When you think of Houston, a few things tend to come to mind. We all know and love NASA, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Be Someone graffiti, our spunky, never-say-die sports teams, and for those of us creeping up there in years, our memories of Astroworld and the Astrodome. However, few of us tend to think of Hollywood…or, well, its local equivalent. While resident film buffs may be able to name a few, a surprising number of successful films have been shot in Houston and the surrounding area. From Urban Cowboy, Terms of Endearment, and Reality Bites to parts of Tin Cup, Robocop 2, and Pearl Harbor, for a few decades, Houston consistently found its way onto the big screen, even if the city itself wasn’t the actual setting of the film.
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However, a look at the Houston Film Commission’s website shows that over the last 15 years or so, far more television and cable shows have been shot here than feature films or streaming gems. While it’s cool to see the city highlighted when production companies visit to shoot shows like Top Chef and Animal ER, singular episodes of reality tv and competition shows will not put Houston back on the map as a desirable destination for film and streaming/tv production. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, though, because as you’re about to learn, there are a ton of passionate people and organizations fighting to make Houston the next Hollywood.
Wait, you didn’t know Houston has a local film industry? Oh, we do, and like many hidden gems around town, you won’t know how great it is until you check it out for yourself. Want to get involved, learn a new skill, or even be in a film? We have you covered.
The first thing you have to know is who is making stuff happen in Houston. There are some great resources to learn about what’s happening in Clutch City when it comes to cinema.
- Not Another Film Organization. NAFO prides itself as being the best starting point for entry into the Houston film industry. NAFO hosts a free monthly meetup, free monthly short film screening event, training programs, and they have plenty more opportunities and projects on the way, including free and low-cost classes, film festivals, contests, and more. If you are a day one beginner looking to get involved, they’re the best place to start if you’re looking to find your place in the community or get pointed in the right direction. Check them out at www.notanotherfilm.org or Not Another Film Organization on most social media platforms.
- The Houston Film Commission. The HFC is a central hub for all things Houston film. Want news? Resources? Info? They do a little bit of everything in their fight to bring film projects to Houston, and their site is a great place to browse to learn about Houston resources and opportunities. https://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/
- Houston Cinema Arts Society. HCAS is a nonprofit that puts on events, festivals, classes, and screenings. Prolific, professional, and supportive of local endeavors, they’re a great resource to learn about a wide array of aspects of the Houston Film Industry. https://www.cinemahtx.org/
- Southwest Alternate Media Project. SWAMP, which has been around since 1977, is a nonprofit that encourages a diverse multicultural community to create and appreciate film as an art form by offering workshops, events, conferences, screenings, and more. A long-time supporter of the Houston film industry, their classes are great for those wanting to learn a new industry skill. https://www.swamp.org/
- Houston Film Scene. HFS is dedicated to cultivating the community and professional culture of independent filmmakers in Houston. They focus on diversity, inclusion, and education. https://www.houstonfilmscene.com/
- WIFT Houston. Women in Film and Television’s Houston chapter is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women reach the highest level of achievement in television, film, and other moving-image media. Their organization is currently being revamped and they look forward to announcing a relaunch soon.
- Actors Across Borders. AAB is a multicultural filmmaking group committed to creating training and job opportunities for its members. They focus on inclusion and diversity in film and theater. Check them out on Instagram at ActorsAcrossBorders.
- Miss.Takes Film Club. Miss Takes Film Club was founded with the vision of creating more opportunities for filmmakers—both emerging and seasoned—by providing a collaborative space for creative growth. https://www.miss-takes-filmclub.org/
- Suite Bread. Suite Bread is a post-production facility that focuses on educating filmmakers about the work that goes into finishing a movie after the shooting has ended, such as color-correction. They often host mixers and free workshops, which you can learn about on their site. https://www.suitebread.com/
- Visitpearland.com/film – Pearland has thrown its hat into the filmmaking ring and is now designated as a film-friendly city. We all know and love it as south south Houston, but now, it’s also helping support the local film industry. You can check out Visitpearland.com/film to learn about resources available for filmmakers, including help with locations, venues, and discounts on local services.
Now that you know what’s going on, how do you get involved? Want to meet some of these people? Mixers and screenings are the place to go. Everyone is welcome and it’s a great place to hang out, meet filmmakers and actors, and learn about the industry and opportunities to participate, whether you want to volunteer on set, act, or find out what interests you.
- First Thursdays – Held the first Thursday of every month, this Screening/Mixer by Houston Film Commission hosts a different filmmaker every month, showing some of their work and doing a Q&A with the guest filmmaker after. Great to attend if you want to check out some quality local productions, but dress appropriately for the weather, as Brasil Houston is an outdoors venue. 8pm – 10pm
- Second Tuesdays – Not Another Film Meet. Hosted by NAFO on the second Tuesday of every month at Bad Astronaut Brewing, the longest-running mixer in Houston is the go-to event if you want to network. The first hour is a general mixer as people trickle in from all over the city. At 8pm, there’s an open mic section where anyone is welcome to introduce themselves or promote their projects or services, followed by more mixing until closing. Featuring a promo table with info on all sorts of upcoming events/projects and a team committed to helping attendees network and find opportunities, this mixer is welcoming to beginners and industry vets. 7pm to 10pm.
- Third Wednesdays – Held the third Wednesday of every month, this Screening at the newly renovated River Oaks Theatre showcases Houston films. This new-to-the-scene event was created due to the rising demand to showcase more Houston films and is a great way to see Houston films while supporting local organizations and filmmakers. You can learn more at https://www.theriveroakstheatre.com/
- Not Another Film Screening. This free monthly event showcases five short films by local filmmakers, has a Question-and-Answer session with cast/crew after each film, and a mixer at the end to meet the filmmakers and other attendees. The date changes every month, but the fun is always the same. You can learn more at http://notanotherfilm.org/ or NotAnotherFilmScreening on Facebook and Instagram.
Monthly events are great and I’m sure you’re stoked to check some out, but I’m sure you’re asking “Are there any big local events worth checking out each year?” Absolutely.
- 48 Hour Film Project – This yearly contest has teams compete to make a short film in 48 hours. Joining a team is a great way to learn what positions on set interest you and it’s a fun way to participate in a low-stakes yet enjoyable competition that lets you see a short film through to completion in one weekend. You can learn more at https://www.48hourfilm.com/houston
- Laughing Dog Comedy Film Festival – This was established in 2022 by Joe Grisaffi to celebrate the life of his dog Zoe. The festival is a one-day event with 8 hours of comedy shorts. The festival features comedies from all over the world, and half of the proceeds are donated to a pet charity. Socials: @laughingdogcff, website: www.laughingdogcff.com
- Rung Film Festival - The Rung Film Festival is the first festival in Houston that highlights the Pakistani community and their contributions to cinema. Rūng Film Festival aims to empower minority communities by supporting filmmakers of color, especially of Pakistani heritage by screening and awarding original works of indie filmmakers. The film festival aspires to play a crucial role in enhancing representation, promoting diversity, connecting creatives, and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable film industry across Texas and beyond. https://filmfreeway.com/RungFilmFestival
- Houston Fan Film Festival - The Houston Fan Film Festival, founded by Joe Grisaffi and Janet Wang, celebrates fandom of all types - Superheroes, video games, science fiction, animation and more. 2024, the first year of the event, was a big success with a full house. Properties such as Batman, Indiana Jones, Super Mario Bros. and more were all represented in the work submitted by filmmakers. The event will expand to include vendors at the second event in 2025. IG: @houstonfanfilmfest
- Houston Latino Film Festival – The Houston Latino Film Festival is produced by a nonprofit, Latino arts organization dedicated to developing, promoting and increasing awareness of Latino culture among Latinos and other communities by presenting a variety of art and films to the Houston area. https://houstonlatinofilmfestival.org/
- Houston Horror Film Festival – Houston’s largest Horror convention is returning for its 5th year with over 100+ exclusive world premiere Horror Films, Special Celebrity Guests, Q&A Panels, vendors, artists, horror memorabilia, filmmakers, apparel, authors, and lots MORE!
This all sounds good, but what if you want to just check stuff out on your own time? That’s doable, too. Here are some awesome film resources you can explore at your leisure.
- River Oaks Theatre – Houston’s historic River Oaks Theatre has been saved, restored, and is now showing a wide array of new, old, and local content. Check them out at https://www.theriveroakstheatre.com/
- Pearl Theater – The Pearl Theater in Pearland hosts a wide array of movies and events in their cozy, artistic warehouse theater. https://pearl-theater.com/
- Tash Talks Film – This new podcast by Natasha Ero interviews Houston creatives. It’s a great place to listen to in-depth conversations with Houston cast and crew and other movers and shakers in the Houston film industry. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/tashtalksfilm
- To Art Is Human – This podcast interviews artists, focusing on telling stories that motivate and inspire others on their creative journeys. Hosted by Stef ‘Sharky’ Schultz, this is a must-listen if you are a creative person or are passionate about your hobbies. https://toartishuman.com/
- Story Into Screenplay – Want to learn to write your own films, tv episodes, skits, or projects? Check out Story Into Screenplay. Screenwriter Gerald Hanks has created an amazing free website that hosts forums, advice, tips and tricks, and other info to help educate and motivate writers. https://www.skool.com/storyintoscreenplay
- Bad Astronaut Brewing – Bad Astronaut is a huge supporter of the arts in Houston. In addition to being the current home of Not Another Film Organization’s monthly mixer and screening, they host a wide array of artistic endeavors, from graffiti contests and comedy shows to biking/running clubs and a punk rock garage sale. Check them out at https://badastronautbeer.com/
Houston is an amazing, diverse city, and the local filmmaking community reflects that. Whether you are a day one beginner or experienced veteran, there is something for you. This is an industry and hobby that has a space for everyone and every story, so we encourage you to get involved, whether you attend an event, help out on a film, or support a local project. We’re the fourth-largest city in the country, and it’s time to take our rightful place in the filmmaking industry. Thanks to people and organizations like these, that day is coming sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more film industry content from Houston City Beat as we highlight filmmakers, projects, opportunities, and more.
