Asia Eidson
In the last decade, Taylor Hardy has risen from humble intern to leader of the Film Commission at Visit Fort Worth — and the city’s ascent in the film business has been just as dramatic. “We’ve worked with over a thousand projects since we launched in 2015,” says Hardy, who is seeing the groundwork she laid 10 years ago come to fruition. “In that time, film production has generated about $1 billion in economic impact and created 50,000 jobs in Fort Worth.”
A Las Vegas native, Hardy grew up surrounded by entertainment before heading to TCU to study advertising and public relations. “I was in the same building as the film school and decided to take a film class, just for fun,” she says. “That was a turning point for me.” Joining the Film Commission just three months after its founding, her first tasks included taking photos of filming locations and reaching out to local businesses. The goal: Attract filmmakers to the city. “Originally we were fighting for one scene in a movie or one commercial,” says Hardy. “Then we started to gain momentum.”
Momentum might be an understatement. Fort Worth is now home to the largest film production campus in Texas, SGS Studios, owned by the award-winning “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan (he filmed five shows in Tarrant County just this year). We also have the largest virtual stage in the state, a 157-foot-wide LED screen at Trilogy Studios.
Several high-impact shows have been filmed in Fort Worth, such as “The Old Man & the Gun,” “A Ghost Story,” “12 Mighty Orphans,” “Miss Juneteenth,” “1883,” “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” and “Landman” — and tourists have taken notice. “About a quarter million new visitors a year come to our city just because they saw us on a TV show. That’s a big change over the past decade.”
Another coup: The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex was recently named one of the world’s six Oscar-qualifying cities, bumping out Miami to join Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco. This means that movies screened for seven days in a certified Fort Worth theater can now be submitted for Academy Award consideration. “It’s recognizing that DFW is a major media market.” The Commission’s new Premiere Package awards filmmakers a weeklong screening and red-carpet premiere, plus travel expenses and promotion.
Asia Eidson
But out-of-towners aren’t the only ones benefiting from Fort Worth’s film boom. “So many of our locals have been able to be part of it,” says Hardy. “For ‘Landman’ Season 2, which just wrapped recently, they hired 1,092 crew members, 192 cast, and over 2,500 extras.” For aspiring crew members, Tarrant County College has a new fast-track program that offers certifications in hair and makeup, grip and lighting, and set construction. “There are so many ways to get involved,” she adds. “Now is the time.”
With such success over its 10-year journey, the Film Commission has now shifted its focus to sustainable growth. But no success has meant more to Hardy than the people who’ve shared the journey with her. “I’ve been able to grow alongside our community,” she says. “Everyone is very welcoming and supportive, and I don’t think you have that everywhere. It makes me really proud of everybody who worked to bring these shows to life.”
The Lone Star Film Festival comes to life Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 with the longest run and most dazzling star power ever, including Sam Elliott and Abraham Alexander. You’ll also find red-carpet premieres and free events year-round, from networking mixers to educational panels. “We would love to have more people get involved in the film scene. Community is our superpower.”
As for the next decade? “It’s almost hard to imagine what will happen,” says Hardy. “I think we have a really bright future ahead.”
FROM THE FEED
1. On set during filming for “12 Mighty Orphans” at the Masonic Temple. Several locals were hired as background talent to cheer on the Mighty Mites!
Leo Wesson
2. At the wrap party for “The Senior,” an independent feature film starring Michael Chiklis.
3. Behind the scenes with Nick Utter and team on a marketing video for Visit Fort Worth.
4. My husband and best friend, Logan Spiddle, on our wedding day in 2023!
5. Grateful for my time at TCU where I studied film, TV, digital media and strategic communication.
6. Welcoming the “Good Morning America” team to Fort Worth for a live broadcast from the Stockyards.
