Commercial Filming
Commercial filming and photography at Houston Airports
Credentialed news media may film, photograph or record at Houston Airports free of charge for regularly scheduled news programs, breaking news coverage and 24-hour news channels, provided crews follow Houston Airports media access rules and clearance procedures. This applies to television news media, including network affiliates, syndicated news magazine programs and major broadcast networks.
Commercial, promotional and non-news filming or photography requires advance approval and a license agreement with Houston Airports. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Commercials
- Documentaries
- Reality television
- Movies
- Training films
- In-flight promotional videos
- Public service announcements
- Corporate videos
- Student or educational productions
- Social media campaigns produced for commercial or promotional use
Potential licensees may include production companies, universities, airlines, rental car agencies, fixed base operators, advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations and other entities seeking to film/photograph at Houston Airports facilities.
Before a license agreement can be approved, applicants must provide:
- Proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million
- A certificate of insurance attached to the license agreement application
- The type and purpose of the production
- Requested filming/photography locations
- Proposed start and end dates
- Airlines, tenants or agencies involved in the production, if applicable
- A full script or executive summary of the production
Houston Airports may decline any commercial filming or photography request that is not in the best interest of Houston Airports or the City of Houston.
Houston Airports may also restrict or deny access to any area of airport property at its discretion. Access may be subject to approval from the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and any other government or law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
Licensees are responsible for costs incurred by Houston Airports during production. These may include costs for coordination, police officers, airport security officers, electricians, maintenance employees, operations staff or other personnel Houston Airports determines are necessary.
Houston Airports will issue an invoice no later than 15 days after production ends. Payment is due no later than 15 days after receipt of the invoice.
If weather or other conditions prevent approved filming from taking place as scheduled, Houston Airports and the licensee may reschedule at no additional charge, subject to availability.