Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Houston, TX
Houston, TX is home to a population of 6,790,100 and industries spanning Energy, Aerospace, Defense, Bio-Science. Known as Bayou City and H-Town, the city was founded in 1837. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Houston — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.
Written by John Riley, Camera Operator — Houston, Texas — Assignment Desk
Houston at a Glance
Population
6,790,100
Founded
1837
Nicknames
Bayou City, H-Town
Industries
Energy, Aerospace, Defense, Bio-Science
About Houston
Houston is one of the most populated cities in Texas and ranks among the top cities in the US. Known for innovations in healthcare and medical research, Houston offers a melting pot of different interests and cultures. Most popular is the NASA Center which has contributed to some of America’s most historical events. Travel and Leisure voted Houston #5 Best City for Winter Travel, #3 Most Cultured City in the US, and #1 Best City for Foodies in 2016.
Attractions & Things to Do
Popular attractions include CityCentre, art museums, and the Galleria (one of the largest shopping malls in the country). Houston hosts Comicpalooza, Texas’ largest multi-genre convention. The Menil Collection museum offers free admission every week. Higher education at University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College.
Sports Teams
Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Astros (MLB, 2017 World Series winners)
Where to Stay
Top downtown hotels include the Westin, Club Quarters, and Four Seasons. For more reasonable prices, the Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites offer great downtown locations. The Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa is known for golf courses and pools.
Airport & Drive Times
Primary Airport
William P. Hobby Airport / Ellington Airport
Approx. 25–30 minutes to downtown
Getting Around
Houston offers Metrorail, bus system, and car services. Uber and rental cars are available. If driving yourself, Houston offers a parking reservation service called Panda that lets you reserve parking online.
Locations & Drive Times
Most things to do in Houston are within or just outside the city, roughly 15 minutes between locations without traffic. William P. Hobby Airport is a 25-minute drive from the center; Ellington Airport is 30 minutes. With Houston’s transportation services, most jobs and activities are a 15-minute destination.
Weather
Houston’s weather is fairly constant — quite humid and hot throughout spring and summer. Average summer temperature is about 85°F; winter averages around 53°F. Schedule indoor shooting mid-day and outdoor shoots for morning or late afternoon in summer. Annual precipitation is 50 inches.
Production Guidelines
Shoots in Houston 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 Houston
Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Houston area, ready to handle your production needs.
Chamber of Commerce
If you have additional questions about Houston, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.
Houston West Chamber of Commerce, 10370 Richmond Ave. #125, Houston, TX 77042, www.hwcoc.org. Houston Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 12 Greenway Plaza #1100, Houston, TX 77046, www.gswhcc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before shooting video in Houston?
Houston shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers energy, aerospace, defense, bio-science industries as primary production subjects. Houston’s weather is fairly constant — quite humid and hot throughout spring and summer. Average summer temperature is about 85°F; winter averages around 53°F. Schedule indoor shooting mid-day and outdoor shoots for morning or late afternoon in summer. Annual precipitation is 50 inches.
Where should my crew stay in Houston?
Top downtown hotels include the Westin, Club Quarters, and Four Seasons. For more reasonable prices, the Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites offer great downtown locations. The Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa is known for golf courses and pools.
How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Houston?
The primary airport is William P. Hobby Airport / Ellington Airport. Most things to do in Houston are within or just outside the city, roughly 15 minutes between locations without traffic. William P. Hobby Airport is a 25-minute drive from the center; Ellington Airport is 30 minutes. With Houston’s transportation services, most jobs and activities are a 15-minute destination.
What is the weather like for shooting in Houston?
Houston’s weather is fairly constant — quite humid and hot throughout spring and summer. Average summer temperature is about 85°F; winter averages around 53°F. Schedule indoor shooting mid-day and outdoor shoots for morning or late afternoon in summer. Annual precipitation is 50 inches.
How do I book a video crew in Houston?
Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Houston, 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 Houston. Browse Production Stories →
Book a Crew in Houston
Ready to shoot in Houston, TX? Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form.
Hire A CrewProduction Resources in Houston
Assignment Desk maintains a network of video production professionals in Houston, TX. Here are the resources available for your next shoot.
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