Film Studios for Rent in Houston

You’ll be surprised with Houston’s film industry and the wide variety of creative opportunities it offers. There are plenty of great places to capture stunning takes. For example, you can grab a shot of the city skyline or snatch the urban vibe. But if you want to have more control over the whole process, check out the city’s film studios. We assure you that your work will look more professional when shot in a well-equipped space. The lightning, the closed space, as well as various backgrounds will improve the quality of your project, without a doubt! But if you’re still not convinced about renting a film studio instead of filming outside, we have listed some things that might help you make up your mind.

Why should I choose a professional film studio?

Organizing a film shoot is no mean feat! That’s why many creatives prefer a film studio’s convenience to a location filming. It reduces the time of the shoot as you have control over many aspects (which means there will be no reshoots needed), don’t have to wait for all kinds of permits or constantly change the locations.

One of the biggest advantages of shooting in a film studio is its affordable cost. You’ll be shooting in one location which means there’ll be no additional expenses, such as travel costs, accommodation, catering, etc. You probably won’t have to pay for the use of a location, particularly if it’s private land. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about other fees like road closures or trade disruptions that can’t be avoided with a location shoot. Film studios are especially great if you’re working on an indie production and have a limited budget. The movie might look less realistic at times, but at least you’ll be able to make some profit.

What’s more? With a film studio comes complete control over all elements of the production, from start to finish. You simply won’t have to worry about bad weather conditions, nosy bystanders, work roads, or a dog barking in the neighborhood. Houston is HOT so the possibility to turn the air conditioning on and chill the room can be a true life-saver. And you won’t have to worry about scouting for the perfect spot - with the help of a green screen your cast will be transported anywhere in the world within seconds. What could also help them get into character are the props and costumes you can find at film studios.

And, finally: the gear! A film studio is a great place for any first-timer! Some studios have equipment available on-site that you can use for your project. It will create innovative opportunities and reduce the costs of gear hire.

Did we manage to convince you?

Guide to finding a film studio:

• Set your budget. You can’t get too far without having a clear budget. That’s why we suggest you calculate how much you can spend on the rental! And don’t forget to include possible additional charges and late fees. Once you know all of the numbers, you’ll be able to start searching for film studios in your price range! To make the task of finding the perfect spot easier for you, we recommend using Tagvenue’s search filters. After setting the price range, you’ll be able to scroll through only those offers that meet your requirements.

• Create a game plan. If you want to create the best environment possible for filming, you should have everything carefully planned. First things first, make a crew list. Having an estimate of the numbers involved will help you establish the size of the space that you should book so that everyone feels good and comfortable. We suggest you also think of the essential equipment you’ll need during filming. It’ll allow you to compare various venues as well as check whether your first-choice venue covers all of your needs.

• Pick the location. Think of everyone involved in the shoot and try to hunt down a space in an easily accessible location. And where could that be? A perfect location should have great access to public transportation, major roads, and parking lots. It will guarantee everyone is on time and therefore, there will be no delays on the schedule. But if you decide to rent a film studio outside of town, make sure to inform the crew in advance so they can arrange the journey.

• Visit the place prior to filming. You might have seen the place from different angles but you know that pics can be deceiving. That’s why we suggest you go and see the place you’ve rented in person. It will give you a better idea of the space, the lightning, equipment, and facilities available on-site. Having a film studio with everything you might need in one place will speed up the filming process and make the whole experience less stressful.

Film Studios in Houston FAQ

How far in advance should I book a film studio in Houston?

The sooner the better! We suggest you book the place you’ve chosen as soon as you’ve agreed on the date and budget. The best time to secure the film studio is 4 to 6 weeks in advance. It will allow you to compare offers and choose the best option for you! And who knows, if you start early enough, you might even score one of the most popular places!

How much does it cost to rent a film studio in Houston?

Rental rates in Houston start at $40 and get up to $130 per hour. Some of the film studios have basic equipment included in the rental price but if you’re not sure what it looks like in the place of your choice, feel free to reach out to the venue manager and ask about all the details. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Do you need a permit for filming in Houston?

Unlike the majority of big cities, you don’t need a filming permit in Houston. There are some exceptions, for example, if you need to close down a major street, or you shoot in a large public area. So to be extra sure whether you need a permit or not, check with the film commission. And even if it turns out you need one, we assure you they’re easy and inexpensive to obtain.

Where can I find the best film studios in Houston?

Have a look around Downtown for fantastic film studios ideal for small projects. Southwest of Downtown you can find Midtown with its array of unique spaces. And if you care about fantastic film studios but also great accessibility, you have to check out Rice Military! You’ll find there spaces of all shapes and sizes, all boasting great ambiance and high-quality equipment.