WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BATON ROUGE FILM COMMISSION:
We provide:
HOW CAN THE BR FILM COMMISSION HELP YOU TO FIND LOCATIONS?
The Baton Rouge Film Commission houses a digital location library system, powered by Reel Scout TM, which allows us to customize a location package specific to your needs. Continuously updated, this location library and proven technology enables us to respond faster without the transmission of large image files. Log onto www.filmbatonrouge.com and click on “search locations” in order to access our Reel Scout database. This system is constantly being updated with images from the Baton Rouge area.
We also encourage you to peruse a hard copy of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Professional Planner as it is an excellent source of prominent Baton Rouge location ideas and images.
When you decide that Baton Rouge is viable location possibility for your production, the Baton Rouge Film Commission will assist in the arrangement of an extensive preliminary scouting tour for your team.
HOW CAN THE BR FILM COMMISSION ASSIST IN FINDING HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS?
The process of securing housing is easier in Baton Rouge because we do all the work for you. The Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will distribute your projected production dates and room nights to local properties. We request availability, arrange site inspections and request entertainment rates that allow for competitive bidding.
The Baton Rouge Film Commission will also work diligently to help you find the right production office space to suit the size and scope of your project.
YOU NEED A PERMIT IF:
You are producing a feature/independent film/video/digital-related project that affects city/parish/state property, equipment or facilities. This includes public property such as sidewalks, highways, and parks.
Your production is taking place on private property and involves production vehicles and or crew vehicles parking on the street, involves the display of firearms, use of gunfire; or involves pyrotechnics.
YOU DO NOT NEED A PERMIT IF:
You are producing a news segment or news feature. Your production is taking place at a production studio. You are using a handheld camera and no other production equipment.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR PERMITS:
Filming location(s)
Dates, times, and rain dates
City services requested
A production activity report to include but not limited to general vehicle list, number of personnel and pertinent information effecting location logistics such as road closures, intermittent traffic control, use large equipment (cranes/generators/dolly track).
Notification of neighbors and surrounding businesses if special effects, night productions or multiple day productions are to take place which could potentially impact them.
Certificate of Insurance –
Mandatory for permitting, the insurance must additionally insure the appropriate city, parishes or state of Louisiana. General Liability is $1 million. The certificate of insurance must be provided for the permit to be processed and the Baton Rouge Film Commission must be notified immediately by the policy holder if insurance coverage is lowered or dropped.
Permitting Charges
There are NO processing fees
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC ASSISTANCE?
All types of traffic restrictions require enough officer assistance to control and re-direct traffic adequately. This will be determined by the appropriate law enforcement agency and the traffic engineering department. As a general rule, closures of major roads are favored during off-peak hours of 7:00 PM – 7:00AM.
ROAD CLOSURES REQUIRE A MINIMUM 10 DAY NOTICE.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF SPECIAL EFFECTS AND EXPLOSIVES ?
Detailed explanation of the explosion and substances to be used must be submitted. Production must satisfy any and all regulations set forth by the appropriate law enforcement. A certificate of insurance naming the city, parish or State of Louisiana for $5 million dollars must be obtained and submitted at time of request.
WHAT ARE THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS?
Determining whether one or two officers is necessary during production depends on the impact of the production. Off duty police officers can be hired to assist film productions. Typical fees are $40.00 and hour with a three-hour minimum.
IS THE BATON ROUGE METRO AIRPORT FILM FRIENDLY?
Yes, but strict security guidelines will apply. The Baton Rouge Film Commission will assist in contacting the appropriate person(s).
WHAT ARE LOCAL UNION REQUIREMENTS AND WHO ARE THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES?
Louisiana Act 1976 , No. 97 includes the provision that "no person shall be required, as a condition of employment, to become or remain a member of any labor organization, or to pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind to a labor organization."
For union information please visit I.A.T.S.E. Local 478 I.A.T.S.E. Local 478 is a union of experienced motion picture and television production professionals based in New Orleans, which covers all of Louisiana and the Gulf South.
Local 478 President: PHIL LOCICERO
Phone: 504-486-2192
FAX: 504-483-9961
Address: 432 North Anthony St. Suite 305, New Orleans, LA 70119
E-mail: info@iatse478.org
Local 478 Business Agent: MIKE McHUGH
Contact: Same as Above
E-mail: mmchugh478@bellsouth.net
Teamsters Local 5: Keith Partin
Address: 1772 Dallas Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-924-3886
SUMMARY
The Baton Rouge Film Commission will do everything in its power to streamline your production needs and will serve as a liaison between production companies, city, and state services. The Film Commission will make arrangements with the appropriate law enforcement agencies for road closures, crowd control, public buildings, supervision of pyrotechnic effects and any other city, parish or state service.