“Nostalgic, Charming, Southern Gothic”
About This Location
Smithville's weathered brick storefronts and oak-canopied Main Street read as authentic small-town Americana on camera in a way you just can't fake. The first community ever designated Film Friendly Texas by the Texas Film Commission in 2008, this Bastrop County town has hosted over 120 productions—from Sandra Bullock's Hope Floats to Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life. The downtown square retains its original 1890s–1920s commercial architecture, with narrow two-story facades, covered sidewalks, and a classic water tower visible from multiple angles. Crew parking is abundant on adjacent streets, and local liaisons are actively trained to facilitate productions of all scales. A Star Biscuit Co. mural painted specifically for Hope Floats still graces the NE corner of 2nd and Main.
Restrictions
No nudity/adult content without special permit
Color Palette
Location
📍 Open in Google Maps →Permit Information
Permit Required
Type
Film Friendly Texas Permit
Fee
Varies by location
Contact
Texas Film Commission
First-ever Film Friendly Texas community (2008). Streamlined permitting through city.
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