|
INFORMATION. ON ANYTHING.
As you begin preproduction, we're ready to help with information on locations,
crews, talent, state and local contacts, weather, laws, sales tax exemptions,
housing and anything else you might need to know about filming in Texas.
Our services are free, and, since this office has been assisting filmmakers
since 1971, we have plenty of experience.
The Texas Film Commission works closely with Texas' regional
film commissions, and we use their resources as well as our own in
putting together the best recommendations for your project.
LOCATIONS
Just tell us what you need. Texas has over 267,000 square miles, so your
perfect location is out there somewhere. And there's a lot more to Texas
than you might think -- Texas locations have doubled for the American
midwest, Mexico, Washington, D.C., Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Africa,
Florida and a host of others. In the past year alone, Texas has been Morocco
in three different features.
If you're interested in a particular location or building, either publicly
or privately owned, we can quickly provide you with contact information
for the owners or their representatives.
CREW / VENDORS
The Texas Film Commission maintains an expansive list of qualified vendors
and crew throughout Texas. You can search our list by clicking on the
Texas Production Manual. If you don't immediately
find who or what you're looking for, just let us know - we'll check our
in-house resources too.
PERMITS
In general, the State of Texas doesn't require film permits. However,
if you're planning to shoot on public property, including parks, roads
or highways, we can put you in touch with the right people to arrange
permission. In most cases, we can tell you ahead of time what requirements
to expect. If you're filming within a city, we'll tell you which city
representative can help with permits, if needed.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Yes, that's a common question these days.
On most projects shot in Texas, the production company is 100% exempt
from State and local sales taxes on much of what you rent or purchase.
That's not a rebate; it's an up-front exemption, and the claim form is
one single page. If you're here for more than 30 days, you're also exempt
from a portion of occupancy tax on hotel rooms. And you may claim refunds
for sales tax paid on fuel that was used off-road (think generators and
boats). Click on Sales Tax Exemptions
to view this information on our Web site.
The State of Texas does not participate in financing films. But filmmakers
keep coming back to Texas, time and again, because of our biggest assets:
our experienced, professional crew, equipment vendors and support services.
On most features shot in Texas, 75-80% of the crew is hired locally. That
high percentage means savings in housing, transportation, per diems and
time - you're using professionals who get it right the first time. Very
few other states can match the depth of crew base that you'll find in
Texas.
COMPUTER & VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY
The Texas Film Commission has recently expanded its concentrations to
include the computer and video game industry. It’s new territory
for us, but we are dedicated to finding innovative ways to support this
ever-evolving industry. Whether we’re assisting Texas citizens in
finding industry-related jobs or encouraging new projects to come to the
state, we are working to increase Texas’ competitive position among
other entertainment hubs.
In the new Game Industry section of
our Web site, you will find information on game organizations, conferences,
university/college programs, sales tax exemptions, frequently asked questions
and a list of games developed in Texas from 1980 to 2005. Also, visit
the Animation & Visual Effects FAQ page
for helpful resources for the animation industry.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
The Texas Film Commission's Job Hotline lists
film, television, animation and game projects throughout Texas. It's an
instant way to get in touch with Texas' workforce, and, for the workers,
it's a quick way to find out who's hiring.
|
