Do you Need Permission to Film In Public in San Antonio?
Filming in public frequently requires a permit. Especially if youâre planning any style of commercial shoot in which public streets, roadways, or sidewalks would be interrupted! While individual city and state rules on film permits for commercial shoots vary, you might wonder. Do you need permission to film in public in San Antonio? Generally speaking, San Antonio is a film-friendly city. But this doesnât mean that there are no permitting requirements. Just that the city of San Antonio is generally pretty acceptable and open to issuing public use film permits.
Permits in San Antonio are Free
If youâre interested in filming in public, San Antonio is a great location to consider. Because the city is film-friendly, permits to film in the city are free of charge.
In fact, productions that meet the following requirements can obtain a San Antonio film permit without charge which grants them permission to film in the city:
- Apply for a permit 10 business days in advance.
- Submit Certificate of Insurance that includes the City of San Antonio as an additional insured.
- Meet minimum insurance coverage requirements.
In addition to these rules
The city of San Antonio currently requires masks for those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Social distancing is also a must for filmmakers that are not fully vaccinated that intend to shoot in the city.
When Permission is NOT Required in San Antonio
So, do you need permission to film in public in San Antonio? Generally speaking, yes! A commercial film shoot will require a film permit in order for legal filmmaking in San Antonio.
However, there are times when film permits aren’t a requirement. Filmmakers do not need permission to film in San Antonio if they are filming on public property for news gathering purposes or if they are on private property.
Drone Filming Permits
If you intend to fly a drone over city-owned property, including any streets and sidewalks that are the property of the City of San Antonio, you will need to obtain a permit.
Permits are required for drone activity over city-owned property. Seek a drone permit from the City of San Antonio. Also keep in mind that drone permits do not allow for any overhead filming of the Riverwalk area of San Antonio.
FAA Procedures
Application for drone filming must meet all FAA procedures, policies, and guidelines as well as the above guidelines that are set forth for permitting in San Antonio.
Aside from the added regulations, the process for obtaining a drone permit is the same as that involved in obtaining a standard, on-ground filmmaking permit in San Antonio.
In Summation
So, do you need permission to film in public in San Antonio? YES! You will generally be required to obtain a film permit which is available 10 business days in advance of your shoot, and free.
