Make Sure You Obtain the Appropriate Permits

Permits, approval, and permission are all important when it comes to filming, and every location is different. However, you can protect yourself by researching permits ahead of time. If there are any local film offices you can start by checking with them prior to filming. For example, you may not need a permit as long as you shoot in a particular manner such as on a tri-pod or with a hand-held camera. These types of restrictions are different everywhere. If you are going to film something like a car chase via a crane, chances are you will need some form of permit. You will find that some areas are more lenient that others too.

When you connect with a local film office, all of this will be made transparent so you can decide how you want to shoot within regulations. A film office can also provide you with other benefits since they exist to support filmmakers. They are one of the best resources for information concerning filming locations, casting calls, and potential tax incentives. If you are filming in larger counties, cities, national or state parks they may have their own regulations in addition to any state-wide terms. You can check with the state organization if that’s the case. Overall you should always ask if local permits are needed, then follow-up by asking what else you can do to get along with them.

STATE FILM OFFICES & ORGANIZATIONS

Alabama Film Office

Alaska Film Office

Arizona Production Association

Arkansas Production Alliance

California Film Commission

Colorado Office of Film

Television & Media

Connecticut Office of Film

Television & Digital Media

Delaware Film Office

D.C. Office of Motion Picture

& Television Development

Florida Office of Film & Entertainment

Georgia Film & TV Production

Hawaii Film Office

Idaho Film Office

Illinois Film Office

Indiana Film Office

Iowa State Office of Media Production

Kansas Film Commission

Kentucky Film Office

Louisiana Entertainment

Maine Film Office

Maryland Film Office

Massachusetts Film Office

Michigan Film Office

Minnesota Film & TV

Mississippi Film Office

Missouri Film Office

Montana Film Office

Nebraska Film Office

Nevada Film Office

New Hampshire Film

& Television Office

New Jersey Motion Picture

& Television Commission

New Mexico Film Office

New York Loves Film

North Carolina Film Office

North Dakota Film Production

Ohio Film Office

Oklahoma Film & Music Office

Oregon Governor’s Office of Film

& Television

Pennsylvania Film Office

Rhode Island Film & TV Office

South Carolina Film Commission

South Dakota Film Office

Tennessee Film, Entertainment

& Music Commission

Texas Film Commission

Utah Film Commission

Vermont Film & New Media

Virginia Film Office

Washington Filmworks

West Virginia Film Office

Wisconsin Film Organization

Wyoming Film Office