How to Get Permission to Film in a Location

Figuring out whether you’ll need permission to film in a particular location is something that filmmakers frequently find challenging. First there are rules and requirements that vary by city and state. And then you’ve got individual film rules and permitting requirements based on private locations. Figuring out how to get permission to film in a location is certainly a big deal. Especially with all the different regulations and permitting requirements which can vary so greatly. 

But failure to get permission could leave you in legal trouble – so what should you do?

Contact the Local Film Commission

Start with contacting the local film commission to determine what the local rules are on film permitting. The film commission will be able to help you with public permitting regulations for the city or state that you’re considering a shoot in.

They’ll likely have key data regarding many of the major private locations that you might be considering for a shoot, too. If you’re considering a shoot in any well-knowing public or private location? The local film commission should be your first order of communication.

Take Your Time, Don’t Do it Last Minute!

Consider a need to figure out how to get permission to film in a location. You really need to take your time and definitely don’t want to wait till the last minute. You should begin the permitting process several weeks or even months in advance.

For high volume cities, like New York or Los Angeles, you’re going to want to submit your film permit applications well enough in advance to allow for processing without risking the potential to miss a deadline.

Contact Local Government Offices

Contacting local government offices for the area in which you intend to shoot will be your next major step. Most likely, this will be whom you’ll contact for any public film permitting.

Government offices will also be able to assist you in securing any additional needs such as law enforcement protection, crowd control, or other needs. Communicate with the local government early on so that you know what they expect from you, and what you can expect from them.

Make Sure to Get Permission in Writing!

Finally, as you’re navigating how to get permission to film in a location, whether it’s public or private, you’re going to need that permission in writing.

Make sure you’ve got a permit or release agreement for the location in which you’ll be filming and that you have it with you at all times.

You never know when security, local law enforcement, a manager or someone else that has some level of control over a location will have questions and be unaware of the fact that you have permission to film – you need to be prepared!

The Takeaway

Learning how to get permission to film in a location is really all about communication and being patient. You need to start reaching out early, so that you don’t face any mishaps in timing along the way.

Just be patient and kind, let those in charge know why you want to film and exactly what it will entail, and get any and all agreements in writing.