BEAUMONT, Texas — Southeast Texans who hope to work on film and television sets may soon see their dreams become reality right in Beaumont.
City officials are hoping to jump on a trend sweeping the state and attract filmmakers through a new film production certification. They believe the idea could generate millions of dollars without costing the city a cent.
Beaumont officials have already taken the steps to get certified through the Texas Film Commission.
If the idea is approved, historical buildings in downtown Beaumont could become sound stages and lush views along Riverfront Park could become a backdrop for films. Officials had to submit five places filmmakers might be interested in and those places included Riverfront Park, areas in downtown Beaumont and Tyrrell Park.
Beaumont officials came up with the idea in January.
“It doesn't cost the city at all once we become certified upon our council approval,” Miles Haynes, assistant to the city manager, said.
The idea is expected to go in front of the Beaumont City Council soon. Haynes is leading the project and believes it could generate millions.
"When somebody decides to film in Beaumont, they bring individuals with crews,” Haynes said. “They eat in our restaurants. They stay in our hotels and they'll increase our sale taxes.”
Haynes already completed a three-step process setting guidelines to use certain streets and buildings.
“It gives Beaumont a new opportunity to present itself to Texas and around the world,” Haynes said.
Haynes is not the only one who thinks this is the right move for the city.
“There is a film community and production community here with the City of Beaumont taking these steps,” Gordon S. Williams, media broadcast instructor at Lamar University, said. “I hope it's an opportunity for us to organize."
Williams, a filmmaker himself, believes attaining the certification would be a perfect way for students to jump-start their careers.
“I'm hoping that inspires them to create their own content in Southeast Texas," Williams said. "Hopefully, it is a learning experience for them being on these productions and seeing how it works, everything from producing to the production, the importance of relationships and networking."
The idea just needs approval from the council and Beaumont could be the scene of the next box office hit.