Your Property in Films

At the Texas Film Commission, we’re often asked how people can let filmmakers know about their home or other real estate, for possible use as a film location. This information serves as a guideline on how you might have your property considered for use in a movie, TV program, music video, TV commercial or catalog.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY?

Do you have an unusual home, ranch, business or other real estate that you'd like us to know about? We welcome information about all kinds of property, because producers need all kinds of locations. When they consider filming in Texas, their first stop is the Texas Film Commission’s digital location library. They ask for recommendations on mansions, courthouses, farms, resorts, amusement parks, newspaper offices, honky-tonks, farmhouses, haciendas, swimming holes, riverfront homes, 1950s gas stations, vintage homes, and just about every other kind of location you can imagine.

A fact of life: a unique property is much more likely to be put to use than one that's readily matched almost anywhere. For example, convenience stores are easy to find in any city, and most of them look like all the others. On the other hand, a 1920s schoolhouse is a rare find.

To add photos of your property to our library, please send us around 10-20 high-resolution digital photos (at least 4x6 at 300dpi) on a CD. (Unfortunately, we no longer accept 35mm color print photos.) Before you take the digital photographs, please view our Digital Photography Help Sheet on our Web site to take note of our recommended digital camera settings.

Along with the CD, please include the property address, a contact person’s name, address and phone numbers. For rural properties, please include some basic directions, such as "eight miles east of Loop 410, on County Road 1604, one mile south of New Sulphur Springs Road."

WHAT TO EXPECT?

We’ll immediately add your photos to our library, and if more information is needed, we'll let you know. We may show your photos (along with similar locations) to producers, but we won't contact you unless the producer wants to visit for a more detailed look at the property. Such a visit does not obligate either party; it's simply to see if the location will indeed work for that particular project. Of course, we can't promise that your property will generate interest from filmmakers, no matter how unusual it is. Don’t have unrealistic expectations, but go ahead and send us those photos anyway. You never know!

IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CHOSEN FOR FILMING?

"How much will I be paid if my house is used?" There’s no standard answer, because there’s no standard amount for location fees. Film budgets range from very large to very small, depending on the type of project. You don’t have to figure out an amount to charge; the film company will make you an offer, based on how long they need your property, and how much they have to spend. Most items in a location contract are negotiable.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

That's what we're here for! Not many people have first-hand experience with on-location filming, so, if you have questions, just let us know. We work with filmmakers and location owners every day, and we’ll be happy to work with you too.