Welcome Media Professional,

Houston, The Space City, is ready to host your next film/video project. Whether it's a still shoot, music video, commercial, or feature film, we have the resources and professional local crew to get the job done successfully. We'll start by scouting suitable locations for your project and putting the photos online for your review and also mail you hard copies if needed. We will assist you in finding accommodations, equipment, crew and act as a liaison with other City of Houston departments.

Filming in Houston is cost-effective and simple:

• Moving Image Industry Incentive Program - New! Texas now offers a refund grant equal to 6.25% (Houston area) of in-state spending, including wages paid to Texas residents. Grants will be available to features, television programs, television commercials and video games.
  
  
• Tax Free Equipment and Services - Anything necessary for the production of your commercial product is free of state and local sales taxes. All you need is the easy to complete State of Texas tax exempt certificate.
  
  
• No Hotel Tax - Any stay at a hotel of 30 or more consecutive days is free of state and local sales tax.
  
  
• No Filming Permits - There is no "general filming permit" required for filming in Houston. Some city entities such as Parks & Recreation and Traffic & Transportation do require departmental permits. For most projects, completing a quick and easy registration form and providing a certificate of insurance will usually cover all that is necessary. Police officers and/or Fire personnel will be required depending on the scope of the shoot.
  
  
• Moderate Weather - Located in a region that is semi-tropical, you will be pleasantly surprised at the lush green landscape making it possible to shoot winter-for-summer.
  
  
• Professional Crew - Houston boasts a professional crew base that can accomodate any type of project with a friendly, Texas attitude.
  
  
• Diverse Locations - Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., has everything from a futuristic skyline with the tallest building in Texas to expansive flat farmland to murky swamp houses, and to the south is Galveston Island and the Gulf of Mexico. It's been shot for New York, Arlington, Southern California, Cuba, St. Louis, Miami and more.
  

We can help secure local cast and crew by posting your project on our Production Hotline. There is a 24hour voicemail number and an online version, both are updated weekly. If it's entertainment you're looking for, we are proud to coordinate and screen the Texas Filmmaker's Showcase. The Showcase is a collection of acclaimed Texas-made short films that is screened in Los Angeles for the industry and throughout Texas. Check the link for upcoming screenings, it's not to be missed!

Thank you for considering Houston for your project. While we hope you find the information on this site helpful, it's always best to just give us a call. Please continue to "Production Details" for specific information regarding the topics above. We look forward to assisting you in making your production as smooth as possible.

Sincerely,

The Houston Film Commission