 Photo by Van Redin/National Geographic
'THE LONG ROAD HOME' FILMING AT FORT HOOD
Production of National Geographic's new TV miniseries The Long Road Home is now weeks into production in Fort Hood. The production will be in full swing for the next few months and has already hired local cast, crew, military personnel and veterans to advise and participate in the production.
The Long Road Home is based on the events of "Black Sunday," when a 1st Cavalry Division platoon was ambushed in Sadr City, Iraq. The miniseries will follow the rescue missions to save them and their days back home in the states. It's an important, timely tale of the sacrifices made by our troops, and we are thrilled to have such dedicated talent and crew to tell this story.
 TFC ON THE ROAD
Texas Game Development Meet Up at SXSW
On March 17 we hosted the Texas Game Development Meet Up where we met with 70+ members of the Texas gaming community, spreading the word that Texas is one of the leading states in the nation for video game development. The turnout of the event could not have been better, with such a diverse audience of active and new game developers, educators, and students. The talent of the Texas gaming community continues to astound us, and we're so glad we were able to continue conversations with this growing community.
 Film Friendly Presentations
Our Film Friendly communities continue to grow, and we're thankful that we have had the opportunity of presenting certificates to city officials. We presented at the film-themed Dublin Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. And in Waco, we presented the certificate alongside city officials and Mayor Kyle Deaver at the inaugural Deep in the Heart Film Festival.
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 Film Texas Display at the Capitol
Last month we presented a display at the Texas Capitol that featured the impact of film production on Texas communities through our services and programs like Film Friendly Texas, Texas Film Trails, and exclusive archival footage from the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. Click here to view photos of the display.
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 Scouting in El Paso, Lubbock & Wolfforth
We recently scouted locations on a potential project, very specifically set in El Paso and Fort Bliss Army Base. Thank you to Susie Gaines at the El Paso Film Commission for guiding us throughout the city. El Paso has a very vibrant arts scene and impressive roster of diverse locations, especially with the revitalization of the city center which is sprucing up many historic buildings. We’re grateful to the city leaders who continue to support their community and the moving image industries of Texas.
We also enjoyed our time in Lubbock, the City of Wolfforth, and Reese Technology Center alongside members from the High Ground of Texas, a wonderfully film-friendly organization that supports economic development in the West Texas and Panhandle regions. The Greater Lubbock area is host to a plethora of small businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors and we look forward to finding future opportunities for collaboration.
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 SAVE THE DATE!
We're bringing our Film Friendly Texas Workshop to Waco! Stay tuned to our website and social channels for information on registration.
 TEXAS AT SXSW & DIFF 2017
Our office met so many opportunities to connect with industry leaders and expand economic opportunities for Texas media industry professionals at South by Southwest and the Dallas International Film Festival.
Both festivals showcased the existing and growing talent within the Lone Star State through the many Texas projects at the festivals. Congrats to all of the Texas filmmakers and crew at their premieres!
 ABC's TV pilot "The Gospel of Kevin" filmed in Smithville on March 15, 2017.
FILM FRIENDLY SPOTLIGHT: SMITHVILLE
Hope Floats (1998) was released nearly two decades ago, and tourists continue to flock to Smithville and visit the locations where the film was shot. The town remains a sought-after community for filming destinations.
ABC's TV pilot "The Gospel of Kevin" spent a day filming in the city last month, recruiting Smithville talent and utilizing local businesses for the shoot. And with increases in sales tax revenue, it's important for cities like Smithville to utilize local businesses and retain tourists. We're happy to see that productions and film tourism continue to provide economic impact to this Film Friendly town.
 'AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR' SET-UP IN SAN ANTONIO
Check this out! The 10-day visit last month is expected to bring in some $3.5 million in economic impact to the city.
INDUSTRY NEWS ROUND-UP
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