City Guide Filming in Austin, TX
Production Permit Fees
- Permit fee: free for public spaces
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $500,000
- Worker’s Compensation: As instructed by the state authorities
- Business Automobile Liability: $500,000
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Watercraft Insurance Coverage: $1 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: To be liaised with by the production staff
Discounts
- Incentives offered by the Austin Film Commission:
- Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP)
- Austin Creative Content Incentive Program
- Tax exemptions on the purchase of any filming-related items and supplies
About Austin
Austin is among the biggest hubs of filming for Hollywood motion pictures. It is also the capital of Texas and has the 11th overall biggest population of all cities in the USA. Featuring a humid subtropical climate, the city features a wide variety of landscapes for every shot. Besides city squares and busy walkways, Austin is also home to breathtaking farmlands, lakes, and hill country. The Austin downtown has doubled for that of Chicago or New York on several occasions, so there's that as a bonus. And since you've got pretty much everything you need packed nicely into a busy city space, traveling will be minimal for your production crew members.
Ever since the 1970s, Austin has seen myriads of production crews come and go. Several films proudly claim the "Made In Austin" label, including True Grit, The Faculty, Death Proof, Boyhood, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, and Alita: Battle Angel. But if you plan to base your next film project in Austin, you can count on Giggster’s help to find the perfect shoot locations. Take a look at some of the most iconic filming destinations in Austin!
Now, on to the filming guidelines in Austin!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Austin?
Short answer: yes!
If you’re planning on filming in any public place in Austin, you’ll need a permit, and the same also goes for many indoor filming locations. It’s best never to assume anything, and instead contact the Austin Film Commission for permit requirements. The good news is that the filming permits for public pathways and parks are free of cost and there are several incentives for anyone looking to film in Austin.
Not all permits are the same, of course. Here are some important categories as per the filming regulations in Austin:
Public Pathways and Parks
Filming permits for public pathways and parks are free of cost
Student Filming Permits
Student filming permits are free of cost and the insurance requirements are covered by the educational institute they represent
Non-commercial Filming Permits
Non-commercial filming permits (not meant to make any profit) are also free of cost
Pyrotechnics Permits
Pyrotechnics permits are needed where special effects and explosives are part of the movie’s script
Animal Control Permit
An animal control permit is applicable where the filming project involves the use of animals And so on…
Permit Management in Austin
Austin Film Commission
Austin Film Commission handles all the filming permits in Austin; it is a subsidiary of the Texas Film Commission and offers thorough assistance to all production crews in Austin. Overall, getting a permit is not hard and won’t even cost you in many cases — the only costs you’ll have to contend with will be the production costs. You can even count on them to help you with any resources you need to understand the filming guidelines in Austin specifically as per your case.
Generally for private premises, permits are not needed, and you won’t be charged for a filming permit for any public parks or public right of way.
Other than providing permits for filming, the Austin Film Commission also offers the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) which is a cash grant program for filmmakers. Qualifying productions can claim up to 22.5% of their total spending (made inside Texas) for their filming. Similarly, the Austin Creative Content Incentive Program delivers up to 0.75% for such spending; this program is offered by the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department. Other than this, productions filming within Texas can get tax exemptions on any filming-related items and supplies purchased from within Texas.
But there’s one thing: you’ll have to liaise with the police and fire departments on your own!
What Insurance Do I Need in Austin?
Production insurance coverage is one of the necessities for all filming projects. In case of an accident, the insurance coverage will cover the damages. While all producers like to hope for the best when commencing their filming project, it is still important to prepare for the worst, and this is where production insurance comes into the picture. All filming locations have insurance requirements, and the exact extent of the requirements varies with the script and the filming location. Here is a rough breakdown of the minimum production insurance requirements in Austin:
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Austin?
It would be a massive understatement to say that there are many filming locations in Austin – there are endless possibilities both indoor and outdoor options. From humble, well-lit photography studios to state-of-the-art filming studios equipped with all the latest equipment: you have it all in Austin! For instance, there’s a sophisticated industrial studio loft flooded with natural light and boasting a pleasant city view, perfect for filming indoors.
For something more minimalistic like a podcast (or interview), a private studio space would work very well. If you need something fancier, then an antique-furnished multi-use recording studio will be worth a shot. Need to shoot some CGI and special effects shots? Then the East Austin Video Production Studio will be perfect for your next filming project — you’ll be able to produce fine results with all the amenities and facilities offered here.
For something more natural and luxurious, you can try out one of the top-of-the-line recording studios in Austin or rent a modern luxury home for filming. From dance studios and houses to purpose-built recording spaces, you have endless possibilities for filming your next project in Austin. And we've not even discussed the abundant parks, public squares, public walkways, and lakes.
Special Requirements in Austin
Filming At Austin’s School Districts
There are several school districts in Austin, each more impressive than the other. Austin Independent School District, Eanes Independent School District, Georgetown Independent School District, Hutto Independent School District, and Lake Travis Independent School District are some of the most iconic examples in this regard. Filming in school districts is allowed; however, you’ll have to complete a couple of extra steps before you can get the permit:
You’ll have to get in touch with the school administration first
Discuss your filming schedule with them and see if they have a slot for you
Once you’ve gotten the approval of the school administration (this is not a permit though), file an application with the Austin Film Commission
Submit the application at least 30 days in advance
After application review from the Austin Film Commission, you’ll get your permit
Usually, there are some extra insurance requirements for filming at school districts such as $1 million worth of general liability insurance coverage.
Filming In/Near Austin Lakes
There are three manmade lakes in Austin, namely Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E. Long. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department manages these lakes and the surrounding areas. To film here, you'll have to get in touch with the department focal person for filming and request a time slot based on your filming schedule. After approval of your request, you can apply for a permit, but there will be some form of paid supervision on part of the department and if you're planning to use watercraft in the shoot, you'll have to get additional insurance coverage for that.
Filming In State Parks
To film in a state park near Austin, for a capture of the wilderness in your lens, you’ll have to get in touch with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. There’s a detailed online form you'll have to fill out detailing the exact nature of the activity, your schedule, and so on. Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you can reach out to the Austin Film Commission for further instructions. But remember that you'll have to have supervision from the department staff on-site when filming in a state park, and that supervision will cost you by the hour.
Regulations For Filming With Drones
You can use drones and UAS for certain shots, but you’ll have to make sure that the use of such equipment is done responsibly. The exact guidelines have been posted on Austin Film Commission’s website, but there are some basic red lines you can’t cross:
Your drone must not pose any threat to public safety
It must not violate any private property owner’s privacy
And it must not prove to be a hurdle in the law enforcement activities
Safety concerns are especially relevant in areas where several people have gathered and the risk of injury due to irresponsible operation will be high. This means that flying a drone close to people, buildings, and animals, too far outside the line of sight of the operator, close to the overhead lines, or near the airport area (or close to an aircraft) is out of the question.
In case of violation of these guidelines, law enforcement will take action!
Noise Regulations In Austin
Austin is a busy city but this does not mean that anything goes with regards to noise – there is a noise ordinance that details exactly what is deemed as noise/disturbance. Generally, all forms of noise, including amplified music are prohibited and you must be very careful not to disturb the peace of mind of people you're shooting around. Also, making unreasonable noises between the hours of 10:30 PM and 07:00 AM is strictly prohibited. This also includes the noise and vibrations of cars (honking horns or revving the engine) – the impact must not reach out more than 30 feet from your car.
Filming With The Austin Fire Department Prevention Division
The Austin Fire Department is all for safety and action! Yes, you can actually have them send some firemen over to work as "extras" in your film. You'll have to pay them though, by the hour, but it's still cool. The AFD will issue a permit of its own for fire safety regarding any pyrotechnic effects you may have in store for your film. You can even request on-site inspections (they’ll conduct one anyway) to be sure that your fire safety protocols are up to date. If you need firemen and firefighting equipment in the actual film, they’ll gladly provide those as well.
What Does it Cost to Film in Austin?
Once you’ve got your filming permits in Austin, there are some other costs to contend with as well for your production, besides the site rent and filming expenses. For instance, you’ll have to collaborate with various city departments for cooperation. The exact costs vary depending on the nature of the script and the overall risk factor. However, having an idea of the minimum general costs will help you grab the bigger picture. Here are some of the costs you’ll have to face:
Additional Fees
On top of all the expenses shared above, in some cases, there can be some administrative fees as well which amount to 15% of the other expenses for the filming. The costs mentioned above can vary – for instance, your filming set may require supervision from multiple police officers at once. Just be sure to get specific guidelines from the Austin Film Commission.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Austin?
Austin is a large city, spanning a massive area of 305.1 square miles which makes it among the biggest cities in the USA. It is cut in half by the Colorado River in Central Texas and also houses three artificial inland lakes: Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E. Long. Its elevation lies between 130 meters and 305 meters above sea level. To the east, the city is pretty much flat while to the west are situated the limestone-based Texas Hill Country rolling hills. Neighboring cities include San Antonio which lies 74 miles to the northeast, Houston which lies 146 miles to the northwest and Dallas which lies 182 miles to the south. All of these cities are also covered by the Texas Film Commission (and also have regional subsidiaries) for production permits and more.
Outreach in Austin
As the producer, you’ll be responsible for notifying residents and property owners who can be affected by your filming activities beforehand. This is a necessity as per the Austin filming laws. You must do so for all permits but not for B-roll. Also, you’ll have to get in touch with the Austin Police Department for a notification from their end as well.
Community Management in Austin
As for the people, the natives of Austin are seen as some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the southern regions. Generally, the people are laid back and open-hearted, so you can expect cooperation about your filming activity. Meeting up with the residents on your own can help make an impact. It’s usually best to create a good first impression, even with small gestures. Since Austin has seen many filmmakers do their magic, the people will probably cooperate with your project as well.
Conclusion
Austin is home to both breathtaking scenes and iconic indoor filming locations, all suited for the specific needs of production crews. There are so many perks and money-back programs that you can qualify for simply for filming inside Texas, and then there are permit fee waivers for parks and public walkways. We've also seen that the Austin filming laws are generally easy to follow with only a few restrictions, most notably in the form of insurance requirements. Also, there are a variety of filming locations you can pick from, most of which are equipped specifically for filming production crews.
And we also know that Austin has on several occasions doubled for other cities including New York Downtown. The filming scene is huge here with a whole host of films and TV series placed under the "Made in Austin" label. Moreover, you'll get all the resources and guidelines you need specifically for your filming project on the Austin Film Commission website, including how much you'll have to pay for certain services. The local population is also seen as one of the friendliest in the region, making Austin the perfect place to shoot your next film.