Video Highlights “Why Austin Is THE Place to Film;” Stars Local Talent
AUSTIN, TX— The Austin Film Commission is marking the 40th anniversary of the office with the release of a new video campaign that showcases Austin as a premier filming destination, while celebrating four decades of service the office has provided to the community.
The Austin Film Commission, a part of Visit Austin and also an accredited member of the Association of Film Commissioners International, was established in 1986 to bring film, television, and commercial production to the city, as well as advocate for and assist with productions filming in the Austin area — all of which creates jobs for local professionals, generates spending at local businesses, and increases global promotion of Austin.
For over four decades the Austin Film Commission has worked with more than 400 feature film and television series and 2,000+ commercials shoots made in Austin. The new video is an extension of that, highlighting why Austin is a competitive global destination for media production—showcasing Austin’s diverse locations, experienced, deep local crew-base, robust city and state incentives (up to 33.5% rebate when combined), skilled pool of local industry vendors, established studio facilities, streamlined film permitting, and renowned Austin hospitality.
The new video kicks off a year-long marketing campaign, and will be used to market the city to big studio projects and independent filmmakers alike as well as commercial producers and content creators through a variety of different outlets including web, social media, digital advertising, broadcast, industry trade shows, festivals and more. The promotional video can be viewed at Visit Austin’s YouTube channel.
Legendary Austin character actor (and 2026 Texas Film Award honoree) Sonny Carl Davis, who starred in the Sundance Film Festival inspiring and Austin made The Whole Shootin’ Match, takes a lead in the video as an homage to his role in Richard Linklater’s Austin-made film Bernie. Austin has a steeped film history: “this ain’t our first rodeo” to quote Sonny Carl. For those unfamiliar, the video also gives a brief overview of Austin’s iconic filmography, from recently shot series like 1923 and Bad Thoughts to classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Office Space, Friday Night Lights, The Tree of Life, Spy Kids, Miss Congeniality, Dazed and Confused, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, True Grit, The Leftovers, Fear the Walking Dead, and many more.
The video was 100% Made-in-Austin: MP&E/ GEAR provided the equipment and the production was filmed on location at Austin Studios with a talented cast rounded out by Austin actors: Byron Brown, John Merriman, Shenoah Rain, Victor Steele, Hector Uribe, Danu Uribe, Margarita Garcia, and Taylor Bini.
Working with Austin-based creative agency, Arts+Labor, Brian Gannon and Kim LeBlanc of the Austin Film Commission have delivered a thematic concept that highlights the impactful work the office does day-in and day-out, while also shining a spotlight on all the reasons that make Austin a vibrant production hub for visiting and local filmmakers alike. .
Austin has proudly been named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s ‘Best Places to Live & Work as a Moviemaker’ every year since the list launched in 2001 — a 26‑year streak, culminating in the city’s recent #5 ranking in 2026.
“Austin's production history is filled with so many iconic feature films and television series. We have such great resources available to filmmakers in Austin and wanted to find a unique way to present that, why not do it the way our industry knows best: visually. We are so proud to collaborate with Arts+Labor and Sonny Carl Davis to tell this (100% made in) Austin story. This promo celebrates the 40 years of work done by the Austin Film Commission and all the amazing cast, crew and local businesses that helped put Austin on the map. Austin continues to flourish and is the perfect place for your next production — from diverse locations to seasoned crew and cost saving incentives to the amazing hospitality,” said Brian Gannon, Sr. Director of the Austin Film Commission.
"Celebrating 40 years of the Austin Film Commission highlights the vital link between film and our city’s economy. Since 1986, production has driven significant spending at local businesses and hotels while providing jobs for our talented local professionals. When audiences see Austin’s iconic locations on screen, it boosts our global profile and invites visitors to experience our renowned hospitality firsthand. This milestone campaign reinforces Austin's legacy as a premier destination to live, work, and visit,” said Tom Noonan, President & CEO of Visit Austin
“Getting to work with the legendary Sonny Carl Davis and the Austin Film Commission was a dream and a heck of a good time. The talent, charm, and collaboration from this cast and crew are exactly what make Austin filmmaking so unique. Arts + Labor is so grateful to be involved. Here’s to 40 more years of Austin magic,” said Cody Ground, Executive Creative Director at Arts+Labor
The 40th Anniversary campaign will continue throughout 2026. Look for other special promotions to come throughout the year including a Film Tourism poster series highlighting iconic locations while specifically focusing on local businesses and public spaces that have hosted productions. The first poster featuring Mount Bonnell will be released in advance of SXSW 2026.
The video can be found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6Sa8ZrZS4