JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Film Commissioner

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Dallas Film Commission

Direct Report: Chief Marketing Officer

About Visit Dallas

Visit Dallas is an independent, not-for-profit sales and marketing organization contracted with the City of Dallas to promote Dallas as a premier business and leisure travel destination. The organization’s collective efforts generate economic impact, jobs and state and local tax revenues, benefitting the community and improving the quality of life for all residents. 

SCOPE

Acts as Dallas’ representative to the worldwide film, television, commercial and media production industries. The Film Commissioner is responsible for promoting Dallas as a premier destination for production.

This role includes developing and implementing strategic marketing plans to attract domestic and international productions, fostering relationships with industry stakeholders, and facilitating logistics to ensure a smooth production process. The Film Commissioner will also oversee the coordination of location scouting, liaise with local government agencies and provide support to filmmakers throughout the production lifecycle. Additionally, the position involves advocating for the local film industry, working to increase economic impact through media production, and organizing events to showcase Dallas as a vibrant hub for creative projects.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (individual duties, assignments, and responsibilities required of the position)

1. Oversees Film Commission and its staff. 
2. Develop and implement programs, sponsorships and events to market Dallas’ assets, talent, businesses, locations, workforce and support services to the industry, studios, advertising agencies and various clients. 
3. Provide assistance to incoming projects, productions and/or companies. 
4. Act as a resource, advocate and liaison for and between the industry and the public and private sector. 
5. Foster relationships in the film, interactive, and animation industries. 
6. Serve as an advocate and spokesperson for the Film Commission - work with labor unions, trade associations and organizations, other creative offices, the Texas Association of Film Commissions, the government and community on issues affecting the industry. 
7. Represent Dallas at trade shows, film festivals, marketing and sales trips, conferences, public and private sector meetings, events, and other industry related functions. 
8. “Troubleshoot” when problems arise related to production in Dallas and the surrounding area. 
9. Oversee updates to the website and the Production Directory, maintaining a comprehensive database of local talent, crew, and production facilities to streamline the hiring process for incoming productions.
10. Working with marketing staff, create and distribute regular email newsletters and social media content highlighting recent projects, upcoming events, and new opportunities within the Dallas film community.
11. Develop and host familiarization/scouting trips. 
12. Responsible for creatively developing and/or implementing local incentives for strategic and qualified projects on a case-by-case basis. 
13. Organize and participate in community outreach programs to educate the public about the benefits of the film and creative industries to the local economy.
14. Advocate for and assist in building capacity, including infrastructure, below-the-line crew, talent and support services.
15. Facilitate workshops and seminars for local filmmakers and industry professionals to foster skill development and industry knowledge.
16. Respond to inquiries from the public and the press on topics related to the industry. 
17. Oversee tracking of industry’s economic impact to Dallas and provide monthly, quarterly and year-end reports. Identify and institute clear KPIs for the department.
18. Oversee Film Commission financial expenditures and budgets with approvals by the CMO. 
19. Oversight of research, recommendations and scouting of locations and facilities for specific projects, productions and/or companies.
20. Draft annual department business plan and execute stated goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: (personnel supervision, budgets, performance, etc.)

• Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training employees
• Directly responsible for planning, assigning duties, appraising performance, rewarding achievements

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: (special training, certifications, college degree, etc.)

• Bachelor’s Degree in radio/television/film or mass communications/media related programs preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of Dallas and history of film production in Dallas, the region and its resources, geography, demographics and laws that may affect the industry
• 5 years film industry experience can be substituted for degree
• Experience in digital photography and related computer capabilities
• Video/Audio recording and editing skills preferred
• Association of Film Commissions International certification required
• Established industry contacts

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (technical, communication, interpersonal, etc.)

• High level of interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with all types of people
• Thorough knowledge of film production and creative processes
• Proven skills working with government
• Organized and adept in the coordination and planning of events
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Reel-Scout
• Proven team leader with a high level of energy and ability to motivate team
• Outstanding oral, written and listening communication skills
• Ability to produce quality work in tight time frames
• Understanding, yet persuasive and decisive when dealing with others both inside and outside the organization including presentations
• Previous travel and tourism industry experience a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (overtime, travel, physical demands, and conditions)

• Position functions in an office environment as well as outdoors and other locations relevant to meetings, events, conferences and scouting locations
• Times when scouting a location, attending events or working with industry representatives requires additional activity and longer working hours
• Must be willing to travel and work long or irregular hours

The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employee assign to this job.