Can someone explain 'Filming Permits'?

Question

I plan on making films in the future, and I know I may need a filming permit. The thing is I don't know anything about them or where to get one. I checked my state and can't find much information. Can I get a permit to film in my whole state, or is it just a city thing? Do I have to get them renewed or whatever? How much do they cost? My state is Connecticut and I can't find any info that would be able to help me. Can someone help me?

Answer 1

Film permits are usually required for public locations in cities. Not all cities require filming permits. They will be handled by the local government authority.

If you film in national parks or other state or federally owned land you will need to deal with those authorities.

If you film on private property no permit is needed. Though Abviously you need permission from the owner of that land.
If the camera is on private property and the actors (or some of the actors) are on public property then who knows.

Other areas, such as on the side of the road, well just do it.

News services do not need to pay for filming permits.

As I assume you are an amateur or semi-amateur film-maker, then I would say, go and film, and look innocent, or say it was a student film, if caught. There are lots of situations where you are not causing any disruption while you film and difficult to catch (eg, filming a car driving down the road, or a person standing on the side of the road). But once you start causing disruption the police or authorities get upset.

Answer 2

Yo Visual
almost every city and state has a different set of mazes to run through on this thing ! Your best beginnings here would be to go through the Central Services Dept. in the particular city that you are wanting to do your work --- they should be able to direct you OR at least inquire FOR you to the proper authorities to get an outline of the necessary procedures and requirements !
The permit usually comes through the particular city --- unless you are requesting access to State owned property --- in this case it would have to be an item FOR the state authorities !!

Usually these things are fairly inexpensive -- usually like a "filing fee" thing -- unless there is going to be a need for some type of additional "city services" required --- i.e. the use of police for crowd or traffic control --- the closing off of streets etc --- then the cost factors can begin to mount quite rapidly --- for they will charge you FOR each and every one of THOSE services individually !! And, in addition to these charges -- there may be a requirement for you to have some type of liability insurance ON the shoot and proof OF that coverage before they will even consider giving the "go" to the project !!

Hope this helps in some way !!
I have been involved with a number of projects of this type in my line of work as a professional commercial photographer here in Texas --- worked with a number of film crews on movies (doing the stills FOR the movie producers) and a number of other projects --- namely commercial shoots where we have taken the product and models onto the streets for that "reality" thing !!!
Good Luck to YOU in all you endeavors-- hope to see your work some day before long !!!!