MAKE YOUR INDIE FILM IN TEXAS — FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN
A step-by-step guide to planning, shooting, and finishing your film, with Alamo City Studios as your production hub.
Dreaming about making your own film? Whether you’re a student fresh out of film school, a first-time director with a script idea, or an indie producer looking to maximize your budget, Texas is an incredible place to bring your vision to life. With its diverse locations, generous incentives, and a growing creative community, there’s never been a better time to make an independent film here in the Lone Star State.
At Alamo City Studios (ACS) in San Antonio, we’ve helped filmmakers at every level go from concept to premiere. This guide breaks down what you need to know — from developing your story all the way to distribution.
1) Start With Your Story
Every great film starts with a strong idea. Spend time developing:
A clear concept and genre: Is it a short, feature, doc, or narrative?
Your characters and stakes: Who are we rooting for, and why should we care?
A realistic scope: Align your story with your budget.
Write multiple drafts. Get feedback from peers or join a local writers group. Remember, a well-developed script saves you time and money later.
2) Build a Realistic Budget and Funding Plan
Texas is indie-film friendly, but even micro-budgets need a plan. Your budget should include:
Above-the-line costs (writer, director, key cast)
Below-the-line costs (crew, gear, locations, insurance)
Post-production and marketing (editing, sound, color, posters, festival submissions)
Funding Options in Texas:
Texas Moving Image Incentive Program (for qualifying projects)
Local arts grants (San Antonio has several small film-friendly funds)
Crowdfunding platforms (Kickstarter, Seed&Spark)
Private investors and sponsorships
ACS can help you scope your project and suggest cost-saving measures like bundling studio rental and gear.
3) Pre-Production: Where Movies Are Made
Pre-production is where you set yourself up for success:
Casting and Crew: Hold auditions locally; Texas has a strong talent pool. Build a reliable crew (DP, AD, sound, art dept.) — many are based right here in San Antonio.
Locations: Texas offers urban, rural, and historic settings. Secure permits early. Use ACS studios for controlled interior shoots.
Schedule and Shot Lists: Break down your script into shooting days. Build a call sheet template.
Insurance and Legal: Don’t skip safety and compliance. Production insurance is required for most rentals.
Want help with any of the above? ACS has local casting contacts, crew recommendations, and production templates to keep you on track.
4) Production: Bringing Your Film to Life
This is where the magic (and stress) happens. A few pro tips:
Stick to your schedule but be flexible — unexpected weather or delays happen.
Prioritize sound — bad audio will ruin good visuals.
Feed your cast and crew — morale matters.
Keep communication clear — your AD is your best friend.
Why film at ACS?
Soundstage with lighting grid and blackout control
Green screen options for VFX or pickup shots
Holding areas for talent, wardrobe, and HMU
On-site editing bays for quick dailies review
ACS gives you a controlled basecamp and reduces the chaos of on-location shoots.
5) Post-Production: Where the Story Comes Together
The movie isn’t finished when you call “wrap.” Post is where your story takes shape.
Editing: Organize footage, assemble, and fine-cut.
Sound Design and Mix: Add depth with effects, music, and polished dialogue.
Color Grading: Ensure your visuals are consistent and cinematic.
Marketing Assets: Trailers, teasers, posters, social media content.
ACS has edit suites and post pros who can assist with any part of this process — or provide the space if you want to DIY.
6) Distribution: Getting Eyes on Your Film
Indie distribution looks different for everyone. Options include:
Film Festivals: Texas has excellent festivals (Austin Film Festival, Houston WorldFest, San Antonio Film Festival).
Self-distribution: Platforms like Vimeo On Demand or FilmHub.
Sales agents or aggregators: For streaming deals on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Community Screenings: ACS offers space for premieres and talkbacks to build word-of-mouth.
Build your audience early. Start a social presence during production; share behind-the-scenes updates to get people invested.
FAQs
How much does it cost to make an indie film?
Budgets vary widely, but even micro-budgets benefit from planning. ACS can help you estimate costs based on your story’s scope.
Can ACS connect me with crew and resources?
Yes. We have a network of filmmakers, editors, and production pros in San Antonio.
Do I need my own gear?
Not necessarily. ACS has gear packages and can recommend local rental houses.