Film Industry Site Selection & Media

Columbus boasts a friendly, Texas attitude that has experience working with the film industry and the media.  Recent productions include:

• The Learning Channel Show “Property Ladder,” 2005

• The Outdoor Channel episode about the sport of Western Action Shooting, 2005

• TBS Reality Show “House Rules,” 2004

Accessible Location - Columbus is located in Central Texas at IH-10 & Hwy 71, just 120 miles east of San Antonio, 75 miles west of Houston, 75 miles southeast of Austin. 

Labor Force – Columbus and the surrounding communities maintain a thriving economy year-round.  Three community college campuses are located within 35 miles of the city limits and a variety of manufacturers are located within the area.  Although fewer than 4,000 people live within the city limits, as the county seat, Columbus services a much larger population.  When combined, Colorado and the surrounding counties of Washington, Fayette, and Austin County comprise a population of well over 100,000 people. 

Low to No Hotel Tax – The Hotel Occupancy Tax in Columbus is a low 6%.  Any stay at a hotel for 30 or more consecutive days is free of state and local sales tax.

No Filming Permits - There are no "permits" required for filming on public property. For most projects, completing a quick and easy registration form and providing a certificate of insurance will usually cover all that is necessary. Police officers and/or Fire personnel will be required depending on the scope of the shoot.

Moderate Weather - Located in a region that is semi-tropical, you will be pleasantly surprised at the lush green landscape that makes it possible to shoot winter-for-summer.   

Special Parking Requests- Any filming requiring closure of street lanes, street parking, blocking of sidewalks or loading zones, and/or intermittent traffic control may be coordinated through the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Unique Sites –

• 1890 Greek Revival County Courthouse

• 1886 Opera House with French Mansard Roof & Painted Curtains

• 1950’s gymnasium located at elementary school

• Large tract ranch property with both exotic and domestic wildlife 

• Various Through Truss bridges

• Downtown main street without power lines

• Original one-room school house

• Historic homes and house museums – Victorian; Arts & Craft Bungalow; Greek Revival; 1836 Log Cabin; 1858 Tabby Cottage

• Trees & wildflowers: Large & Small Live Oaks; Magnolias; Oaks; Pecan; Crepe Myrtle

• River and land with river frontage; Creeks

• Parks with athletic facilities

Sound Ordinance - You can obtain permission for excessive noise for productions requiring loud music playback or late night noise through the Columbus City Council or the County Commissioner’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office and Police Department - If your shoot requires traffic or pedestrian control or the blocking of a lane or street, you will need to hire a peace officer. Street control will likely require one officer per intersection blocked.

Fire Department - For the use of squibs and pyrotechnics, a Fire Marshall will be required to be on set. Additional special effects and chemical use may also require this.

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