Fort Worth city leaders had media on their mind during the June 13 work session of the City Council.
Economic Development Director Robert Sturns suggested to the council that the city seek approval from the Texas Film Commission for a Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ).
An MPDZ is designed to encourage development of permanent moving image production sites. So far only one zone exists in the state, in Austin. Fort Worth is in the 19-county Metroplex region recognized by the Film Commission, and this area could have as many as five zones if requested and approved.
An MPDZ brings a two-year sales and use tax exemption. Fort Worth’s goal in becoming a media production zone would be to become a greater hub for creative businesses with an initiative of broadening promotion of arts.
Two requests have come forward, Sturns said. Red Productions, owned by Red Sanders, is looking to relocate to a headquarters of over 7,600 square feet, along with creating five new jobs in the next two years and 15 over the next five. Also, KCPFII Bryan LLC, newly created by Craig Kelly, has requested as its development company a project that would include backlot studios and a sound stage.
Based on construction and equipment budget of $2,259,290 subject to sales tax (from both requests), the project would be eligible for $22,593 in city sales tax exemptions and an equal amount in crime and T sales tax exemptions, along with $141,206 in state sales tax exemptions, Sturns said.
He said the economic impact for Fort Worth would be about $92,000 in net new tax revenue, along with about $295,000 in net new tax revenue for the state.
“As we have additional projects come forward, there could be additional impact,” Sturns said.
Sturns recommended approval of a location in Near Southside, 305 S. Main St., Suites 100-110, as the location. He also recommended that the council authorize his office to make application to the Texas Film Commission. Both items could be placed on a future council agenda for a vote.
“As we compete with other major cities for this type of business, we believe the zone will also provide an opportunity to recruit new and existing businesses to the film- friendly atmosphere of Fort Worth,” said Jessica Christopherson of Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Film Commission, a group that has produced a $12 million economic impact on the city in its first two years, including the presence of Fort Worth Now at this year’s South by Southwest Festival in Austin.