VISIT FILM BASTROP COUNTY

Visit Film Bastrop County: Your Premier Filming Destination in Texas

Visit Film Bastrop County was founded by former agent and local resident T.J. Finn, in collaboration with Adena Lewis and Frand Hunter of Explore Bastrop County. This initiative was created to showcase the region’s incredible potential as a top-tier film production destination. Whether you're searching for the perfect backdrop for a commercial, television series, or feature film, Bastrop County offers an unbeatable combination of diverse locations, a talented local cast, and an experienced, production-ready crew.

Connect with the Local Film Industry

We invite you to network and collaborate at our quarterly film mixers—hosted by the Heart of Texas Chamber, Explore Bastrop County, and The Hampton Inn & Suites, Bastrop. These events bring together industry professionals, filmmakers, and creatives to foster connections, share insights, and support ongoing productions in the region.

A Variety of Filming Locations

Bastrop County is home to three unique Texas cities—Bastrop, Smithville, and Elgin—all within a 20-mile radius. Each city offers its own distinct charm and a wide array of filming locations, including:

✅ Historic buildings with rich character
✅ Scenic main streets ideal for small-town or period settings
✅ Neighborhood parks, horse trails, and open farmland for natural and rural aesthetics
✅ Lakes, cabins, and athletic fields for outdoor adventure or sports-related scenes
✅ Pine forests and diverse landscapes that add visual depth and variety to any production

State-of-the-Art Studio Facilities

Located in Elgin, New Republic Studios is a cutting-edge production hub spanning 200 acres along the Colorado River. The facility includes:

🎬 Three sound stages ranging from 1,200 to 6,500 square feet
🎬 Over 2,700 square feet of production office space
🎬 Two private screening rooms for editing and review
🎬 Diverse terrain suitable for various film settings
🎬 On-site construction builders and set designers to bring creative visions to life

Access to Top-Tier Talent & Resources

Bastrop County’s prime location places it within close proximity to four major U.S. cities, ensuring that experienced actors, crew members, and production resources are always within reach. With easy access to industry professionals, cutting-edge technology, and a film-friendly community, productions of all sizes can thrive here.

Come see why location scouts and filmmakers consistently choose Bastrop County for their productions. Experience our legendary Texas hospitality and discover why we are the Heart of Texas Filmmaking.

Ready to start your next production? Visit our Production Directory!

New Repblic Studios - Elgin, TX

Smithville

The Smithville Film Commission (SFC) was officially established in 2008, shortly after the completion of filming for The Tree of Life, a critically acclaimed film directed by Terrence Malick. However, Smithville’s reputation as a welcoming and supportive film location began much earlier, dating back to 1997 with the production of Hope Floats, starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. The film showcased Smithville’s picturesque small-town charm, drawing attention from filmmakers and solidifying the town’s appeal as a prime filming destination.

Recognizing the area's potential and commitment to the film industry, the Texas Film Commission launched its Film Friendly Texas program in early 2008 to certify cities that demonstrate a proactive approach to accommodating film productions. Within just five days of the program’s introduction, Smithville earned the distinction of becoming the first officially designated Film Friendly Community in Texas. This designation reflects the town’s dedication to providing filmmakers with accessible locations, cooperative local government, and a welcoming community eager to support the creative industry.

Since then, Smithville has continued to attract a variety of productions, including feature films, television series, and commercials. The town's historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and strong community involvement make it a sought-after destination for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of small-town Texas. With a deep-rooted history in the industry and a commitment to supporting new projects, Smithville remains a vibrant hub for film and television production. View productions filmed in Smithville.

Film Location of "Hope Floats" with Harry Connick Jr. & Sandra Bullock - Smithville, TX

Elgin

Elgin is proud to be a designated Texas Film Friendly Community, actively collaborating with filmmakers on a variety of projects, including feature films, independent productions, commercial photo shoots, music videos, and television commercials. With its diverse range of filming locations and strong local support, Elgin has become a sought-after destination for productions of all sizes.

One of Elgin’s standout features is its unique turn-of-the-century brick craftsmanship, which gives the Historic Downtown District an authentic and visually striking aesthetic. Whether you're looking for charming small-town streets, industrial structures that bring a raw and gritty feel, or wide-open Texas farmland for scenic rural settings, Elgin has it all.

For filmmakers seeking urban backdrops, Elgin also boasts modern loft spaces that can effortlessly double as settings reminiscent of New York City. This rare blend of small-town charm and metropolitan ambiance provides creative directors with endless possibilities, all within a single location.

In addition to its stunning variety of locations, Elgin is known for its efficient and filmmaker-friendly approach to permitting. The city understands the fast-paced nature of production schedules and works diligently to expedite approvals, ensuring that projects can move forward smoothly and on time.

From large-scale movie productions to intimate indie films, Elgin continues to be a go-to location for filmmakers looking for authenticity, convenience, and a welcoming production environment.

Movies, Documentaries, Commercials Filmed in Elgin, TX:

2023 – Commercial Dodge, Growing Pains
2022 – Commercials Cadence and FEMA
2021 – Commercials Community Coffee, TxTAG, Project Ruby, Ambetter, Marisol, The Real Gloria, Peacock and York Productions.
2020 – First Day
2019 – Commercials Missing Pieces, Homestead
2019 - BEWARE
2018, 2017 - Fear the Walking Dead
2018 - Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial
2016 - Amanda and Joe Go Glamping
2014 - Transformers Age of Extinction
2017 - Shiner Bock commercial
2015 - Law Abiding Angels
2014 - My All American
2014 - Lost in the Sun
2014 - Nike Commercial
2013 - From Dusk til Dawn
2013 - Transformers IV
2013 - Shilo
2013 - Shell video shoot
2013 - My Monster POC
2012 - Chobani Yogurt Commercial
2012 - Ford Truck Commercial
2012 - Varsity Blood
2012 - Turbo Tax Commercial
2012 - ATT Commercial
2012 - UT Thesis
2010 - Disney
2008 - Temple Grandin
2007 - Wire on the Blood
2007 - The Bubble Gum King
2007 - Dr Phil or Dr Doolittle?
2004 - Slipping Down Live
2004 - Tom’s Wife
2004 - Friday Night Lights
2004 - Music Video Los Lonely Boys
2003 - The Alamo
2002 - 25th Hour
2000 - Picnic
1999 - Varsity Blues
1996 - Children of the Corn IV
1996 - Michael
1996 - Cadillac Ranch
1995 - The Big Green
1994 - Shadows of Desire
1993 - What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
1993 - Perfect World
1991 - In Broad Daylight
1990 - Album cover photo - Stevie Ray Vaughn
1975 - Great Waldo Pepper
1974 - Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Productions Filmed in Elgin, Texas

Bastrop

Downtown Bastrop: A Perfect Blend of History and Modern Charm

Downtown Bastrop offers a one-of-a-kind setting where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, making it a premier filming destination for productions seeking rich historical character and vibrant modern energy. Nestled along the scenic Colorado River, this charming district is home to well-preserved 19th and early 20th-century architecture, providing a timeless backdrop for a variety of film genres, from period pieces to contemporary stories.

Strolling through Downtown Bastrop, visitors and filmmakers alike will discover a lively mix of local boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants, all contributing to the city’s warm and inviting atmosphere. The district's red-brick sidewalks, historic storefronts, and charming street lamps create a picturesque setting that can effortlessly transport audiences to another era.

Beyond the downtown area, Bastrop’s historic neighborhoods boast over 130 registered historical sites, offering everything from quaint Victorian homes and rustic cottages to sprawling estates and historic landmarks. This extensive collection of architectural gems provides filmmakers with a wealth of unique and visually captivating settings.

With its scenic riverfront views, iconic architecture, and small-town charm, Downtown Bastrop has been a favorite among filmmakers, serving as the backdrop for numerous productions. Whether you’re looking for an intimate, vintage feel or a lively modern setting, Bastrop offers an unparalleled mix of history and contemporary appeal, making it an ideal location for film, television, and commercial projects.