McKinney | February 2024

From the cover

Ocials to make city center for lmmakers

The overview

stage it at any time from the 1800s to now.” McKinney Mayor George Fuller said the projects lmed in McKinney have boosted the city’s bottom line through job creation as well as lm-induced tourism. “The exposure generated by these productions [leads] to an increase in tourism, as visitors are drawn to the locations featured in the lms and television shows,” Fuller said in an email. “This, in turn, boosts local businesses, such as restaurants, shops and accommodations, beneting our economy.” The city also streamlines permits and oers other support for lm productions in an eort to attract projects, he said.

McKinney was granted the lm- friendly designation in 2019 after sta at Visit McKinney completed a training and certication process. Sta pursued the designation to solidify the city’s ability to work with the state to attract lm projects to the city, said Beth Shumate, Visit McKinney communications manager and the city’s liaison to the Texas Film Commission. The city has a long history of hosting entertainment productions prior to receiving the state designation, including feature lms, such as 1974’s “Benji,” and various television series. Brewer-Hahn said the city’s scenery and diverse landscapes are attractive for lm productions. “McKinney looks like a backlot,” she said. “You could actually

Documentary & film TV Projects filmed in McKinney

Commercial

“The Daytripper” (2020)

“Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001)

“Virgil, Texas Revisited” (2017)

Scottish Rite (2021)

“True Stories” (1986)

“Chase” (2010)

Merit Street Media (2023)*

“Benji” (1974)

“Prison Break” (2006)

“Hoovey” (2015)

“A Killing in a Small Town” (1990)

Publishers Clearing House (2020)

“Texas Music Revolution” (2021)*

The Dowell House in East McKinney, where "Benji" was partially lmed, is featured on the Texas Classics Film Trail. (Shelbie Hamilton/Community Impact)

*PROJECTS WERE FILMED IN LISTED YEARS AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN RELEASED. SOURCE: VISIT MCKINNEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Dig deeper

“These projects not only high- light the city’s beautiful scenery and historic landmarks but also create a sense of pride and recogni- tion among residents,” Fuller said. Historic Downtown McKinney has been the set for multiple projects, Shumate said.

frequently get visitors interested in seeing where the movie was filmed. “It’s really fun to share it with everyone,” Elisa Maclean said. Fuller said “Benji” and the productions that followed show- cased what McKinney has to offer to filmmakers.

“Benji” was filmed in both McKinney and Denton. It spawned more than 10 sequels and spin-offs, and was later added to the Texas Film Commission’s Classics Film Trail. The owners of the historic Dowell House in East McKinney, Ian and Elisa Maclean, said they

The 1993 television miniseries “Murder in the Heartland” was lmed locally.

COURTESY VISIT MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

www.linc.realty

COMING SOON | RETAIL/OFFICE | GREAT LOCATION & VISIBILITY

Ceremony Location: The Gazebo Reception: The Landing Details: 12 | 7 hour rental Up to 250 Guests Twilight Package

RIDGELINE PLAZA 5975 RIDGELINE DR | MCKINNEY, TX 75070 | CALL FOR PRICING 214-267-9860 / INFO@LINC.REALTY

Myers Park & Event Center | 7117 County Road 166 | 972-548-4792

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM