By: Cyrier H.C.R. No. 131

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The residents of Bastrop County for decades have opened their homes, businesses, and properties to film productions of all durations and sizes, forming friendly relations with industry professionals; Bastrop County residents watch with pride as our communities come to life on television and motion picture screens; and

WHEREAS, The leadership of Bastrop County and the cities of Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville have adopted film-friendly policies to ensure that projects work smoothly with residents and businesses; and

WHEREAS, understanding the economic impact they bring to our communities, each Chamber of Commerce, private citizens, local agencies, and School Districts actively support film production and open their homes and facilities for film making; Local Film Commissions provide workshops promoting dialogue between production companies and our residents; and

WHEREAS, Bastrop County is home to New Republic Studios, a full service production company bringing creative talents to production stages, sound stages, and animation facilities in their state of the art facilities; and

WHEREAS, Many residents of Bastrop County proudly support their families through work on film projects, including professional writers, directors, location scouts, actors, accountants, caterers, carpenters, electricians, and other skilled positions; and

WHEREAS, each year Bastrop County and our local communities welcome thousands of visitors following film trails established by the Texas Film Commission; they come to see famous locations such as the "Hope Floats" home and the "Bernie" courtroom; and

WHEREAS, Bastrop County residents spend countless hours as volunteers supporting film productions in our communities; Bastrop County has hosted hundreds of moving-image productions from Academy Award nominated feature films such as "The Tree of Life" to fan classics such as "Hope Floats", "Bernie", "The Transformers", and "My All American". Celebrities feel welcome here - from Clydesdales parading down Main Street of Elgin; Julia Roberts, Jack Black, and Troy Aikman strolling Bastrop's Main Street; to Brad Pitt and Julia Chastain enjoying the ambiance of Smithville; and

WHEREAS, Bastrop County is where film production companies come to enjoy their friendly and hospitable nature; Bastrop County and its residents have earned this recognition; therefore , be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby designates Bastrop County as the Film Hospitality Capital of Texas; and, be it further

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