Do you need a film permit on private property?
All filming in the City of Sacramento and self-governing Sacramento County needs a permit on public or private property. Filming on a set does not require a film permit.
Getting film permits or location releases constitutes the main part of pre-production for a film. It is always a good idea to stick to a pre-production list and should make the list.
If you are making a low-budget short film it will be easier to shoot on private property. Location can be more expensive, but sometimes you just need that football stadium or scene in the park.
How to Get Film Permit on Private Property
Contact your film commission
If you want to make a film in a well-known, public, or historic place, you will definitely need a permit. The film commission is the first place to contact, and they will recommend you should reach out in order to get the paperwork.
If you do not need a public place, you can shoot on private property, only you will need written permission from the property owner. Your film commission may also have assets for location hunting.
Get written permission and bring the permit or release agreement to set
Do not get ever be satisfied with someone telling you that you have permission to film there. Be friendly and tell them you get written permission to film there. Show them a location release agreement that grants you permission to film
This document gives you permission for film shooting by the owner or location’s responsible party.
If it is public property on which you are shooting, this will be a permit. But if it is private property, you need to be written permission. It is best to have an official location release form for the location owner to sign.
Contact a lawyer to draft the document, but you can also download free templates online.
Contact your local government
Local governments differ from state to state, but someone in an official government position will know how to get permits to shoot in a public place or area.
The process for obtaining an NYC film permit will vary from getting LA film permits and getting film permits in Los Angeles will differ from getting Chicago Film Office permits.
When do you need the permit?
Whenever you film on private property you will need to get permission. Failure to do so will almost surely result in you being asked.
A permit is an official document that declares that someone is authorized to be somewhere or do something, permission is more informal and comes in the form of written or formal consent.
Do you really need a permit to film on private property
Unless you are just recording or shooting for yourself. If you are making content with any intent toward commercial use you will need a permit.
Some other cities may have different rules but we advise anyone to research the area in question at length before just critical to go shoot there.
You will need a permit if you need to shoot on a well-known, public, or historic site. Your film commission is the first place to visit and they will recommend who you should reach out to in order to get the paperwork. (External Link: filmla.com)