Most Texans and Banderans probably don't know this, but the film and
video industry brings millions of dollars into the state every year.
Major motion pictures, made-for-TV movies, television series,
documentaries, music videos and television commercials all go on
location more often today than ever before.
The Bandera Film Commission, a division of the Bandera Economic
Commission, was founded to attract more of this production to Bandera
County. The Bandera Film Commission is made up of a team of volunteers
working together with the Bandera Economic Commission and the Bandera
Chamber of Commerce to promote positive economic opportunities for
Bandera County and it's citizenry. Film and video production is nearly
an ideal industry: it doesn't pollute; the income that generates goes
directly to a variety of small businesses and individuals; and Bandera
County gets to play a part in an international industry.
Industry of this sort can have a long lasting impact on tourism for
our beautiful county. The South Fork Ranch, where the TV series "Dallas"
was made, still attracts several thousand visitors a year - years after
the series has ended.
Naturally, every other county in the state has figured out the
benefits of film and video production as well, and competition for major
productions is fierce. However, here in Bandera County we've got several
"coals in the fire": an unbeatable climate, lots of varied locations
(scenic rolling hills, lakes, rivers, open meadows, ranches, rocky
cliffs, apple orchards, colorful maples, and a unique western ambiance
filled with plenty of cowboys and cowgirls for starters) and a community
of warm, friendly folk!
How does a production company scout for locations? Generally, the
Film Commission receives a call from the Location Manager, the
individual who attempts to match the script for the production to the
locale most likely to accommodate the script in it's entirety, the Film
Commission's Location staff makes a list of all locations that
accommodate the manager and his script (example: a herd of Long Horns,
horses, riders, a hilltop, an old-time western Main Street). Then, the
Location Staff tries to put the Location Manager together with the
business or individual that we think can provide these specific
locations and services.
Where does the Film Commission begin when trying to accommodate
production and location managers? The Film Commission starts with a
pictorial library which will identify: individuals who are interested in
participating in these productions, their properties, talents and
specialties. The Bandera Film Commission is in the process of compiling
this pictorial library, which will be housed at the Bandera County
Chamber of Commerce Office in Bandera Village. This library will serve
the Bandera Film Commission with quick, accurate and easy access to the
information that is necessary to accommodate the production
companies.
The Bandera Film Commission welcomes you and invite you to
participate in this industry! Please read the Guidelines for
Location Shooting and the Guidelines for the Location
Shoot Contract. Print the Property Description and
Survey form and fill out carefully, attach any pictures and
information you care to submit. Drop them by the Chamber office located
in the Bandera Village Square in Bandera. Should you have any questions
or need any help in completing this form, please call Peggy, Patricia,
Brenda or Ginger at the Chamber office (796-3045).
Guidelines for Location Shoot and Shooting
Contract
We look forward to your participation!
Thank you,
Susan
D'Spain
Chairman, Bandera Film Commission
