985, the San Antonio Film Commission has been dedicated to promoting film making in San Antonio for over three decades. Providing various services such as film permitting, calls for cast and crew as well as liaison services, the Commission seeks to act as a resource to the film industry and assist in its positive impact on San Antonio's economy.
Following the Texas Legislature's 84th regular session in 2015, film production in San Antonio and Texas as a whole faced an uphill battle in the efforts to attract and support projects. With a budget cut of roughly two-thirds, the Texas Film Commissions incentive fund was quickly depleted and could no longer incentivize film production in the State. Without a competitive state incentive program, the San Antonio film industry realized it was time for change.
In early 2016, the City of San Antonio and a group of film industry stakeholders began discussions focused on reviving the industry locally. Paired with staff transitions within the San Antonio Film Commission, the summer of 2016 was the prime opportunity to develop a strategic plan for the San Antonio Film Commission and redefine its direction and role to support the film industry.
On June 25, 2016 the Department of Arts & Culture hosted a half-day visioning session with over 80 film indust...
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