Visit Dallas Announces New Commissioner of Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office

DALLAS, October 10, 2022 – The Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office (DCFIO) is a department within Visit Dallas that serves as the city's official film commission, music office and creative industries resource. Armer will begin his new role on January 1, 2023.

Armer comes to Visit Dallas from St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida, where he has been the Film Commissioner since 2014. During his tenure, Armer ushered in the most productive era of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commission's 30-year history, driving record-breaking revenue and economic impact for the county. Additionally, he is an award-winning filmmaker and founded the internationally acclaimed Sunscreen Film Festival.

We are thrilled to welcome Tony to the Visit Dallas team. With his extensive experience, strategic mindset and immense creativity, he is uniquely qualified to revitalize the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office and position Dallas as a premier destination for creative leaders across the country and beyond," said Craig Davis, President and CEO of Visit Dallas.

Armer was selected following a nationwide search led by community stakeholders including Edwin Cabaniss, owner of historic Dallas venues, the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff and Longhorn Ballroom in the Cedars, and Jack Matthews, president of Matthews Southwest (MSW), a DFW-based private real-estate development company.

"Tony's experience and hustle is exactly what our city needs right now," Cabaniss said. "I look forward to seeing how his clear vision and energy help lead the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office to new heights."

"Tony brings a fresh imagination and a drive to make things happen," added Matthews. "I look forward to seeing him prosper here."

As Commissioner of the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office, Armer will serve as the main point of contact for filmmakers and other creative industry leaders, drawing their projects to Dallas and driving economic growth for the city. Under his leadership, the DFCIO will elevate Dallas as a hub of creativity, attracting the best of both business and talent.

"I'm honored to be a part of the team at Visit Dallas. I see a lot of potential to make the film, TV and creative industries in Dallas as big as the personality of this great city," said Armer. "I'm looking forward to engaging with the community and making Dallas a go-to destination for this robust economic powerhouse of an industry."

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About Visit Dallas: Visit Dallas is dedicated to elevating Dallas as a welcoming, must-visit destination and marketing Dallas globally to benefit our community and visitors. Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the United States and the leading business and financial center of the Southwest, offers travelers an unparalleled array of amenities, a central location, and easy accessibility with two major airports. With 20 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, including the nation's largest contiguous arts district and other notable attractions, there is a Dallas destination to suit every style. For more information, go to visitdallas.com.

About the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office: The Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office (DFCIO) serves as the city's official film commission, music office and creative industries resource. A division of Visit Dallas, the office is responsible for marketing and promoting Dallas as a hub for creators and the creative industries, as well as attracting business and providing valuable insight regarding locations and venues; local workforce; and equipment and services for industries producing motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos, documentaries, music, gaming and other creative industries. For more information, visit dallascreates.org.


Media Contact:

Chelsey Norris, Communications Manager
469.260.6781
Chelsey.Norris@VisitDallas.com