The film industry in Fort Worth is experiencing significant growth, propelled by a new certificate program from Tarrant County College (TCC) that aims to train the next generation of film crews. Graduates of the inaugural Fort Worth Film Collaborative certificate program, including Jason Toledo, Karenth Guzmán, and Josh Cornelius, have already established a production company called The Operators. Their collective skills have enabled them to work on various projects, including a feature film set for distribution through a streaming service.
Toledo noted the program’s collaborative nature, stating, “After we went through the program, we were prepared to let the director know if there’s anything that he needed. We actually had a crew that we all met at the film collaborative that could help, and then he took us up on that and we ended up shooting a feature.” This program, which held its first graduation earlier this month, is a joint initiative between TCC, the Fort Worth Film Commission, and 101 Studios, the company behind popular series like Yellowstone and Landman.
Empowering Future Filmmakers
The curriculum of the Fort Worth Film Collaborative is designed to meet the specific needs of the film industry and facilitate job placement for its students. Kirsten Jakowitsch, interim president of TCC Northeast Campus, emphasized the program’s objective: “We want them to be employable because, ultimately, to make an impact in the community, to help them be more prosperous, we need to make sure that they’re not just getting those certificates, that they’re getting jobs.”
The local film industry has flourished, largely due to the success of productions associated with Taylor Sheridan. According to the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, the industry has generated over 30,000 local jobs. Taylor Hardy, Fort Worth Film Commissioner, highlighted the program’s success in connecting graduates with job opportunities, noting that one graduate was hired for the second season of Landman.
“We’re really fortunate to have partners that want to give back and make sure that they’re building the industry here rather than coming in, bringing people and leaving,” Hardy stated.
Investing in the Future of Film
The momentum in Fort Worth’s film sector is set to gain further traction with significant investments in production infrastructure. Sheridan’s production company, SGS Studios, in collaboration with Hillwood and Paramount Television, is developing a campus that will house the largest production studio in Texas.
In addition, the Texas Legislature has approved a law that allocates $300 million in film incentives every two years for the next decade, a move advocated by local leaders including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and actors like Matthew McConaughey. This incentive package is expected to attract more productions to the area, further bolstering the local economy.
Darryl Hoelting, an instructor at TCC who has taught students from the film collaborative, expressed optimism about the industry’s trajectory, stating, “The opportunity is absolutely incredible. There’s going to be a lot of work within the next couple of years.”
To meet the growing demand, TCC plans to introduce four new certificate programs this spring, focusing on costume, sound, camera, and art. Hardy anticipates that the enhanced incentive program will drive even more local productions, stating, “We want to make sure that we’re prepared for that and training the next generation.”
As Fort Worth’s film industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the Fort Worth Film Collaborative are pivotal in equipping aspiring filmmakers with the skills necessary for success. The collaborative not only fosters individual careers but also strengthens the community’s economic landscape, ensuring the industry remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come.
