WFAA’s Boomtown series spotlighted Fort Worth’s growth through film and economic development, featuring city leaders and industry voices—highlighting the city’s rising visibility, job creation, and strategic momentum.
Fort Worth is getting some well-deserved time in the spotlight. On May 23, WFAA Channel 8 aired a Boomtown segment that highlighted the city’s growing role in film and television and the significant impact it’s having on the local economy. The story was part of a multi-part series from WFAA focused on Fort Worth’s growth, including a companion feature centered on the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership and the city’s broader economic development efforts.
The story featured interviews with our CEO, Robert Allen, alongside Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth business leader and Fort Worth EDP board member John Goff. Together, they shared what makes Fort Worth such a natural fit for film production and how the industry is contributing to the city’s upward momentum.
One of the projects mentioned was 12 Mighty Orphans, a well-known film shot in Fort Worth. It’s just one of more than 1,000 productions that have taken place here in the past ten years. According to the Fort Worth Film Commission, all that activity has supported over 3,000 jobs and generated more than $700 million in economic impact.
“Everything that goes into that, those are all jobs. That’s business. Those are real dollars going back into our community,” said Allen.
Mayor Parker emphasized the importance of bringing together local leadership and resources to keep that momentum going. “On the film and television production side, Robert’s been integral to that as well, helping us all navigate the opportunity that Fort Worth has to be arguably one of the best film and television production cities in the entire country.”
John Goff highlighted why it matters beyond the numbers. “It’s just very unique and that makes the city fun. Overall, I think people are enjoying seeing the city on a national, if not international, stage.”
The segment closed with a great reminder of what makes film such a powerful driver of economic development. Productions don’t just show up, shoot, and leave. They hire local crews, book hotels, eat at restaurants, rent equipment, and generate revenue across dozens of industries. And when the finished product hits the screen, it puts Fort Worth front and center for audiences and decision-makers from around the world. Film isn’t just entertainment. It’s exposure, investment, and opportunity.
As more cameras and crews roll into Cowtown, the Fort Worth EDP remains committed to promoting Fort Worth as a top-tier destination for creative and corporate investment alike.
Missed WFAA’s Boomtown Series on Fort Worth and the Fort Worth EDP? You can watch online now.
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The Fort Worth EDP works directly with companies, site selection consultants, and corporate real estate professionals who are interested in moving or expanding to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about Fort Worth, please schedule a meeting with us or check out our Why Fort Worth page.
Originally aired by WFAA Channel 8 as part of their Boomtown series. Used with permission.
