In addition to more than 15 years in Texas film commissions, Drew Mayer-Oakes has worked both in Austin and the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a production manager, post production facility manager, commercial coordinator and business theater specialist. Drew has participated on panels at Slamdance Film Festival, Sister Cities International, SXSW Film Conference, Austin Film Festival, Monterrey International Film Festival, and AFCI Locations/Cineposium and Cinefestival in San Antonio.

Under his leadership, the City of San Antonio established one of the country’s first local incentive programs, and he was a founding executive board member of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance.

Drew currently serves as film commissioner at the El Paso Film Commission. While his travel to film industry events in the U.S. and abroad has given him a global perspective on the changing landscape of film incentives, film production and film distribution, he still finds time to make a short film or two eve

My experience is broad, and has included different types of film, video and live production, in addition to advocacy and non-profit board work. I served two terms on the AFCI board, and have a special interest in independent filmmaking and working with non-incentivized productions. My emphasis has been on traditional film commission services such as photo location libraries, contact and project management and community engagement and support. I am keenly interested in helping AFCI continue to expand its excellent programming and education services, while reaching out to many members who are serving in low or un-incentivized regions. After a few years away from the industry, I’m ready to serve the AFCI again and would be proud to serve its growing membership as a board member.

I’ve always believed that the foundation of a great film office/commission begins with the education programs offered by the AFCI, and the networking opportunities at Cineposium and AFCI Week. My interest is in helping AFCI grow its membership, with an emphasis on new regional offices, many of which may be part-time offices. In well-incentivized regions, many communities are setting up film commissions or film liaisons that could benefit from the AFCI education and marketing programs. And in regions without strong incentives, interest is growing in pursuing the economic benefits of non-incentivized productions (creative industries). These offices are prime membership “targets” for AFCI and I would like to help lead the effort to grow AFCI membership in these areas.

I’ve often bragged that my first Locations Show was in 1986, just one year after the very first film commission trade show in Los Angeles. And I was first a member of AFCI in 1992, and believe strongly in the organization and its benefit to our industry. I enjoy working with boards that are “working” boards, and where change and improvements are readily discussed and pursued. AFCI has evolved over the years, and my vision includes helping the organization continue to move forward. The recent AFCI report on best practices can be viewed as the beginning of AFCI’s journey to global relevance and support for film offices worldwide. I have the time and support of my leadership team to give 100% to the AFCI Board if elected.