Crockett Is First Choice for ‘Texas Sins’ Film Project

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT — Crockett is the first choice for filmmaker Terry Weaver’s next movie, and the City Council has voted unanimously to support bringing the production to town. But Weaver says the location decision is not final. He wants residents to learn about the project and show their interest before the company commits.

“We are looking for a public embrace from the people in Crockett and the surrounding areas,” Weaver said in an interview with The Messenger.

The public will get a chance to hear more at the Texas Sins Greenlight Party, set for Nov. 7 at the Ritz Theater. The event will feature the film’s lead actors, producers and casting director, along with a preview of the movie and a photo session for its poster. Attendees can also learn about opportunities to appear as background actors or offer a home or business as a filming location.

Weaver, president of Dream Weaver Productions, presented the project to the Crockett City Council on Oct. 5. The council unanimously approved a motion supporting the company’s effort to film in Crockett.

For Weaver, getting local leaders’ support is an early step in deciding where to make a movie. “My first goal was to get the leaders in the city on board before I ever say, ‘We’re going to make a movie,’” he said.

The company has also been talking with Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge, Weaver said, because the film centers on law enforcement. Benge has been supportive and offered help, he said.

“Texas Sins” is a fictional crime thriller about a Texas Ranger who becomes famous for capturing the state’s most notorious serial killer, known as the Texas Slasher. Ten years later, the convicted man is found not guilty, and the Ranger must rely on the victims to uncover the truth.

“It is really to entertain people and tell a very Texan story and a really iconic Texas Ranger story,” Weaver told the council. He described the movie as a mystery with a father-and-family element.

Weaver said Crockett appeals to him both as a setting and as a community. The city’s history and older buildings could give the film the look he wants, he said.

“It is a great city that’s been preserved in time,” Weaver said. “The buildings and the structures that were built when the city was first established are still there. They look good, and they’ll especially look good on camera.”

At the council meeting, Weaver called Crockett “our number one pick,” while noting that the company is considering other areas. He is also weighing whether the movie should name Crockett directly or use a fictional town. The script does not yet name the city, he said, but using “Crockett, Texas” could help viewers find the places where the movie was filmed.

Weaver pointed to the response to his previous film, “The Beast of Trinity, Texas,” which held its world premiere at the Ritz. The first screening sold out, and the company scheduled a second. Weaver said more than 60 people booked rooms at local hotels for the event, and he estimated that ticket sales sent more than $7,000 directly to the Ritz.

He hopes a future premiere in Crockett could bring similar activity. He told council members that filming would require lodging and meals for the cast and crew, and that a premiere could bring visitors to town. He also sees the film as a way to encourage tourism to locations featured on screen.

The Greenlight Party is intended to help Weaver gauge community interest. In film terms, a green light signals a decision to make a project; the Nov. 7 event is a chance for residents to hear the plans and show whether they want the production in Crockett.

The company expects to need about 200 background actors. Weaver said the event will include a way for local residents to express interest in those roles and for property owners to propose homes or businesses as locations.

Weaver said filming is planned to begin the first Monday in April 2027. The project has already cast its lead actors and is working on supporting roles. Weaver will direct rather than play the lead, he said, so he can focus on the work required to make the film.

The Greenlight Party is open to the public. Information and tickets are available at texassins.ticketspice.com.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]