Filming in Austin
Great set chem, easy location moves, & yummy wrap dinners.
My agency just wrapped the second of two tv productions in Austin with 2-3 locations per day. It was exhausting as all production is, but filming in town is the best because I still get to see my kids (a little) and sleep in my own bed (a little). But it’s not just about me. Here are some reasons why everyone should film in Austin:
The crews are the best. I actually heard this from a well seasoned line producer who said Dallas has the quantity but Austin has the quality when it comes to running a tight and efficient set.
The footage looks rad, as you can see in these stills from our UFCU shoot in January. As a born and bred Austinite, I get bored of the “Austin’s changed” whining and sure, I don’t love paying $18 for a glass of wine here, but there is still so much cool in Austin. Some of our most picturesque locations were: The Whitehorse, Heritage Boots, Top Notch Hamburgers, Goldrush Vinyl, Eastside Pedal Pushers, OMG Squee—most of the places we filmed needed no set dressing.
My girl has range. For our second campaign, it was important to represent the state. We got footage that feels like downtown Houston, Fort Worth BBQ (both in Lockhart which I think counts), a Dallas distribution center and a west Texas construction site (both in Mueller). And speaking of Mueller, if the above locations are presenting too Austin for you, grab an empty spot there and build out your own set.
It’s like LA only cozier. You can get all of the fancy tasting menus and cool hotels but they aren’t three hours on the 405 from your first location. Our director, crew, and out of town agency folks all stayed at the Carpenter Hotel together and were able to stroll to all the great restaurants nearby. It made for some great set chem.