Does a Film Permit or Location Agreement in Las Vegas Cost Money?
The city of Las Vegas, like many cities throughout the United States, is rather welcoming to film crews. Especially those seeking to bring production into the city. Many cities welcome filmmaking as a means of driving revenues for their local lodging, stores, and the community as a whole. However, acquiring a film permit or location agreement is important! It represents one of the many ways for the municipality to create cash flow. It also provides a unique opportunity to deliver key details regarding local laws and regulations for filmmakers to follow while they’re in the city.
But, does a film permit or location agreement in Las Vegas cost money?
Las Vegas Film Permits
Las Vegas film permits do cost money. But they are relatively affordable when compared with some other major cities. Filmmakers that intend to shoot commercially in Las Vegas will be required to hold a Clark County film permit. This costs $45.
The Las Vegas metropolitan area consists of several jurisdictions, though. So before you apply for a film permit from Clark County, you should make sure that you’re seeking the permit from the proper jurisdiction you intend to film in.
Jurisdictions in Las Vegas include:
- The City of Las Vegas
- Clark County
- City of Henderson
- Boulder City
- North Las Vegas
- Mesquite
Each has their own rules on film permits and may have associated costs.
Do Location Agreements in Las Vegas Cost Money?
As we seek to answer the common question, “Does a film permit or location agreement in Las Vegas cost money?” it’s important to touch on both the potential costs involved in permitting for the City of Las Vegas.
In which case, rates vary but are generally rather low and the importance of location agreements.
Location agreements are executed between members of the production crew. This is usually the location manager, and the location or property owner or manager. Many location agreements will cost money!
Forging Contracts
Most filmmakers will hire a location manager to help them establish and negotiate the contracts between location or property owners.
Filming in Las Vegas, especially in casinos or hotels, will almost certainly require some kind of upfront cost to be provided as a rental or lease fee to the property owner.
These rates vary, and are set forth by the individual property owners based on a variety of subjects including how exquisite the location is, whether the property will have to be vacant in order for the film shoot to take place, how long the film shoot will take place, and other needs.
Negotiating Rates
Your location manager can negotiate the best rates for you to shoot on location in Las Vegas, but does a film permit or location agreement in Las Vegas cost money – absolutely!
Most location owners will charge a fee for the use of the location for the specified period of time, and as a filmmaker you should be sure to have all of the details of your location agreement in a written, signed document for your own legal protection.
The same goes for a film permit, which is generally required for public property and for many private properties too, and will have fees which vary again based on the property itself and the location.
