FILM COMMISSION MODEL AS A STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE TAMPICO-MEXICO METROPOLITAN AREA

Abstract

This article presents a Film Commission (FC) model as an alternative with the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Metropolitan Area of Tampico, Mexico (MAT). The proposal is theoretically based on approaches to economic development with a regional approach and the potential impact of film commissions based on different international studies. The model is the product of a questionnaire made up of the opinion of eight experts who have worked closely with these projects in Mexico, applied through in-depth interviews with 69 individuals considered as living or social forces of the region, analyzing five dimensions: audiovisual infrastructure, service infrastructure, human and material resources, monumental heritage and the existing possibilities, according to the opinion of the public and private sectors. Based on the results, stakeholders are interested and consider that creating a FC would be very positive for the MAT because it would boost audiovisual infrastructure, economic growth, visibility and image improvement, induced tourism, and positioning within international markets. Furthermore, it would promote productive linkages“forwar” and“backward” contributing to consolidating regional growth and development dynamics. Beyond the academic aspect, our work can contribute to the public policy agenda, given that the proposed model is not part of current official development policies.