Before Hollywood became synonymous with moviemaking, San Antonio was already staking its claim as a cinematic powerhouse.
Nearly a century ago, the very first Academy Award for Best Picture went to Wings, a high-flying war drama filmed right here in the Alamo City. That landmark 1927 production, shot largely at Joint Base San Antonio and Kelly Field, not only introduced Gary Cooper to the silver screen, but also proved this Texas city was more than ready for the spotlight.
Nearly 100 years later, San Antonio’s camera-ready landscapes and seasoned talent pool continue to draw major productions. From Paramount+’s 1923 to PBS’s American Historia, the city has hosted everything from prestige dramas to historical docuseries.
But filmmaking here isn’t just history — it’s a living, breathing industry. And with the San Antonio Film Commission turning 40 in 2025, now is the perfect time for local creatives to join the action.
The Film Commission, a division of the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture, champions the local film community by marketing the city’s diverse locations to national and international production companies, offering permitting support, and maintaining a robust production directory that connects crew members, vendors, and creatives to jobs on set.
Whether you’re a grip, a gaffer, a sound technician, or a makeup artist, signing up for the Film San Antonio production directory is the first step to landing your next gig — and being part of San Antonio’s growing creative economy.
“Best film commission I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” says Alfredo Saldana, producer of American Historia. “Their support made filming in San Antonio a seamless experience.”
San Antonio’s competitive edge doesn’t stop at its rich heritage or helpful film office. The city currently boasts Texas’ most competitive local film incentive at 7.5%. When combined with the state’s soon-to-expand film incentive program (expected to increase in the next legislative session), filmmakers could see cash rebates totaling up to 38.5%, a major draw for productions of all sizes and budgets.
That financial support is backed by substance: San Antonio is known for its variety of filming locations, from historic missions and Western ranches to urban skylines and culturally vibrant neighborhoods. The city’s Location Gallery offers a visual tour of possibilities for directors and location scouts alike.
Plus, there are no film permit fees for over 250 city-owned properties, including icons like the River Walk, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and Historic Market Square. The permitting process is streamlined and supportive, making it easier than ever to bring a script to life.
But the Film Commission’s work doesn’t stop when the cameras do. Through grant programs, it also supports local festivals such as CineFestival, the San Antonio Film Festival, the San Antonio Black International Film Festival, and the Josiah Media Festival. Individual filmmakers can apply for the artist grant program to fund passion projects and amplify their voices.
“San Antonio is committed to being one of the top film-friendly cities in the nation,” says Krystal Jones, director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “With screen-worthy locations, free film permits, talented crews, and generous incentives, our team is here to help make the production process as smooth as possible.”
The city where the first Best Picture was born is still writing new chapters in film history, and your name could be in the credits. If you’re part of San Antonio’s creative workforce, now’s the time to sign up for the Film San Antonio production directory and connect with the opportunities coming to your own backyard.