Must Know Small Film Production Laws of Connecticut
Producing a short or low-budget film in Connecticut is an exciting process. With plenty of attractive locations to film and some of the most amazing production environments in New England. If you’re a filmmaker considering a short film or a low-budget film in Connecticut, you’re almost sure to enjoy the process. However, it’s also important for you to familiarize yourself with these small film production laws of Connecticut. That way you don’t face any legal challenges throughout the production process.
To help you establish the most suitable process for your production while filming in Connecticut, we’ve outlined some of the laws surrounding things like film permits, liability insurance, and details on the film production tax credit/
So that you can be successful with your small film production in the Nutmeg State.
Connecticut Film Permits
Before you begin filming in Connecticut, you’re going to want to be sure that you’ve taken the appropriate steps to obtain a permit.
Small film production laws of Connecticut surrounding film permits are commonly overlooked. But in doing so, you could face some challenges. It’s best to just prepare with a permit in advance.
Connecticut General Statutes 32-1u state that film producers should utilize The Department of Economic and Community Development Office of Film, Television and Digital Media as a state-wide point of contact.
This is where you’ll want to request permission to film:
- On state owned property such as roads, highways, railroads, state forests, airports, hospitals and public institutions of higher education.
- On any state-owned real or personal property with the exception of courthouses and judicial branch facilities.
Specifications
Film permits will specify insurance coverage requirements that the film producer must hold. As well as any other pertinent details on injuries or damages should such occur.
Additionally, the permit will identify the individual requesting permission to film on state property. And will establish guidelines for working with state agencies or institutions to implement permitting for film producers.
Film Production Tax Credits
Another important consideration in terms of small film production laws of Connecticut is in regards to film production tax credits which are provided under Connecticut General Statutes 12-217jj.
The film production tax credits are provided to production companies that film in the state of Connecticut and incur expenses associated with filmmaking.
The tax credit is provided in the form of a business tax credit to eligible production companies for a qualified production taking place post-2006.
Tax incentives provided to small film production companies in Connecticut include:
- The Digital Media & Motion Picture Tax Credit of up to 30% for production & post-production expenses.
- The Film Infrastructure tax credit.
- The Film/TV/Digital media tax exemptions.
The Takeaway
Finally, say you’re a filmmaker in small film productions. Including low-budget and short films that require limited crew. It’s important for you to be aware of the small film production laws of Connecticut
As well as what they mean to you and your crew. There could be tax incentives and other provisions available to assist you.
