SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio is looking to get more films made in the Alamo City. On Wednesday, the city heard a briefing over the future of the San Antonio Film Commission.
Dago Patlan, who is with the San Antonio Arts Commission and represents film in District 1, said filmmakers don't need to look further than San Antonio.
"Austin is not the only place that you can make film," Patlan said. "We think San Antonio has a lot more to offer. We have much more diverse neighborhoods and locations. We have good crew here."
Although there is already filmmaking in San Antonio, the city's Department for Culture and Creative Development is working to bring more.
With the help of local studio owners, filmmakers and other interested parties, the department has developed the San Antonio Film Commission Strategic Plan.
"It has some aspects that are really important, like workforce development — making sure we have the workforce here," said Debbie Racca-Sittre, interim director of the Department for Culture and Creative Development. "Also, production studios. Do we have the production studios here?"
Racca-Sittre said that the move to put San Antonio on the filmmaking map again has been a struggle because of state budget cuts.
"Texas had a large budget reduction last year in the film incentive component," Racca-Sittre said. "It went from $90 million to around about $30 million."
Racca-Sittre said more filmmaking here will create more jobs and tourism.
"The idea of the city finally taking a step forward and helping the film community in a way we haven't seen before by putting together a strategic plan will help foster this industry that's happening in San Antonio already," Patlan said.
The community will have a chance to hear about and comment on the San Antonio Film Commission Strategic Plan on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Guadalupe Theater.
City Council will vote on the plan in September.