Dallas is stepping up its game in the film industry, and new Film Commissioner Katie Schuck is leading the charge to position the city as a premier destination for film and TV production. With strong infrastructure, unique architecture, and a world-class food scene, Dallas has all the makings of a top-tier filming hub—and Schuck is making sure Hollywood takes notice.
Recently, Schuck hit the ground running, braving the cold at Sundance Film Festival to pitch Dallas to producers, reinforcing that her top priority is attracting productions, boosting the local economy, and elevating Dallas as a must-shoot location.
“Dallas is an incredible city,” says Schuck. “It has fantastic architecture and is consistently named one of the top architectural destinations in the United States. All of those things translate to being cinematic and worthy of the silver screen.”
While Texas has long been a player in the film world, Schuck is working to build upon the city’s reputation and bring in bigger productions and more job opportunities for local crew members. Dallas already boasts top-tier soundstages, a talented workforce, and a deep pool of vendors—the challenge now is getting Hollywood to think Dallas first when scouting locations.
Schuck’s background in studio productions, unscripted content, and location management gives her a unique perspective on what productions need—and how Dallas can deliver.
She has worked in New York, Georgia, and Savannah, following productions as they moved to tax-incentivized states. Now in Dallas, she’s leveraging her experience to make sure producers understand the value, resources, and filming advantages that the city offers.
Attracting productions is just one piece of the puzzle. Schuck and the Dallas Film Commission are also focused on workforce development, education, and streamlining city permitting to ensure Dallas remains a filming-friendly destination for years to come.
“Think of the film commission as a resource of resources,” Schuck explains. The commission serves as a one-stop shop for filmmakers, helping productions navigate permits, secure locations, and connect with local talent.
Schuck knows the power of a city’s name on screen—just look at the lasting impact of the original Dallas TV series. Cities like Chicago and New York have benefited from branding built into hit shows, and Schuck believes Dallas is overdue for its next big moment in pop culture.
With a film commissioner who understands the industry inside and out, Dallas is poised to attract blockbuster productions, independent films, and high-end TV series. The city has the locations, the workforce, and the infrastructure—now it’s just about making the right connections.
Schuck’s goal is clear: turn Dallas into one of the top film and TV destinations in the U.S. With an aggressive strategy, strong marketing, and an experienced leader at the helm, Big D is ready for the spotlight.
