Videography location permit tips
The past week I’ve been going through the process of applying for a location permit to film a project at a public location. I thought I’d share 4 things I learned from this (rather trying) process.
1. Make Your Plans Early and Detailed
Many commissioners will want to know specifics of the exact dates, time-ranges, and filming activities for each location. The more locations, the more difficult and lengthy it will likely be, particularly if any fall under different municipalities.
Plan, plan, plan, and then plan some more.
Have a good idea of what locations are essential and which ones are not, in case you are forced to eliminate.
Be clear and detailed when you submit your application.
2. Submit Your Application Early
Film commissions advise submitting at least a week or two in advance, because it can take 3 business days for approval after they submit the request.
Do not get confused into thinking that a week = 7 days when it comes to counting business days.
On my end, learning about the opportunity to film this project on location was a little last-minute. However, had I submitted the permit application very soon after booking our plane tickets instead of waiting a few days, it likely would have saved having to move the schedule forward.
I submitted the application 6 business days in advance, but working out the details with the commissioner took all of those days.
So, submit well in advance: a month before your first planned shoot day. You will be glad you had the extra time to work out any issues.
3. Prepare to Be Flexible
We could not get the filming schedule days we had originally planned when I first submitted the application. We were also unable to get some of the times and locations that we had planned.
Thankfully, in our case, we did have a day of wiggle-room to be flexible. Unfortunately, even that was not enough.
Leave room in your plans for change and the possibility of not being able to get the permit at all.
4. Work with the Commissioner
Not all locations will have a film commission, but if they do, take advantage of their advice, resources, and assistance to “jump through the hoops”.
With all this in mind, I’ll certainly (try) to be better prepared myself next time I need to apply for a location permit.
I hope this helps you to be prepared when applying for your filming permits as well!