FORT WORTH, Texas — Hollywood comes to town Tuesday, Feb. 20, when the Fort Worth Film Collaborative rolls out the red carpet at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus (828 W. Harwood Road) for a sneak peek at North Texas’ growing movie industry and a new TCC program that’s creating a talent pipeline for trained film crews.
Tours of the campus’ radio/TV/film studios and a meet-and-greet with local film industry giants start at 5 p.m. followed by a screening at 6 and an industry panel. David Glasser, CEO and cofounder of 101 Studios, will speak, along with representatives from the Fort Worth film industry.
101 Studios is the global entertainment company behind Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone,” “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” “1883,” “1923,” “Special Ops: Lioness,” “Tulsa King,” “Mayor of Kingstown” and more.
The Fort Worth Film Collaborative — a partnership of the Fort Worth Film Commission, TCC and 101 Studios — supports local talent to build a robust film industry workforce in Tarrant County. It was announced last fall following approval of a $200 million incentive by the 88th Legislature to boost movie and TV production in Texas.
TCC’s film workforce development certification program was created to address the growing need for trained film industry crews in the greater Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth Film Commission has produced over 20 original videos featuring local film industry experts as exclusive content to support the curriculum.
“We are so proud of our partnership with Tarrant County College and 101 Studios,” said Jessica Christopherson, vice president of marketing and film commissioner for Visit Fort Worth. “When we started the Fort Worth Film Commission nearly nine years ago, one of our goals was to create an education component. This program has been a wonderful community collaboration, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth.”
As the educational arm of the partnership, TCC offers three fast-track certifications — gaffer/grip, hair and makeup, and light commercial set construction — at its Northeast, South and Connect campuses. Students are ready for entry-level film positions after just five classes. Classes begin every four weeks.
Since TCC’s certification programs launched last fall, more than 30 students have enrolled, and the first cohort of 10 graduates soon. Additional film industry offerings are in the works, with plans to make programs available at all TCC locations.
“We couldn’t be more proud to be the educational backbone of this remarkable collaborative,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “Together with the Film Commission and 101 Studios, we’re opening doors for career opportunities once only imagined in Fort Worth supporting the region’s growing film industry. Everyone wins.”
TCC, the Film Commission and 101 Studios worked with local industry leaders to bring the Fort Worth Film Collaborative to life, including Red Productions, Backlot Studios, Out of Order Studios (producer of The Chosen), MPS Studios, Panavision and the Lone Star Film Society. Many will be represented at the Feb. 20 sneak peek.
“TCC’s micro-credential programs fill a vital need for trained film crews,” said Fort Worth film producer Red Sanders. “With true-to-work training right here in Fort Worth, we’re able to find talent in our own backyard.”
Dr. Jan Clayton, interim president of TCC Northeast, concurs. “We’re not only offering our community and industry partners access to a uniquely trained workforce, but our students now have a quicker and more cost-effective way to start a dream career.”
Fort Worth has become a draw for film production since the establishment of the Fort Worth Film Commission in 2015. Major film and television productions include “A Ghost Story,” “Never Goin’ Back,” “The Old Man & The Gun,” “Queen of the South,” “No Future,” “Miss Juneteenth,” “12 Mighty Orphans” and “The Senior.”
Dr. LeBlanc: “The Fort Worth Film Collaborative is a powerful example of how we’re developing stronger, more relevant connections with our business and industry partners to elevate the prosperity of the region and the individual.”
And yes, there really will be a red carpet.
The event is free, but registration is encouraged at FortWorth.com/TCC. To learn more about the Fort Worth Film Collaborative program and classes visit FilmFortWorth.com.
The Fort Worth Film Commission, an office of Visit Fort Worth, was established in 2015 to promote Fort Worth and Tarrant County as an ideal place to produce film and television. Through location services, preproduction and postproduction, the Film Commission has worked with hundreds of projects, driven $555 million in economic impact and created more than 19,000 jobs, raising awareness of Fort Worth as a city for creative industries and a tourist destination. For more information visit FilmFortWorth.com.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second-lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including traditional programs such as Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.
101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven storytelling. Helmed by CEO and co-founder David Glasser, the organization has produced award-winning series such as “Yellowstone;” “1883;” “1923;” “Lawmen: Bass Reeves;” “Mayor of Kingstown;” “Tulsa King” and “Special Ops: Lioness.”
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Contact:
Jessica Christopherson
Film Commissioner
JessicaChristopherson@FortWorth.com
817-698-7842