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.
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.
WHAT IS THE BR FILM COMMISSION PERMITTING POLICY?
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.
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
International Cinematographers Guild Local 600
Southeastern Business Representative: JOHN HILSMAN
Phone: 407-295-5577
FAX: 407-295-5335
Address: 7463 Conroy-Windermere Rd., Ste. A, Orlando, FL 32835
E-mail: jhilsman@mindspring.com
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR LOCALS:
Where is the Film Commission located?
The Baton Rouge Film Commission is located at 359 Third Street, in downtown Baton Rouge. The Film Commission no longer accepts drop in appointments. You must have an appointment in order to meet with a member of the Film Commission staff. Please call 225.382.3563 to schedule an appointment.
Why are so many productions coming to Baton Rouge?
The state of Louisiana offers a unique tax incentive package directed at attracting film and television work. Currently Louisiana ranks third in film and television production nationwide, behind only California and New York! The Baton Rouge area attracts productions for this reason, but also for our additional incentive program known as BY BATON ROUGE, which offers discounts or special offers to out-of-state productions and crew. We are the only city in Louisiana to offer such a program! Not to mention the outstanding hospitality of the Office of Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden, our unique landscape, our extremely diverse locations and our world class, state-of-the-art facilities including stages and post production houses. For more information go to: www.louisianaentertainment.gov
How do my tax dollars contribute to the tax incentive program?
Your tax dollars do not actually fund Louisiana’s entertainment incentives. All of our entertainment incentives are tax credits. A tax credit works by reducing a business’s tax liability to the State. This helps a business offset it’s expenses while it is training Louisiana employees for new jobs, investing in new construction or equipment purchases, or other costs of starting or expanding a new business in Louisiana. This impacts the State’s budget because it receives less revenue from anticipated tax revenue earnings. On the other hand, with many other states offering comparable incentives, it is understood that Louisiana would not have the opportunity to attract these new employers without these incentives. (source: louisianaentertainment.gov)
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What do these productions mean to our local community?
Attracting film and television productions to our local community provides a large impact in economic growth- potentially millions of dollars spent in and around the Baton Rouge area and much needed revenue! Productions require office space, housing and hotels, food and beverages, local staff members and local crew; enjoy shopping, dining out and experiencing the richness of our area. For example, in 2011 alone the economic impact of film and television in the Baton Rouge area was over $200 million dollars and provided over 21,000 hotel room nights.
How can we keep productions coming back?
Our community can keep productions coming back to Baton Rouge by remaining a ‘film friendly’ area. The way we do so is through our additional incentives offered through our BY BATON ROUGE program and through the generous support of our Mayors Office and Metro Council. Other ways to assure that Baton Rouge remains a viable production hub include the communities understanding regarding the nature of the industry, such as, erratic shooting schedules and the need to frequently utilize public and private spaces and respecting the privacy and space needed by each project.
How many movies have shot here? Any I have seen?
The Baton Rouge area has seen hundreds of film and television projects in recent years! Some highlights include: Ray (2004- two time Oscar winner); The Dukes of Hazzard (2005); Glory Road (2006); The Reaping (2007); The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008); The Open Road (2009); (Battle: Los Angeles (2011); Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn –Parts 1&2 (2011, 2012. Visit our Facebook page to see movie posters for many films shot in town!
What is filming in Baton Rouge this month?
For an up-to-date list of what is currently filming or what recently wrapped go to the home page of FilmBatonRouge.com or check our Facebook page for more specific and up-to-the-moment updates.
Can you tell me where [insert movie here] is filming?
Unfortunately, we cannot. The Baton Rouge Film Commission is bound by confidentiality agreements that prevent us from releasing this type of information.
What do productions have to do in order to close down city streets or use property around town?
All projects in the Baton Rouge area are required to have a permit through the Baton Rouge Film Commission if said 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. Certain requests and activities such as pyrotechnic effects, street closures and parking requests will require securing specific permissions through additional agencies. All types of traffic restrictions require enough officer assistance to control and re-direct traffic adequately which will be determined by the appropriate law enforcement agency and the traffic engineering department.
How can I get more information about film related events in the area?
Check out the ‘local updates’ tab on our website (FilmBatonRouge.com) for continuously updated film related events, classes and workshops. If you would like to list an event, class or workshop please email FilmBatonRouge@gmail.com or call our office at 225.382.3563 and provide us with more information. We are happy to help publicize any film related events in the Baton Rouge area.
I want additional information about a production listed on your website. Can you give me the contact person(s) name and a phone number?
All contact information on our website and social media platforms were sent to us by the production company and represent how they wish to be contacted. We cannot give out additional information without the company’s approval.
How will I know when a production will be shooting in my neighborhood/ around my business? Who can I talk to if I have any concerns about this project?
Productions will post signs as early as possible in advance of their shoots and provide a Resident and Business Notification Letter to notify the local area. Feel free to call The Baton Rouge Film Commission at 225.382.3563 with any concerns or questions that you may have. Please be prepared to give the receptionist an accurate address as to where the filming is taking place so that we may track down the production and put you in touch with the appropriate staff person who can address your concerns more quickly.
How can I break into the film business?
Like any competitive industry, getting your foot in the door often requires research and networking. Check out the home page of our website at FilmBatonRouge.com or the ‘local updates’ tab for updated classes, workshops, casting and crew calls.
I am a freelance crew person/ actor/ extra/ parent of a child who wants to act. How can I find out what projects are hiring in town so I can send my resume to them?
Baton Rouge is home to various feature films, TV series or pilots, shows, commercials, videos and print shoots at any given time. The Film Commission does not work directly with talent and crew, although the local talent pool is an important incentive and attractive element for anyone shooting in Baton Rouge. The best way to guarantee that you are being considered for local work is to make sure that you are listed on The Baton Rouge Production Directory at FilmBatonRouge.com (instructions ****) Also check the ‘local updates’ tab at FilmBatonRouge.com for updated casting calls and crew calls and follow us on Facebook (The Baton Rouge Film Commission) and on Twitter (@FilmBatonRouge). We also have many talent agents and casting directors that list in the Production Directory – local representation will keep you most in tune with what’s happening locally. You may also want to try websites such as craigslist.com to see what local productions are currently hiring.
Can the Film Commission help me find a job?
NO. The Film Comission is not an employment agency. The best way to guarantee that you are being considered for local work is to make sure you are listed in the Baton Rouge Production Directory located on our ‘local updates’ tab at FilmBatonRouge.com.
I have a script and I am looking for someone to produce it. Who do I call?
The Baton Rouge Film Commission is not involved in the development phase of the entertainment business. We advise that you secure a literary agent who can assist you with more information.
I am a local independent filmmaker. Can the Film Commission help get my movie made? Can I pitch my movie idea to you?
While the Film Commission is not involved in the actual production, financing or distribution of films, we can provide assistance with permitting, production resources and contact information to help your project get underway. A good resource is the website for Independent Feature Project at www.ifp.org.
How do I advertise my location/ business/ property as a filming location with your office?
The Baton Rouge Film Commission keeps an updated database of available locations for filming. For more information regarding locations, please email FilmBatonRouge@gmail.com or call the Film Commission Office at 225.382.3563.
I was approached by a location manager about using my property/location for a project. What should I expect and how much will they pay me?
There are several issues that you need to be aware of if you are considering making your property/location available for projects. First, verify with the location manager if he/she is in contact with the Baton Rouge Film Commission on this project. This is will ensure that all permits and requirements are being handled. Second, asks the location manager for specific details on this project: the type of project (impact on your property varies according to the complexity of the project) and the length of time involved. The location manager will offer you a fee for the use of your property depending on the project’s budget. Don’t hesitate to ask the location manager what they have in the budget. To help determine if the fee is fair, consider the following: if your property is a home, consider how much you would charge if someone were to rent your home for a month and divide that amount by 30 for an approximate daily rate. If your property is a business, consider how much revenue you would make in a day. Also consider the level of disruption to you and your property in determining a fair price for your cooperation.
Is the Baton Rouge Film Commission hiring? Who do I send my resume to?
In the event a position becomes available at the Film Commission, a job description may be posted on our website. (Please note that the Film Commission has a very small staff and there is very little turnover.)
Does the Baton Rouge Film Commission provide opportunities for internships?
Due to recent budget cuts, the BRFC is not offering internships at this time.
I was in a movie recently shot in Baton Rouge- when is the project going to be televised or released in theatres?
Release dates may be difficule to determine because feature films or large television projects may take a year or more from time of shooting to release. One way to gain more information is to look up information on this project at www.imdb.com. Official studio sites may also list the date of release of a project.
How do I find out where specific scenes were shot in Baton Rouge? Are there any tours?Specific location information is kept by the production company or location manager, but we may know the location of certain scenes- especially from the more well-known productions. Contact our office for more information. There are no official tours of locations specific to Baton Rouge films at this time, but Visit Baton Rouge will be able to provide you with information on what tours are in our area or answer any questions. You can reach them at www.VisitBatonRouge.com or call 1.800.LA.ROUGE.
How can I tour the movie studios in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has many movie and production studios, however none are not open to the public. All tours must be arranged in advance, please to not visit the studios without an appointment. To inquire about a tour for your film or media-related group, please contact The Baton Rouge Film Commission office at 225.382.3563 for more information.
How can my company/service be a vendor to the productions that shoot at the Studios?
We do not provide information about productions filming at the Studios and also do not accommodate sales calls without appointments. Please contact The Baton Rouge Film Commission office at 225.382.3563 for more information.
How do I get a celebrity to come to my event?
The Baton Rouge Film Commission works primarily with production as opposed to talent. We do not give out any talent contact information. You may call The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for additional information regarding celebrities (please note that the process is extremely long and often without positive results) at 323.954.1600 or research specific talents agents and/or managers at websites such as www.variety.com, www.imdb.com, or www.dga.org.
How can I get contact with or an interview with a specific actor/ director/ producer regarding my organization or publication?
Actors, directors and producers are EXTREMELY busy when shooting on location generally working 12-18 hour days 5-6 days a week. Please DO NOT show up on set and try to meet an actor/ director/ producer. If you are interested in formally requesting something or if you are a member of the media seeking an interview you may contact The Film Commission at film@visitbatonrouge.com or call 225.382.3563 to be instructed on how to go through the proper channels.
Where can I watch a movie being filmed on location?
As a general rule, production companies do not publish detailed information about their locations prior to filming. The Baton Rouge Film Commission is bound by confidentiality agreements that prevent us from releasing this type of information. Prior permission from a productions publicist or producer is a must as many shows have very strict contractual agreements regarding publicity and onlookers. Additionally, as they are on tight deadlines, (and actor salaries and equipment rentals are very expensive), it is imperative that shooting not be slowed down by visitors. We ask that journalists and fans respect the projects footprint and keep this city “film friendly” by not disrupting the production schedule in any way.