The historic town of Bartlett has officially joined the Film Friendly Texas family — and if its main street looks familiar, there’s a good reason for that
Here’s a fun one, neighbor. The little Central Texas town of Bartlett just earned an official designation that puts it on the map for filmmakers all over — and the truth is, the cameras have been rolling there for years already.
The Texas Film Commission has named Bartlett a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community, the state announced this week. To earn the title, the city completed a multi-step training and certification process that teaches local leaders how to roll out the welcome mat for film crews — handling everything from permits to logistics so productions run smoothly. With that, Bartlett joins more than 200 certified communities across the state.
If you’ve ever driven through Bartlett and thought its handsome historic downtown looked like a movie set, you’ve got a good eye. “Bartlett is no stranger to the big screen and has had many movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos filmed locally over the years,” said Mayor Chad Mees, who said the town looks forward to providing a backdrop for crews and welcoming the tourism and economic boost that filming brings.
That’s the real payoff here. When a production rolls into a small town, it spends money — on hotels, restaurants, hardware stores, catering, and local crew. State leaders say that’s exactly the point. Gov. Greg Abbott noted that the program helps communities in every region market their unique appeal and attract new production investment, spurring spending at local businesses and creating good-paying jobs for Texans.
Local lawmakers were quick to celebrate, too, pointing to something rural Texas has in spades: character. State Sen. Pete Flores said the state’s rural communities have a rich heritage and distinctive landscapes that make them ideal for film and media work. State Rep. Brad Buckley called Bartlett “one of Central Texas’ hidden gems,” and said the designation means more people will get to experience what makes the place special.
And that’s the fun part for the rest of us. A designation like this tends to shine a light on a town worth visiting in its own right — the kind of place with a walkable historic main street, friendly faces, and that unmistakable small-town Texas charm. So next time you’re looking for an easy day trip through Central Texas, point the car toward Bartlett. Grab a bite, stroll the downtown, and keep your eyes peeled — you just might be walking through the next great Texas film location.
If You Go
Bartlett sits in Central Texas, straddling Bell and Williamson counties, about an hour north of Austin and a short drive from Temple and Georgetown. The town’s historic downtown is the heart of the action and an easy place to spend an afternoon. To learn more about Film Friendly Texas communities and what they offer, visit gov.texas.gov/film.
