Filming in Wisconsin Laws for Producers & Film Crews

Wisconsin is certainly most widely known as America’s Dairyland. But there’s more to cheese curds and cow farms in this Midwest gem. Filmmakers and production companies that are planning a film shoot in Wisconsin must familiarize themselves with local regulations. In fact, if you’re filming in Wisconsin? Laws which are in place for the protection of citizens, local businesses, and industry workers should be under your radar. As they’re some of the most important for you to know before you go.

Wisconsin Laws on Film Permits

The State of Wisconsin, like many other states, does not require a film permit at the state level. For film crews or production studios that intend to film in any public location within the state.

However, most local level counties and cities do require a film permit, especially if:

• You’ll be filming in a park.
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• You’re filming in the forest.
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• You’ll be filming along a sidewalk or roadway.
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• You’re filming a scene that would use fake weapons, make loud noises, or otherwise might disrupt the locals.

State Laws on the Use of Drones for Filmmaking

If you’ll soon be filming in Wisconsin, laws on the use of drones are another important area of concern for filmmakers. Aerial productions that include the use of drones to capture footage in Wisconsin are subject to unique state laws.

Drone laws are established by the Wisconsin legislature and apply to the entire state. Filmmakers must not fly drones in any of the state parks, or over a correctional facility. Or in any way that might interfere with hunting, fishing or trapping. 

In addition to the state laws on filming with a drone in Wisconsin, individual city authorities have regulations which pertain to the local zones in which you might be filming.

Make sure you’re aware of local laws which apply to the use of drone filming in the city you intend to film in before you arrive.

Blind Bidding of Motion Pictures is Prohibited

The Motion Pictures fair practices statute of Wisconsin number 134.23 includes specific details. This provides for fair licensing or exhibition of motion pictures in Wisconsin.

Blind bidding is prohibited which means that no person may engage in offering, bidding for, negotiating for, or agreeing to any term. For the licensing or exhibition of a motion picture in Wisconsin prior to a trade screening of the film.

Filmmakers must provide a trade screening. Which is open to any exhibitor. And a distributor should provide reasonable and uniform notice to all exhibitors of all trade screenings.