Permits

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Permits Made Simple and Fast

Our digital system keeps things streamlined. Submit your details, get approval, and start filming. Please submit permit paperwork at least ten days before shooting.

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Cinematographer operating a camera gimbal while filming an action scene with actors in tactical gear on a film set
Film crew setting up studio lighting equipment and camera rigs on a professional production set
Director and actors on a film set with a professional cinema camera in the foreground and green screen in the background
Requirements

What Requires a Permit?

You need a permit if your production involves public property and infrastructure, or has the potential to impact public property or safety.

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Public Property & Infrastructure

Your project will affect city/parish/state property, equipment, or facilities. This includes public property such as sidewalks, highways, and parks.

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Private Property & Special Effects

Your production is taking place on private property and involves production vehicles and/or crew vehicles parking on the street, or involves the display of firearms, use of gunfire, or pyrotechnics.

What You'll Submit

All 5 of the following forms are required to receive a film permit:

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Film application

Begin the process of filming in Baton Rouge by providing basic information about your production, including times, locations, dates, and contact information.
Application
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Insurance

All productions are required to purchase and maintain at least $1M in liability coverage, insuring the appropriate city, parishes, or State of Louisiana.
Requirements
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Hold Harmless

Any production using property in and around Baton Rouge area owned by the City must provide a hold harmless agreement before filming.
Hold Harmless
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Film Permit

In addition to an application, hold harmless, proof of insurance, and Covid-specific guidelines, all productions must complete and file a film permit.
Film Permit
Fire engine parked in front of a brick fire department building

Fire Department Permit

All productions are required to complete the Fire Department Application. The Fire Department will provide location safety assessments where necessary and determine required safety measures for each production on an individual basis.
Fire Dept. Permit
Deadlines

Please Note

We request all documents be submitted at least 10 business days before filming; however, we will do our best to accommodate late applications.

Additional Forms

These forms are required to receive a permit if your production involves use of drones, major road closures or disruptions to traffic flow, or obstruction of metered parking spaces.

Professional cinema drone with camera gimbal in flight against a cloudy sky

Drones

The Baton Rouge Film Commission does not issue drone permits. However, all commercial UAS activity must be conducted by FAA-certified operators in full compliance with FAA regulations. You must submit a copy of the operator’s license with your permit application.
Visit FAA Website
Film production vehicles and equipment blocking a city street with traffic cones during an on-location shoot

Traffic Closure Permit

If your production will require closure of State or City Roads, or if your production will interfere with the normal flow of traffic, you must file an additional Traffic Closure Permit with our office.
Traffic Permit
Row of street parking meters along a city sidewalk

Parking Meter Request

If your production will require the closure of on-street, metered parking spaces, a meter request is required.
Parking Meter Request

Questions & Next Steps

The Baton Rouge Film Office will email the executed permit to the production, which must be kept on set at all times during filming.

Depending on production needs, the Baton Rouge Film office may request a pre-production meeting between our office, the production heads and the appropriate law enforcement agencies for road closures, crowd control, public buildings, supervision of pyrotechnic effects and any other city, parish or state service.

Can I film in restricted areas?

Some locations require special permits or additional coordination. The film commission will notify you if additional permits are needed.

How long does approval take?

Standard permits typically process within seven to ten business days.

What about insurance requirements?

General liability insurance is required for all productions. Minimum coverage is one million dollars.

What permits do I need?

Most productions require a standard film permit covering location, dates, and crew size. We'll help you determine what's necessary for your shoot. Contact us if you're unsure about your specific needs.

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Have questions about permits or need clarification on requirements?

359 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States
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