Canyon earns Film Friendly Texas designation, boosting local economy

CANYON, Texas (KVII) — Governor Greg Abbott announced that the City of Canyon has been designated as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission.

This recognition comes after Canyon completed a multi-step training and certification process.

"Congratulations to Canyon on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 175 other Texas communities that have received this recognition," said Governor Abbott. "Through the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, Texas communities are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, creating jobs for Texas-based crew members and local residents, as well as spurring on-site spending at local businesses."

Abbott expressed gratitude to the Texas Film Commission for aiding communities like Canyon in marketing their unique appeal and supporting local job creation through media production.

"Texas is brimming with promise, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our communities to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to succeed," he said.

Representative John Smithee shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to see Canyon recognized as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community. This opportunity will help create initiatives in our community and support local business."

Mayor Gary Hinders of Canyon echoed these sentiments, saying, "The City of Canyon is thrilled to join the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community program. In partnership with the Amarillo Area Film Commission, we look forward to bringing more commercial film to our corner of Texas. The arts and economic impact will benefit Canyon and our area as the classic western scenery of the Panhandle continues to grow in popularity."

Canyon now joins over 175 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities across the state, receiving ongoing training and guidance from the Texas Film Commission on media industry standards, best practices, and how to effectively accommodate on-location filming activity.

For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has promoted Texas as a premier destination for film, television, commercials, animation, visual effects, video games, and extended reality production.

The commission, part of the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office, has attracted more than $2.5 billion in local spending and created over 189,000 production jobs across the state from 2007 to 2024.