In 2024, the City of Cedar Park became the first Digital Media Friendly Texas (DMFTX) Certified Community.
This Texas Film Commission program puts select communities on display, in order to attract new business opportunities, build up the current digital media industry, and remind residents about the importance of digital media production. Texas has become a hub for animation, VFX, and video games, and this designation will help build a bigger, better, stronger city and state.
For instance, The Esports Cave Encore at Haute Spot, a local venue, successfully blended traditional and non-traditional entertainment, drawing a diverse range of visitors to Cedar Park. Game Warriors – Coding and Digital Art Academy, another local brand, offers specialized classes that appeal to a unique audience. The growing presence of a robust Twitch community in the region is also generating national and even international interest, attracting streamers and their followers to Central Texas.
“This certification highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and creating a thriving digital economy,” Cedar Park Chief Economic Development Officer Arthur Jackson stated in a press release. “It enhances our city's appeal to tech companies and digital media professionals. It boosts local economic development, providing more opportunities and resources for our community to flourish in the digital age.”
Before visitors even arrive in Cedar Park, they can experience this innovation; the Visit Cedar Park, Texas app serves as a personalized, on-the-go tour guide, empowering users to navigate the city and curate their own unique adventures during their stays, thanks to virtual experiences and 360° tours.
Cedar Park is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and being a DMFTX Certified Community will only boost tourism and visitor experiences. By incorporating this certification into its tourism strategy, the city is attracting a new demographic of travelers and enhancing its appeal as a dynamic destination.
In order to become DMFTX certified, a community must:
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Establish an official digital media liaison (someone who works for/in the municipality, economic development, chamber, or similar entity)
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Attend a DMFTX community workshop
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Register digital media resources (including companies, vendors, and organizations) in the Texas Production Directory
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Create an ambassador group that advocates for digital media
Similarly, Cedar Park completed the steps to become a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community, a first-of-its-kind program that was also launched by the Texas Film Commission.
Through these efforts, Cedar Park is creating more jobs for Texans, supporting statewide digital media production efforts, connecting professionals who can share expertise, building up local businesses, and setting the community up for (even more!) success. We encourage you to meet us in Cedar Park, Texas—it's time for a new adventure.
