The Smithville Film Commission (SFC) was created in 2008 shortly after filming wrapped for Tree of Life.   But our Film Friendly virtues started much earlier with the filming of "Hope Floats" in 1997.   Since we already had our “Dream Team” (Adena Lewis, Tex Middlebrook and Sheila Tamble) we decided to expand and include others from the community.  Current chairs of the Smithville group are Sheila Tamble and Fran Hunter.

In January 2008, only five days after the introduction of the state program, Smithville was named the first Film Friendly Community in Texas by the Texas Film Commission.  We get things done fast.

GOALS

Our goal is simple… we want to you to bring your production to Smithville. In other words, we want to entice movies, short-films, commercials, videos, documentaries, photographic studies and game development to bring their business to Smithville.

HOW WE WORK IT

In order to achieve our goal, we have become involved with the Texas Film Commission, Texas Motion Picture Alliance and the Texas Photographers Association.  Our committee volunteers at functions, usually held in Austin, which helps us to network, talk about Smithville and extend invitations for visits.  We recently sent invitations to all Location Scouts in Texas to come for a FAM (Familiarization) tour of our area.  Ask us about our special lodging and dining rates for location scouts.

When a production company shows interest in doing a project in Smithville, we meet with them to discuss their needs.  We also make the commitment that we will be available throughout their project to help. We are as serious about your project as you are, so we also will ask you questions about your work.  We also have city ordinances in writing for you to review.

FILMING ORDINANCES

RECOMMENDATIONS

Having the Director of the Texas Film Commission talk about how well Smithville works with production companies in his speeches is a great testament to what we can accomplish.  The Tree of Life crew thought filming in Smithville was the best experience.

TESTIMONIALS

"The people in Smithville are the biggest incentive to shoot in Texas."  - Jack Daniel Stanley May 7, 2010

"THANK YOU SMITHVILLE! I can't begin to explain the difference you all made during our production in your perfect little town. You and your team made our experience about as perfect as it gets. Locations were fantastic, talent was 100% believable, and your hospitality was about as great as I've seen in the past twenty years.  Sheila is the bomb!

Compliments and congratulations are well deserved. As you know, our business is filled with challenges and problem solving. We have to be precise, efficient and diligent with our resources. Our team loves their jobs and really appreciates it when their tasks are made better. You all were a huge part of that. The efficiencies we found in Smithville allowed us to leave with more great scenes in the can, than usual. Personally, I'm not sure I can work in another place other than Smithville again.

We will be back.  I have no doubt Smithville is the model all Texas film friendly towns should study, and learn from. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you and your great community attract more projects.

Production doesn't get any better than Smithville, Texas."

Cordially, Tom Nador, Director

Monday, October 05, 2009

See MOVIE SITES for a complete listing of movies filmed in Smithville.

We stand by the people who believe in Smithville.

Here is a powerpoint presentation from Shiela Tamble.  LINK HERE

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