About Houston, TX
Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the biggest cities in the country. As the primary city in the Lone Star State, Houston exudes a strong sense of Texan pride and boasts a diverse melting-pot culture. As such, there are many delicious restaurants, exciting festivals, and amazing people to meet.
Houston is also a huge hive of activity when it comes to production. With so many global titans of industry calling Houston home, thanks to low tax rates in Texas, there are plenty of opportunities available and professionals to network and collaborate with for video productions. Additionally, the city boasts a number of perfect locations, from music/podcast studios to content creator lounges and anything in between.
Video Shoot Options in Houston, TX
When you’re trying to find the perfect video shoot location, aesthetics isn’t everything. Let’s have a look at some more practical factors.
Lighting
Lighting is key for any video shoot. You might have the perfect video shoot location booked and ready to go, but check for sockets and cabling so you can bring in extra lighting. Also, ensure you budget for the extra space out of shot needed for that kind of kit. This is especially important for music video shoot locations, where lighting can set the mood and enhance the visual appeal.
Transport
If you have a lot of kit like cameras, tripods, lighting stands, and props that you need to take to your video production studio, one car or your standard Uber might not be big enough. And if you’re shooting in multiple filming locations or with a large production company, consider hiring a van for the day.
Catering
Video shoots can run long, so it’s important to have food and refreshments on hand to keep the film crew and the talent from getting grouchy. Whether it’s packed lunches, a buffet you can dip in and out of, or going to a food truck parked outside — there are plenty of options.
Video Shoot Companies in Houston, TX
Organizing a video shoot in Houston can be stressful, so it’s always worth having some pros on hand to help with the workload.
Karana Audio Visual
If you need to hire any extra lighting, video, or audio equipment in a pinch, then the guys at Karana Audio Visual can be real-life savers. They’ll even give you advice on how best to set up your shoot to get the most out of your creative vision. They’ve been assisting with music videos, corporate videos, and other video projects since 2015.
JJ Van Rentals
With bigger video shoot locations in Houston comes extra equipment and bodies to help haul it all out and set it all up. Lucky for you, JJ Van Rentals are on hand to help you with all your transportation needs offering high quality, comfortable vans to travel around in.
Pappas Catering
With versions of Pappas existing all over Texas, you know that you’re going to get high-quality, absolutely delicious food with great service. Everything can be made on site for maximum freshness, or you can customize the menu to suit your schedules.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoots in Houston, TX
Even the best cities have some downsides, and Houston is no different, so let’s check them out.
Advantages
Cost of living
Strangely enough, despite being the biggest city in Texas, Houston has a lower cost of living than Dallas or Austin and much lower than similarly sized cities like New York or LA. This makes content production, including venue rental fees, cheaper.
Green spaces
Despite being a very urban-looking city with glass skyscrapers decorating the downtown skyline, Houston has the most green spaces of any city in Texas. These green spaces also make for excellent photo shoot locations.
Jobs
Houston is home to many of the world’s top companies, multinationals, and energy companies, so there are plenty of professionals in the city. This means that the economy is thriving in Houston, keeping the cost of living low. Production companies also thrive here, contributing to the job market.
Sports
It doesn’t even really matter what sport you’re into; the chances are that at some point in the year, you’ll be able to see it in Houston. Many sports arenas are popular video shoot locations, especially for commercials and promotional content.
Disadvantages
Traffic
Texas is a big state and Houston is a pretty huge city so to get around, most locals and tourists alike choose to drive. What this means is that there is nearly always some kind of gridlock going on in the city. This can be particularly challenging for film shoots that require multiple location changes.
Parking
Similar to the traffic problem, parking can be a huge hassle, especially if you’re trying to get close to key sites or sports stadiums. When booking your video shoot locations in Houston, try to find somewhere with parking included.
Heat
Outside of hurricane season, however, Houston can be very hot. In summer, it can be uncomfortably warm for those not used to the Texas sun and humidity levels, making video production outside complicated.
Mosquitoes
With the heat, humidity, and crowded state of the city come the bugs. Specifically, pesky mosquitoes love nothing more than chowing down on unsuspecting locals and tourists. Bring your bug spray.
Famous Locations in Houston, TX
Discovery Green
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and just chill on a beautifully kept lawn, head down to Discovery Green. Located in downtown Houston, it is not just a space with a serene environment but also a tranquil place for relaxing. Remember to check what’s going on while you’re there, as there’s usually a live concert or event being held there for free.
Kemah Boardwalk
Looking for more thrills and spills with a more vacation vibe? Hop in the car and head 30 miles south to the Gulf and check out Kemah Boardwalk. With tons of rides, fried foods and amusements it’s great for the whole family. If you need more adventure, Buffalo Bayou Park is another fantastic spot close by where you can enjoy outdoor activities and soak in the natural light.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families alike. Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, this zoo allows visitors to see over 6,000 animals from 900 different species. From the majestic elephants and giraffes to the fascinating reptiles and insects, there is something for everyone at the Houston Zoo.
