Fort Worth’s film scene is growing, and a new training program at Tarrant County College could help people who want to work in movies or TV.

The Fort Worth Film Collaborative is a four-week certification program launching in September. It was created by TCC in partnership with the Fort Worth Film Commission and 101 Studios, the Beverly Hills-based studio behind the “Yellowstone” franchise.

Students can enroll in multiple courses in the film workforce development program. The first cohort launches Sept. 18 for certifications in construction, lighting and electric.

During an event Wednesday at Backlot Studio in Near Southside, Fort Worth officials and film leaders discussed the power of tourism and filmmaking’s role in economic development. Texas lawmakers recently approved a $200 million tax incentive program to grow the state’s film production scene.

While the authorization of state tax credits was a win for the Texas film industry, David Glasser, president and CEO of 101 Studios, said the next problem became how to create more film crew jobs without having to relocate people from elsewhere in the U.S.

“We don’t need to bring people in from out of state,” Glasser said. “That doesn’t benefit all of us at the end of the day if we’re doing that. This is a great place to live, the state of Texas, city of Fort Worth. It’s amazing. The cost of living is incredible, and it’s a great place to be. And that’s where crews want to go, and that’s where people want to go. So let’s build them within and grow (the Fort Worth Film Collaborative).”

At the event, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said the program is intended to create true workforce pathways for traditional students and adult learners across Tarrant County.

“There’s something special happening in Fort Worth, Texas, and we have to think about the industries that will set us on trajectory for the next five, 10, 50, 100 years,” Parker said. “I firmly believe that supporting the creative class in this city, making us a destination for film and television production beyond even Hollywood’s wildest dreams, will absolutely set Fort Worth apart.”

Prospective students can learn more on TCC’s website. TCC will offer more course options in spring and summer 2024.

Other speakers at the event included Elva LeBlanc, chancellor of TCC; Kenya Ayers-Palmore, president of TCC’s Northeast Campus; Texas Rep. Craig Goldman; Brian Newby, board of directors chair of Visit Fort Worth; Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth; Jessica Christopherson, film commissioner and vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Worth; and Red Sanders, president of Red Productions.