Texas film community is in mourning following the death of Tom Copeland, the former executive director of the Texas Film Commission and a pivotal force in the state's movie industry. Copeland passed away over the weekend due to complications from an illness at age 74, leaving behind a legacy of substantial contribution to film and television in Texas.

During his tenure at the Texas Film Commission, Copeland not only helped fashion the subsidies that now attract filmmakers to the state, but he also created a bank of technical support that bolsters the industry to this day. According to the Austin American-Statesman, he served the commission for 22 years, including a term as director starting in 1995. He was responsible for building out the state's crew base and promoting the unique filming locations available in Texas.

Copeland's career began in the theater, but he quickly became a behind-the-scenes force in television when he became the makeup artist for a budding show named "Austin City Limits." His experience expanded as he transitioned into a role at the Texas Film Commission in 1983 as a location scout, eventually rising to become its executive director. Throughout his career, his dedicated and proactive approach at the commission earned him the respect of industry professionals and ensured the state of Texas was a favorable location for film production.

After retiring from the film commission in 2005, Copeland continued to shape future generations by teaching film at Texas State University. He developed a BFA program with a concentration in film production and was instrumental in securing a new production space for the program. "He really wanted to build a major film program. He kept hiring people and hiring people," said filmmaker Bryan Poyser, who began teaching alongside Copeland in 2011, in an interview obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.

His influence extended beyond the film commission. Copeland played a key role in establishing the Texas Music Commission, as the Austin Chronicle reported, and remained an active figure in the Texas film scene, with his latest film as producer premiering at last year's Austin Film Festival.

Emotions and tributes have poured in from the film community. The Texas Media Production Alliance praised Copeland as "a warm-hearted, passionate leader full of the Texas 'can-do' spirit," while the Texas Film Commission stated that they were "devastated" by his passing and that "the list of individuals whose lives he touched through his work is immeasurable." His impact on the Texas film industry will surely be remembered and his legacy carried on by those he mentored and inspired.