Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Dallas, TX
Dallas, TX is home to a population of 4,805,300 and industries spanning Financial Services, Technology, Defense. Known as Big D, the city was founded in 1841. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Dallas — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.
Written by Nate Galluppi, Director of Photography — Dallas, Texas — Assignment Desk
Dallas at a Glance
Population
4,805,300
Founded
1841
Nicknames
Big D
Industries
Financial Services, Technology, Defense
About Dallas
They don’t call it “Big D” for nothing. Whether you’re debating big ideas at a conference, tasting big flavors in Dallas’ flourishing food scene, or exploring the nation’s biggest art district, it’s all waiting in North Texas. Dallas is known for its range of neighborhoods. Downtown holds local nightlife, West End is rich with history, Uptown has high-end shopping and dining, the South is for the Texas fair and museums, and the Bishop Arts District holds a hipster and eccentric lifestyle.
Attractions & Things to Do
Popular options include the Savor Dallas Festival, outdoor concerts at Decks in the Park, the Dallas Autumn Ball, and numerous other festivals. Historic landmarks include the Texas Theater where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested, and Bonnie and Clyde’s graves. Higher education includes Texas A&M University, University of Dallas, and Dallas Community College.
Sports Teams
Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), FC Dallas (MLS)
Where to Stay
Finding a place to stay will be the least of your worries. Hotels are located all over downtown and its outskirts including the Fairmont Dallas Hotel, the Hilton Anatole, and the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. Near the airport: the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport Hotel.
Airport & Drive Times
Primary Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Approx. 30 minutes to downtown
Getting Around
Most people use personal vehicles. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) provides metro bus and rail service. Car services like Uber are popular and always available. Be mindful of traffic during tourist seasons.
Locations & Drive Times
Dallas is a city where most people use their own transportation. Be cautious of tourist seasons and traffic. Dallas offers DART, their metro bus system. Austin is about three hours away; Houston is about three and a half hours. DFW Airport is about 30 minutes from downtown. Most attractions within Dallas take about 15 minutes by car. Uber is always available and popular.
Weather
Dallas has a mild humid climate year-round. July can reach 97°F and January averages about 54°F. It has been known to get hotter in winter months than the average city, so prepare for any weather. During summer, stay hydrated and dress cool.
Production Guidelines
Shoots in Dallas are based on a ten hour day and the crew is on the clock at the specified crew call. Overtime at a rate of time and a half begins after ten hours. A distant location is any location outside a 30-mile radius drawn around the city. Verify with your crew their specific policies.
Our Crew in Dallas
Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Dallas area, ready to handle your production needs.
Chamber of Commerce
If you have additional questions about Dallas, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.
North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, 10707 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75230, www.ndcc.org. Southeast Dallas Chamber of Commerce, 802 S Buckner Blvd., Dallas, TX 75217, www.sedallaschamber.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before shooting video in Dallas?
Dallas shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers financial services, technology, defense industries as primary production subjects. Dallas has a mild humid climate year-round. July can reach 97°F and January averages about 54°F. It has been known to get hotter in winter months than the average city, so prepare for any weather. During summer, stay hydrated and dress cool.
Where should my crew stay in Dallas?
Finding a place to stay will be the least of your worries. Hotels are located all over downtown and its outskirts including the Fairmont Dallas Hotel, the Hilton Anatole, and the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. Near the airport: the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport Hotel.
How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Dallas?
The primary airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Dallas is a city where most people use their own transportation. Be cautious of tourist seasons and traffic. Dallas offers DART, their metro bus system. Austin is about three hours away; Houston is about three and a half hours. DFW Airport is about 30 minutes from downtown. Most attractions within Dallas take about 15 minutes by car. Uber is always available and popular.
What is the weather like for shooting in Dallas?
Dallas has a mild humid climate year-round. July can reach 97°F and January averages about 54°F. It has been known to get hotter in winter months than the average city, so prepare for any weather. During summer, stay hydrated and dress cool.
How do I book a video crew in Dallas?
Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Dallas, TX. Call 312-464-8600 or visit our booking form at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew. Our staff Directors of Photography come equipped with full camera, lighting, and audio packages.
Read about recent productions shot in Dallas. Browse Production Stories →
Book a Crew in Dallas
Ready to shoot in Dallas, TX? Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form.
Hire A CrewProduction Resources in Dallas
Assignment Desk maintains a network of video production professionals in Dallas, TX. Here are the resources available for your next shoot.
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