What is a Film Friendly Community?
A Film Friendly Community is a city officially designated by the Texas Film Commission as being supportive of media productions. These communities receive training on best practices and are prepared to assist filmmakers by offering resources, information, and a streamlined permitting process.

How did Edinburg become a Film Friendly City?
The City of Edinburg earned its Film Friendly designation by completing the Texas Film Commission’s certification process, which includes training on accommodating film productions, understanding industry standards, and supporting economic development through media-related activity.

What types of productions are eligible to film in Edinburg?
Edinburg welcomes a wide variety of media productions including feature films, television series, short films, commercials, documentaries, digital content, and student projects.

Who should I contact if I want to film in Edinburg?
Those interested in filming in Edinburg should contact the Edinburg ACE Center for more information on the application process and filming guidelines.

How far in advance do I need to submit my application?
It is recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review, coordination with city departments, and notification of affected parties.

What kind of businesses are eligible?
A wide variety of businesses can participate, including restaurants, retail stores, offices, warehouses, event spaces, and historical or culturally significant sites. Any space that could serve as an interesting or useful backdrop for a film may be eligible.

Is there a cost to register my business as a filming location?
There is no fee to join the Film Friendly Business Registration.

Will filming disrupt my regular business operations?
Filming schedules are coordinated in advance with the business owner to ensure minimal disruption. All logistics, including hours of access, crew size, and any potential alterations, are discussed and agreed upon prior to filming.

Are there any risks involved in allowing filming at my business?
Risks are mitigated through signed legal documents such as Hold Harmless Agreements and Releases of Liability. These agreements help protect your business from damage or legal responsibility during production.

What happens after the filming is done?
After the production concludes, a Post Filming Evaluation is completed. Any necessary cleanup or restoration is handled as agreed upon in the initial arrangements between the business and the production team.

As part of the City of Edinburg’s designation as a Film Friendly Texas community, we welcome film and media productions to our city. These productions help boost our local economy, support small businesses, and highlight our community on screen. We understand that filming may temporarily impact neighborhoods, and we are committed to keeping residents informed and respected throughout the process.

How Filming Benefits Our Community

• Creates jobs and revenue for local businesses

• Promotes Edinburg as a cultural and creative destination

• Supports restaurants, hotels, equipment rentals, and local talent

• Brings visibility to our neighborhoods and heritage

What to Expect When Filming is Scheduled Nearby

• Advance notification of filming activity will be provided to affected residents and businesses.

• Filming hours are typically limited to:

  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

  • Saturday/Sunday/Holidays: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
    NOTE: Please be advised that filming may occur outside the listed times with prior approval from the City.

• You may see production vehicles, crew members, and equipment in your area.

• Intermittent traffic control or temporary street closures may occur (with City approval).

• Security and safety personnel will be on site as needed.

Your Rights as a Resident

• You have the right to receive advance notice if your property is within the affected filming zone.

• The affected filming zone is defined as any residential or commercial property located within 300 feet of a permitted filming location, or along streets and intersections impacted by filming activity, equipment, or street closures.

• You can report concerns about noise, access, or disruptions to the City’s Cultural Arts Department.

• No filming is permitted on private property without the owner’s written consent.

• Productions must minimize noise, avoid blocking access to driveways, and restore areas after filming.  

Questions or Concerns?

Please contact the City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Department:

Magdiel Castle

arts@cityofedinburg.com

O: (956) 388-8224
C: (956) 330-7542

We appreciate your support in making Edinburg a welcoming and film-friendly community!es here

What It Is:

The Business Participation Program connects local businesses with incoming productions looking for:

• Filming locations (e.g., restaurants, shops, offices, warehouses)

• Pre and Post Production Services (e.g., editing, sound design, Special effects)

• Support services (e.g., catering, accommodations, equipment rentals)

• Crew needs (e.g., restrooms, parking, green rooms, extras holding)

How It Works:

1. Businesses fill out an interest form (online or PDF)

2. The City reviews and categorizes their offerings

3. Approved businesses are listed in:

   • The Local Vendors Directory

   • The Location Database (if offering space for filming)

4. When a production arrives, we can quickly match them with local options

Who Can Participate:

• Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars, music venues

• Hotels, motels, short-term rentals

• Gyms, shops, salons, parking lots

• Warehouses, private homes, unique-looking buildings

• Service providers: hair/makeup, dry cleaners, signage, towing, etc.

What Businesses Provide:

• Basic contact info and description

• Photos (for locations)

• Operating hours and availability

• Willingness to temporarily adjust for production (optional)

Benefits for Businesses:

• Free marketing to filmmakers via city channels

• Economic opportunities from filming, rental, and foot traffic

• Civic pride in supporting the arts and local economy

• “Film Friendly Business” designation by the City of Edinburg

Optional Add-Ons:

• City training/info session on how to prepare for filming

• Business spotlight posts on city social media

• Template agreements or hold harmless forms for use of property

What It Is:

A voluntary registry of local performing artists and crew available for hire or casting in productions filming in Edinburg. It helps productions save time and money while giving local talent real opportunities to work on set.

Who It Includes:

• Actors (principal or background)

• Film Crew ( Grips, Costumes, Sound, Light, Etc)

• Extras (crowd scenes, non-speaking roles)

• Voiceover artists

• Musicians and singers (on-screen or soundtrack)

• Dancers and choreographers

• Emcees, hosts, and public speakers

• Specialty talent (stunt performers, models, etc.)

How It Works:

1. Local creatives fill out a Cast and Crew Interest Form (basic info, headshot, demo link, availability, union status if applicable)

2. The City maintains a private or shareable directory in Excel/PDF

3. When productions requests local cast or crew, the City sends them a list or makes referrals

4. Host open call events, or post casting notices from visiting productions

Program Benefits:

For Local Cast and Crew:

• Exposure to industry professionals

• Job opportunities and networking

• Civic recognition as part of Edinburg’s creative workforce

For Productions:

• Faster local casting

• Lower travel/per diem costs

• Authentic community representation