Austin corporate video guide
Top Austin Corporate Video Locations and Shoot Ideas
Featured photo: Mitchell Kmetz on Unsplash
Looking for Austin corporate video locations? The right location does half the work. Here are 4 top spots for corporate shoots, with shoot ideas for each, who to ask for permission, what it costs and what to watch out for. When you are ready to hire, find a Austin camera crew on ProductionHelp or post your job for free.
The list
Austin film permit basics
- No single permit: Austin has no universal film permit. You need one for streets and sidewalks, city parks, the airport, the library and other city property.
- Who to ask: The city’s creative industries contact at film@austintexas.gov or 512-974-1000. The Austin Film Commission helps with locations but does not issue permits.
- Police: An Austin Police film application is needed for street permits. Allow at least 5 business days.
- Insurance: Required for film permits, except student films.
Source: City of Austin, Film Production in Austin: Getting Started; Austin Film Commission, Permits and Regulations
| Location | Corporate video ideas |
|---|---|
| Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park | Brand film openers, wellness and culture videos, walk-and-talk interviews |
| Texas State Capitol | Public affairs and policy videos, Texas heritage stories, exterior B-roll |
| Downtown streets and South Congress | Commute and day-in-the-life B-roll, recruiting videos, retail and hospitality stories |
| Your own office or a rented studio | Executive interviews, customer testimonials, training and onboarding videos |
1Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park
Lady Bird Lake runs right through downtown, with the Hike and Bike Trail, the Pfluger pedestrian bridge and Zilker Park nearby. You get water, green space and the skyline within a few minutes of each other.
Corporate video ideas: Brand film openers, wellness and culture videos, walk-and-talk interviews
Filming notes
- Permit
- Filming on city parkland, including Zilker Park, the Pfluger Bridge, the Hike and Bike Trail and Lady Bird Lake, needs a permit from Austin Parks and Recreation. Email film@austintexas.gov.
- Lead time
- Apply at least 7 days ahead, or 14 days for large productions.
- Photo shoots
- Ad or branding photo shoots need the filming permit application. Smaller posed or commercial photo sessions at Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores are $50 per two-hour session, booked online 4 to 30 days ahead.
- Drones
- Need an Austin Police drone safety review first.
Source: Austin Film Commission, Permits and Regulations; City of Austin, Permits and Reserving Park Spaces; City of Austin, Film Production in Austin: Getting Started
2Texas State Capitol
The Capitol dome at the top of Congress Avenue is Austin’s most famous view. It suits government affairs, public sector and Texas heritage stories.
Corporate video ideas: Public affairs and policy videos, Texas heritage stories, exterior B-roll
Filming notes
- Permit
- Shoots on the Capitol grounds and buildings need State Preservation Board approval. Give at least 14 days’ notice and expect a walk-through and a location agreement.
- Watch out
- Production for commercial advertising is strictly prohibited. Other projects are reviewed case by case.
- Timing
- Shoots are generally not allowed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or during legislative sessions. The board prefers Friday to Sunday.
- Cost and insurance
- You reimburse staff time, Capitol security and any electrician. The insurance list is long, but the board may waive it for handheld cameras with no cables, vehicles or props.
- Contact
- Capitol.Events@tspb.texas.gov, (512) 463-3051.
Source: Texas State Preservation Board, Capitol Production Policy (PDF)
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Post a Job, freeSee Austin camera crews3Downtown streets and South Congress
Congress Avenue runs from the Capitol through downtown and across the river to the shops of South Congress. It gives you busy, very Austin street scenes for business and brand stories.
Corporate video ideas: Commute and day-in-the-life B-roll, recruiting videos, retail and hospitality stories
Filming notes
- Permit
- Any filming in the street, sidewalk or alley, including B-roll and stills, needs a right-of-way film permit from Austin Transportation and Public Works. 512-974-6501, tpwfilmpermits@austintexas.gov.
- Lead time
- Submit through the city’s AB+C portal at least 3 business days ahead, with your police approval and insurance. Complete road closures should be requested 10 days ahead.
- B-roll rules
- Under a B-roll permit, crew and gear cannot stay in one spot for more than 15 minutes or block the street or sidewalk.
Source: Austin Film Commission, Permits and Regulations; City of Austin TPW, Film Permit Process (PDF); City of Austin, Film Production in Austin: Getting Started
4Your own office or a rented studio
For interviews, testimonials and training videos, your own space is often the best location. It shows the real company, and you control the light, the sound and the schedule.
Corporate video ideas: Executive interviews, customer testimonials, training and onboarding videos
Filming notes
- Permit
- Austin generally does not require a permit to film on private property, unless you use weapons, stunts or pyrotechnics. Get the owner’s or building manager’s OK.
- Tip
- Ask building management about loading zones, freight elevator times and quiet hours before the shoot day.
Skip this one: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Under University of Texas System rules, the Wildflower Center cannot be used by outside organizations for commercial purposes, including advertisements, stock video and product promotion. The University of Texas campus also bars filming commercials or advertisements.
Source: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Photo and Video Policies; Austin Film Commission, Permits and Regulations
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Post a Job, freeSee Austin camera crewsAustin corporate video locations FAQ
Do I need a permit for Austin corporate video locations?
Austin has no single film permit, but you need one for city streets and sidewalks, city parks, the airport and other city property. Private property generally does not need a city permit.
How far ahead should we apply in Austin?
At least 3 business days for a street permit, plus 5 business days for the police film application. City parks ask for 7 days, or 14 for large productions. The Capitol needs at least 14 days.
Can we film a corporate video at the Texas Capitol?
Possibly. The State Preservation Board reviews each request, but production for commercial advertising is strictly prohibited.
How do we find an Austin crew for a corporate video?
See Austin camera crews on ProductionHelp, or post your job for free and get quotes.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with each venue before you book.
- City of Austin, Film Production in Austin: Getting Started
- Austin Film Commission, Permits and Regulations
- City of Austin, Permits and Reserving Park Spaces
- City of Austin TPW, Film Permit Process (PDF)
- Texas State Preservation Board, Capitol Production Policy (PDF)
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Photo and Video Policies