BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.C.R. 131
86R25572 KSM-F	By: Cyrier (Watson)
	Administration
	5/11/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

For decades, residents of Bastrop County have opened their homes, businesses, and properties to film productions of all durations and sizes, forming friendly relations with industry professionals and watching with pride as local communities come to life on television and motion picture screens.

The leadership of Bastrop County and the cities of Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville have adopted film-friendly policies to ensure that projects operate smoothly, with minimal inconvenience to residents and businesses. Chambers of commerce, private citizens, local agencies, and school districts actively support film production and make their homes and facilities available to filmmakers, understanding the economic impact these projects have on their communities. Moreover, local film commissions provide workshops promoting dialogue between production companies and residents.

Bastrop County is home to New Republic Studios, a full service production company encompassing sound stages, animation studios, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

Many residents of Bastrop County proudly support themselves and their families through work on film projects. Among the professionals who call the county home are writers, directors, location scouts, actors, accountants, caterers, carpenters, electricians, and other skilled workers.

Each year, Bastrop County and its local communities welcome thousands of visitors who are following self-guided sightseeing trails established by the Texas Film Commission. Among the stops on these tours are such famous locations as the family home in Hope Floats and the Bernie courtroom.

Bastrop County residents have spent countless hours as volunteers supporting films made in their communities. The county has hosted hundreds of productions, from Academy Award-nominated feature films such as The Tree of Life to fan favorites that include Transformers: Age of Extinction and My All-American. Celebrities have received a warm welcome here, from Julia Roberts, Jack Black, and Troy Aikman, who have strolled Bastrop's Main Street, to Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, who have enjoyed the ambiance of Smithville, to the Clydesdales, who have paraded through downtown Elgin.

Film production companies enjoy the friendly people, diverse settings, and ample resources of Bastrop County, and the county is indeed worthy of recognition for its contributions to the film industry in the Lone Star State.

RESOLVED

That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas designate Bastrop County as the official Film Hospitality Capital of Texas.

That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.003(e) (relating to the expiration of designations), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.