Media who may film or videotape at the airports free of charge Television news media, including those representing network affiliate stations, syndicated news magazine programs and major broadcast networks may record using film or videotape at any of the Houston Airport System's (HAS's) municipal airports, free, for regularly-scheduled news programs and round-the-clock news channels. These privileges continue for media outlets and the individuals who represent them provided they comply with the procedures for clearance set forth by the HAS. For details, review the Media FAQs.
Production companies and other entities which produce non-news television programming including but not limited to "reality TV' shows, movies, commercials, training films, in-flight movie promotional spots, public service announcements, announcements, etc. must enter into a License Agreement with the Houston Airport System to film or videotape at any one of Houston's three municipal airports.
The aforementioned "other entities," or potential licensees for an arrangement to film or videotape at HAS facilities, include but are not limited to universities or other educational institutions, public or private, that have TV production departments, facilities or equipment; airlines, rental car agencies, fixed base operators and the advertising agencies who represent them; and nonprofit organizations.
Before the License Agreement can be signed and considered valid, proof of liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 must be provided to the Houston Airport System in writing. A certificate of the insurance coverage's limits must be attached to the application for a license agreement; otherwise the License Agreement application is considered null and void.
The License Agreement must specify the type of production that will be videotaped or filmed, the areas of the airport(s) that will be involved and/or included in the filming and/or taping, the airlines that will be involved and/or included in the production, and the start and end date of the proposed production.
Download the license agreement.Before the Houston Airport System enters into any License Agreement with any party, the airport system will require a copy of the entire script that will be used for the production or an executive-generated summary of its content. The Houston Airport System reserves the right to refuse to enter into any License Agreement with any party for any reason if it considers the proposed production to not be in the best interests of the Houston Airport System and/or the government of the City of Houston.
Duplicate, signed and dated originals of the License Agreement, reproduced by hard copy by e-mail, will each be of equal force and effect as the original License Agreement.
The Houston Airport System reserves the right to prohibit access to any portion of airport property at its discretion, and will not grant access to any part of the facility or property which does not meet with the approval of the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its member agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and any governmental or law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
The licensee must also pay for expenses incurred by the Houston Airport System during the filming and/or videotaping of their production, including but not limited to personnel who help coordinate the filming or videotaping, police officers or airport security officers (ASOs) who protect property and ensure compliance with federal security regulations, electricians, building services (maintenance) employees, operations staff and other personnel whose assistance is deemed necessary by the Houston Airport System.
An invoice detailing the expenses incurred by the Houston Airport System during the filming and/or videotaping of the production will be issued no later than fifteen (15) days after the conclusion of the production. The payment of those expenses is due no later than fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the invoice.
If weather or other conditions prevent filming or videotaping as scheduled, such dates will be rescheduled at no additional charge at a time mutually convenient to the HAS and the licensee.