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Producing in Texas
Texas has no statewide film permit. Permits come from whoever owns the ground, and the state film office will tell you who that is.
Other paths
New crew
Productions hire from two lists, the state’s and your city’s. Get on both.
Actors
Texas stopped licensing agents in 2011. SAG-AFTRA’s franchised list is the credential.
Coming to Texas
Up to 31% back on Texas spend, if 35% of your crew and cast live here.
Productions hire from two lists, the state’s and your city’s. Get on both.
Actors
Texas stopped licensing agents in 2011. SAG-AFTRA’s franchised list is the credential.
Coming to Texas
Up to 31% back on Texas spend, if 35% of your crew and cast live here.
Call the commission first
The Texas Film Commission doesn’t issue permits, but it routes every question: permits, locations, cleared license plates, incentives. Production inquiry form · 512-463-9200. Then your regional film commission.
Permits, by who owns the ground
- Private property: a location agreement; no permit unless you block public access.
- Roads: city streets through the city, county roads through the sheriff, highways and FM roads through TxDOT. Give two weeks’ notice. Details.
- State parks: apply 90 days to a year out, after talking to the superintendent. TPWD.
- The Capitol: two weeks’ notice to the State Preservation Board.
| Austin | No universal permit: streets via Transportation & Public Works, parks via Parks & Rec. City guide |
| Dallas | $50 a location ($250 complex), 3–5 business days, $1M/$2M liability. Permit info |
| Houston | Register with the film commission and file a $1M certificate before shooting on public property. FAQ |
| San Antonio | Online film permit portal. FilmSA |
| Fort Worth | City application plus separate forms for the Stockyards, West 7th, parks and schools. Permits |
| El Paso | $40 for up to five city locations, five working days. Permits |
| Galveston | Online island permit. Apply |
Take the money on the table
The state grant pays 5% to 25% of Texas spend, plus add-ons up to 31%. Read the incentives guide. Separately, hand vendors Form 01-339 to skip sales tax on production gear, and tell hotels in writing at check-in about 30-day stays to skip hotel tax.
Insure it
Production insurance is standard, and cities want certificates. Texas brokers in the directory include EPIC, Higginbotham, Labyrinth and TIA Texas. All insurance.
Gear, stages, post
Rental houses in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso; studios and soundstages from Austin Studios to LED volumes; post houses; picture cars and stunts.
Pay people right
Entertainment payroll is a national market: Entertainment Partners, Cast & Crew, Wrapbook, GreenSlate. If you want the incentive, payroll has to track Texas residency from day one.
Find locations
The state’s location library holds thousands of places and builds custom packages. Cities keep their own: Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Waco. Cleared Texas license plates are free on loan from the state.
Know the special rules
- Drones: FAA Part 107, plus Texas Government Code chapter 423, which restricts photographing people or property for surveillance and flying low over critical infrastructure and stadiums.
- Pyro: operators are licensed by the State Fire Marshal. Details.
- Prop weapons: certified handlers, medics and a safety plan. Guidance.
- Minors: see the actor path.
Crew up
Search the Texas Production Directory and post on the state Job Hotline, which incentive projects are required to do.