Lancaster Bets on Film Certification to Boost Its Local Economy

The City of Lancaster, a small but vibrant community south of Dallas, has stepped into the spotlight. On April 28, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Lancaster earned the Film Friendly Texas Certified Community designation, joining over 175 other cities and towns in the state vying to attract film, television, and digital media projects. The certification, awarded by the Texas Film Commission, signals Lancaster’s readiness to welcome productions with open arms, promising economic benefits like job creation and increased local spending.

For a city of roughly 41,000 residents, the designation feels like a big win. Local leaders, including Mayor Clyde Hairston, see it as a chance to showcase Lancaster’s cultural richness and unique landscapes to filmmakers worldwide. The hope is that productions will hire local workers, book hotels, and spend at nearby businesses, injecting cash into the community. But beneath the excitement lies a broader question: can programs like Film Friendly Texas deliver lasting economic growth, or are they more flash than substance?

The Film Friendly Texas program, launched in 2007, is designed to make Texas a top destination for media production. Communities seeking certification undergo a multi-step process, including workshops on industry standards, creating filming guidelines, and submitting location photos to a statewide database. Once certified, cities like Lancaster gain access to ongoing training and a network that connects them with producers looking for shoot locations.

The Texas Film Commission promotes these communities as production-ready, emphasizing their ability to streamline permitting and match local businesses with the needs of film crews. For Lancaster, this could mean catering companies feeding actors, hardware stores supplying set materials, or residents working as extras. The program also aims to spread economic benefits beyond big cities, giving smaller communities a shot at the action.

Local leaders are optimistic about the potential windfall. Representative Aicha Davis, whose district includes Lancaster, praised the city’s efforts to foster high-quality jobs and support small businesses. Certified communities often report boosts from production spending, with hotels, restaurants, and retailers seeing increased traffic during shoots. For example, a single film project can generate thousands of dollars in direct spending, from renting equipment to booking venues.

Nationwide, creative industries like film and media are seen as economic engines. In 2022, San Diego’s creative sector contributed $10.8 billion to its economy, supporting nearly 170,000 jobs. Texas itself has a long history of hosting major productions, with the Texas Film Commission claiming over 50 years of fostering local economies. Supporters argue that film projects not only bring immediate cash but also spark tourism and put communities on the map.

Yet the economic impact of film incentives, including programs like Film Friendly Texas, is far from settled. Some states report impressive returns, with Georgia claiming $6.30 in economic activity for every dollar of tax incentives in 2022, supporting nearly 60,000 jobs. Oklahoma, another film-friendly state, reported a 4.4:1 return on investment since 2021. These figures paint a rosy picture, but independent studies often tell a different story.

Academic research and policy analyses frequently find that returns on film incentives are lower than advertised, sometimes as little as 27 cents per dollar spent. Many jobs created are temporary, and much of the spending benefits non-resident workers or large studios based elsewhere. In states like North Carolina and Arizona, programs have been scaled back after audits showed costs outweighing benefits. Critics argue that public funds might be better spent on infrastructure, education, or healthcare, which offer more predictable long-term gains.

Advocates for film incentives, including state film commissions and local leaders, emphasize the broader benefits. They point to spillover effects, like increased tourism from films showcasing local landmarks, and the potential to build a sustainable media industry. In Lancaster, Mayor Hairston framed the certification as a way to amplify the city’s story, blending economic goals with cultural pride. Supporters also note that programs like Film Friendly Texas focus on preparation and marketing, not direct subsidies, making them a low-cost way to attract investment.

On the other hand, fiscal watchdogs and policy analysts question the efficiency of these efforts. They argue that the benefits are often overstated, with studies showing that many jobs go to out-of-state professionals and that local businesses see only marginal gains. In Arizona, a lawsuit challenges film tax credits as an unconstitutional burden on taxpayers, citing past programs that lost money. The debate hinges on whether the economic activity justifies the public investment and whether communities like Lancaster can compete with established hubs like Austin or Los Angeles.

For Lancaster, the Film Friendly designation is a bet on the future. The city’s leaders are banking on its proximity to Dallas, diverse landscapes, and community spirit to draw productions. The Texas Film Commission’s support, including access to a statewide network and job boards, could help local residents find work in the industry. But success will depend on execution, from efficient permitting to building relationships with producers.

The broader challenge is ensuring that any economic gains are equitable and lasting. Creative industries can drive growth, but benefits often concentrate in areas with existing infrastructure. Lancaster will need to invest in workforce training and local business partnerships to maximize its appeal. As the city steps into this new role, it joins a national experiment in using media production to spark economic vitality.

Lancaster’s certification as a Film Friendly Texas Community marks a bold move to tap into the growing media industry. The promise of jobs, local spending, and cultural visibility is enticing, but the path to sustained growth is uncertain. While some communities have turned film projects into economic wins, others have found the benefits fleeting or unevenly distributed.

As Lancaster prepares to welcome its first productions, the city stands at a crossroads. The Texas Film Commission’s program offers tools and support, but the real test will be whether Lancaster can translate its cinematic potential into tangible opportunities for residents and businesses. For now, the city is ready to roll the cameras and see where this story leads.