Austin is such a great town for filmmakers that sometimes it’s hard to remember all the reasons it’s become one of the most important centers of the movie business. Luckily, the Austin Film Commission has teamed up with one of the most iconic and constant parts of that film scene for a new video that lays out all those facts and figures.

As part of the celebration of the office’s 40th anniversary, AFC has recorded a new promotional video starring Texas Film Awards 2026 honoree Sonny Carl Davis (The Whole Shootin’ Match, Buck Alamo). Austin Film Commission Senior Director of Film Marketing Brian Gannon said, “Austin’s production history is filled with so many iconic feature films and television series. We have such great resources available to filmmakers in Austin and wanted to find a unique way to present that, why not do it the way our industry knows best: visually.”

Directed by Cody Ground, filmed at Austin Studios (one of the many studio facilities in the area) and produced by Arts+Labor (one of a huge number of local production companies), the short video emulates the legendary commercial Davis filmed with Richard Linklater for the Fire Ted Cruz PAC. However, this time it’s a much more cheerful topic, highlighting not just the history of the state’s film industry but also its future, especially in the light of both the state and the city of Austin strengthening their incentive programs.

Gannon said, “We are so proud to collaborate with Arts+Labor and Sonny Carl Davis to tell this [100% made in] Austin story. This promo celebrates the 40 years of work done by the Austin Film Commission and all the amazing cast, crew, and local businesses that helped put Austin on the map. Austin continues to flourish and is the perfect place for your next production – from diverse locations to seasoned crew and cost saving incentives to the amazing hospitality.” Catch the promo video below, complete with Davis’ inimitable rascally charm. Watch out for appearances by other familiar figures including John Merriman (I’ve Got Issues, Sister Aimee) and former state senator turned actor Hector Uribe (Tejano).

YouTube video

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.