City Guide Filming in Corpus Christi, TX
Production Permit Fees
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability coverage of at least $1 million per incident is required.
- Workers' Compensation in accordance with the Texas Labor Code
- Automobile Liability of at least $1 million for every vehicle used in the shoot. A Non-owned Auto Endorsement to your General Liability Policy is sufficient if you use rental automobiles or other vehicles you do not own.
- Police and fire requirements are handled by the Corpus Christi Film Commission as needed.
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is not only recognized as the "Sparkling City by the Sea," but it has also played a significant role in several famous films. So it's no surprise that the city has become a preferred location for projects of all sizes, with unique and magnificent landscapes in every region. As one of the officially approved film-friendly cities in Texas like Austin, Corpus Christi allows film producers to connect more readily with filmmakers interested in shooting films in the city.
Corpus Christi has a growing list of films on its resume. In 2000, the film "Pearl Harbor," featuring Ben Affleck, was shot on the USS Lexington. Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Hartnett, and Alec Baldwin also appeared in the Disney Touchstone Pictures production. Jerry Bruckheimer produced it, and Michael Bay directed it.
Other significant films filmed at Whataburger Field include "Selena," starring Jennifer Lopez, "The Legend of Billie Jean," featuring Christian Slater and Helen Slater, and, of course, "The Open Road," starring Jeff Bridges and Justin Timberlake.
Big Hollywood films aren't the only ones that have found the ideal location in Corpus Christi. In the city, short films, commercials, and even several video game scenes were shot in Corpus Christi. In addition, Corpus Christi is home to a number of film production companies.
However, if you want to shoot a commercial film in town, you'll need to follow the Corpus Christi filming guidelines and regulations to avoid getting into problems with the authorities. And scout all your film locations in Corpus Christi using Giggster for the best sets around.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Corpus Christi?
Filming permits are only required in the City of Corpus Christi when filmmakers seek exclusive access to public property. A film permit is an official certificate issued by a city that allows filmmaking operations. Film permits are an important instrument that cities like Corpus Christi use to meld on-set film production needs with the needs of the surrounding population.
If you've ever sought a film permit in Corpus Christi, you might be startled to learn that you don’t need one for handheld shots. However, if you have heavier equipment, need parking rights, or want to perform stunts, you will almost certainly need permission. A Corpus Christi film permit provides access to city services like collaboration with the Movie & TV Unit, parking production vehicles, government buildings, public parks, and some privately held places.
Permit Management in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Film Commission (CCFC)
The Corpus Christi Film Commission, a Visit Corpus Christi branch, has been run by the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) since 2008. The Corpus Christi Film Commission's goal is to assist visiting film production by offering crucial logistical provisions like location services and permission information and acting as a liaison between the production and government agencies. As a result, the Corpus Christi Film Commission provides a one-stop shop for filmmakers, handling all production needs, such as permits and city services.
You must send all filming permit applications at least three business days before the start of your production at the preferred location. It must also include a certificate of liability insurance that shows the types and amount of coverage required by the State of Texas. So, try to plan for this outcome. When an application is filed, Corpus Christi Film Commission will email the applicant to confirm receipt.
The agency will notify your production company through email that you have submitted your application. They may call you to ensure that all information on the application is accurate. Based on location availability, description of film production activity, and location capabilities, Corpus Christi Film Commission and the state agency regulating the applicant's proposed location will examine the viability of the request. Following that decision, the agency will notify you in writing whether the request has been allowed or denied.
What Insurance Do I Need in Corpus Christi?
You'll need insurance before you can film in Corpus Christi. The insurance regulations for Corpus Christi film permits also indicate that the City of Corpus Christi and Texas must be included as extra insured. This is a standard production policy regulation. Even if your project does not necessitate a film permit, you should consider insurance for protection on set and around equipment rentals.
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 Corpus Christi?
A visit to Corpus Christi reveals the variety of locations available to filmmakers. There are natural ecosystems, beaches, and parks, but there are also downtown hospitals, medical facilities, and a wide range of locations. Remember Pearl Harbor, starring Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett? Surprisingly, most filming occurred at the USS Lexington and the Lexington Museum on the Bay.
The USS Lexington landed at Corpus Christi Beach in 1992 due to vigorous fundraising and strong community support. It has since functioned as a naval aviation museum, instructional institution, and popular local tourist attraction.
A large portion of the ship is open to the public and is filmable. The Flight Deck has seen extensive use, and it is worth noting that Lexington is the only decommissioned carrier with an operating elevator. This elevator is critical for filmmakers since it allows big filming equipment to access the flight deck.
The Conn Brown Harbor near Aransas Pass has been a backdrop to several movies shot in Corpus Christi. For instance, Jennifer Lopez recorded a scene with actor Jon Seda at Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass while playing Tejano in Selena.
Kayaking, boating, and fishing are some of the community's key draw and provide excellent opportunities for filmmakers considering outdoor recreation. The Dock Side Surf Shop in Flour Bluff was also used as a backdrop in the 1984 film The Legend of Billie Jean.
The gorgeous beaches of Corpus Christi are the core of the city. There is something for everyone, with so many beaches to choose from, from tranquil waters to the best surfing spots. There are more than a hundred miles of sandy shoreline between Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, providing many options when choosing the appropriate beach for your film production.
Sunset Island is the place to go if you want your production to capture a beautiful sunset. This spit of land near the JFK Causeway overlooks the Laguna Madre, but you don't need to look much further for an amazing filming location.
Special Requirements in Corpus Christi
USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier
Daily filming fees of $5,000 apply to prep and wrap days, while $10,000 applies to full shoot days. In addition, film producers must obtain $2 million in liability insurance and employee compensation insurance.
National Park Service
Film production requiring the employment of expert casts or utilization of professional sets requires a Special Use Permit (SUP).
SUP is issued by the Chief Ranger for these film production activities to prevent damage or other harmful impacts to the national park resources. You must send the necessary request to Padre Island National Seashore for SUP.
You may be required to get liability insurance commensurate with the risk presented to park resources by your intended activity, with the United States named as an additional insured. You may also be required to deposit a bond to guarantee the payment of all fines and fees and the repair of the area, if necessary.
Beaches
Any request to film on a Corpus Christi beach must be filed through the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department. Permits are required for any filming on Corpus Christi beaches, and you must request permission at least three days in advance. You'll also need a lifeguard to film any scenes in the water.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
MARCOM must be contacted for consent before any commercial filming, videography, or photography on campus.
All commercial filmmaking or videography contracts must follow university procedure 41.01.01.C0.01, Use of University Facilities.
Unless permission has been granted in writing through MARCOM, TAMU-CC monuments or other landmarks may not be used in any film production to suggest the university's participation with or support, promotion, or sponsorship of any product or service.
The institution may enter into an agreement that allows commercial filmmaking, videography, or photography on its campus. However, the university retains the right to approve the screenplay, approve any changes to the script, and charge a fee to manage access to university property in such situations.
Texas State Parks
A permit is required for any organized activity that affects state park facilities, property, walkways, rights-of-way, trails, or street areas or in a way that differs from its current land use. The park will assess your request to determine the appropriate level of liability insurance coverage.
You must secure health, food handling, and alcoholic beverage permits for your event or filming.
You must carry a minimum of $500,000 in public liability insurance. High-risk activities may necessitate a $1 million policy.
A Texas-licensed insurance business must issue policies. Before the event, Texas State Parks must have a certificate of insurance stating the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as additional insured. Your application must include the production's name and date on the certificate.
Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator License
A state Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator's license is required for anyone who assembles, directs, or oversees the use of pyrotechnic devices in the presence of a nearby audience.
A proximate audience is described as "spectators whose primary aim is to see the performance," and it can include anyone on set, including non-professional performers, extras, and laborers who are not members of the film crew.
What Does it Cost to Film in Corpus Christi?
The scope of your project will determine the cost of filming in Corpus Christi. For instance, do you need only one filming location to complete your production? On the other hand, perhaps you require many filming locations to film? The location and type of your project often determine the cost of filming in Corpus Christi. Fortunately, Corpus Christi’s City Manager can waive the filming permit fee for non-profit organizations, students, a low-impact production, or a registered local filmmaker. Still, fees may be associated with other permitting authorities within the city. However, as previously stated, many modest films do not require any Corpus Christi film permits. If you're unsure where your production belongs, consult the Corpus Christi Film Commission once you've determined the size and scope of your shoot.
Additional Fees
There may be charges for acquiring permits and obtaining personnel, such as street closure management, police, and traffic control.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi is a coastal city in South Texas. The city and surrounding harbor were named after Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, who discovered the beautiful semi-tropical bay on the Western Christian feast day of Corpus Christi in 1519.
Corpus Christi is located 130 miles southeast of San Antonio. Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay are their political limits. Water inlets from three nearby counties and small property parcels are included in the City of Corpus Christi zoned borders. Corpus Christi's port is the fifth-largest in the United States, and Corpus Christi International Airport serves the area.
The City places a high priority on community safety. To stay on top of any emergency, the Fire and Police Departments utilize cutting-edge communications systems and collaborate closely with the county, industries, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Furthermore, the City's emergency medical services are ranked first in the state, with excellent response times and patient survival rates.
The City continually strives to improve its services to both local residents and visitors, with a particular emphasis on great customer service. In reality, the City's organizational mission is to be a national leader in public service excellence.
Corpus Christi is the county headquarters and most of Nueces County and extends into the city of Kleberg, Aransas, and San Patricio. While the city encompasses Port Aransas, the facility is operated separately and requires additional filming permits.
Outreach in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Film Commission will assist you by issuing formal notices of filming some days before the start of your film production. However, you should try to supplement Corpus Christi Film Commission’s outreach with your own, either in person or in the form of a letter on your film production company's letterhead.
You may start by creating a letter that identifies your film production company and your aim before scouting neighborhoods, businesses, and private households. Your notice should include things such as the working title, film production timeline, location requirements, and contact information. Leave the note with the management or property owner or on the doorstep.
While this is not a request for filming permission, these surveys can help gather information, which can be used to measure neighborhood concerns. Keep in mind that not every filming activity requires an outreach, and community participation is entirely voluntary for those that do.
Community Management in Corpus Christi
The film community has a particular edge over other areas of economic development activities in that the public members are quite familiar with movies and TV, and there can be an innate delight in having film production activities in their neighborhood. However, this excitement might swiftly fade if residents are unclear about what to expect when the shooting starts or have not had their expectations controlled.
It is quite easy to excite the residents and businesses in the desired filming location. Still, it is even easier to disappoint them if they are not well-informed about the production activities in their area. Film commissioners must exercise caution when making promises or exaggerating the potential a film can provide the community. The more they understand what goes into developing a film or TV show in their area, the easier it is to have their approval.
Engaging residents and businesses, as well as keeping people informed of potential disruptions, noise, night work, parking changes, and traffic, can go a long way toward avoiding conflict. For instance, a "thank you" to the local community will help ensure that the city is film-friendly in the future.
Conclusion
The City of Corpus Christi has played prominent roles in film productions ranging from still commercial photography to TV shows to major feature films, thanks to the united efforts of the City, Port, and Counties. The city's unrivaled weather, stunning scenery, and speedy, low-cost approval procedure are just a few benefits Corpus Christi offers for your film production.
The Corpus Christi Film Commission and Texas Film Commission offer the core services of a standard film office to the region. Their main functions include filming permits and connecting filmmakers to the right contacts in its partner counties, location services, film production facilitation, providing valuable resources for the local film industry, and promoting the City of Corpus Christi as a film-friendly destination.
The City of Corpus Christi recognizes that film productions may take place in a short time and may involve a number of private and public locations. So, they provide a suite of services to assist you in acquiring the necessary permission to film inside the City of Corpus Christi and online information for the local film industry. The agency is eager to help filmmakers and provide details about the resources available in the area, from permits to vendors.