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Student Filming
Any production associated with a class grade is considered a student project. Student projects are subject to the same rules and permit requirements as professional productions. Students should not fill out the professional Production Registration Form.
CHECKLIST FOR STUDENT PRODUCTION PERMITS
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- Read the Student Filming Handout
- Determine the municipality(ies) where your filming activity will take place
- Apply for a film permit(s) with the appropriate municipality
- Upload your Notification Letter HERE
- Pick up and pay for your permit(s)
*Note: After your permit is approved distribute your Notification Letter 48 hours before your filming begins
WHAT IS A MUNICIPALITY?
A municipality is a city or town that has corporate status and local government. We have 8 municipalities within Chatham County that each have their own unique student permitting process. If you are unsure of which municipality governs your location, use the Sagis Map Viewer to make that determination. Click here to see how to use Sagis.
WHAT IS A PERMIT?
Permits are an official document giving someone authorization to film on municipally owned property. Permits are required for anything deemed “public property” such as streets, sidewalks, alleys, lanes, parks, squares, and beaches. Film permits do not grant access to private property. Some municipalities require film permits, regardless of filming on private or public property. This is especially true for certain activities that are in view of the public, such as stunts or special effects. For the most direct answers to your questions, please contact the permitting office of the municipality in which you desire to film.
WHAT IS PRIVATE PROPERTY?
The use of private property requires the permission of the property owner via a signed Location Agreement. A Location Agreement is a written contract between a private property owner and filmmaker(s) that gives permission to enter private property for the purpose of recording content, whether you are filming, taking photographs, or making any other recordings. Private property owners include homeowners, business owners, landlords and their tenants. While some buildings may seem “public,” location agreements must still be obtained to film in museums, schools, libraries and places of worship.
Film permits do not grant access to any private property. However, there are certain activities that require permits even when they occur on private property. These include stunts, special effects, excessive noise and certain activities that are visible to the public.
INSURANCE
Most locations require insurance for filming. Some schools provide insurance coverage, and some do not. If your school does not, you may be required to procure coverage.
FEES
Municipalities may charge for certain services such as permits, police, intermittent traffic control (ITC), parking, etc. Please contact the appropriate municipality for direct answers.
NOTIFICATION
Your permit may require you to provide notification to the residents and businesses near the location. This must be completed at least 2 business days before the scheduled shoot day(s). All notification letters should be uploaded using THIS FORM. Please reference each municipality’s Notification section for an example of a notification letter. Failure to notify as described in the permit is a violation.
City of Savannah |
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| Permit Procedure | Fill out the City of Savannah Student Filming Permit Application no later than 5 business days before filming. All student productions must obtain a permit in order to gather on city-owned property if you have any of the following needs, and/or if your cast and crew size exceeds six (6) people.
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| Fee Structure | The City of Savannah charges a one-time non-refundable $25 Application Processing Fee per location. Additionally, there is a $25 Permit Fee per location for your completed permit. Non-consecutive dates for the same location will be charged an additional $25 permit fee. For example: If your project wants to film in Location 1: Forsyth Park, and Location 2: Chippewa Square, you will submit two $25 Application Processing Fees, and then once approved, be billed for two $25.00 Permit Fees, totaling $100.00. If your project wants to return to Location 1:Forsyth Park for additional filming, you will be billed for an additional $25.00 Permit Fee. All fees are non-refundable except in extraordinary circumstances. Fees are due prior to the issuance of permits. Payment can be made by money order made payable to the City of Savannah. “Film Permit Fee” should be identified on the “notes” line of the money order. |
| Insurance and Notification | Type of Insurance Required: Commercial General Liability Minimum Limits (per occurrence): $1,000,000 Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be addressed as follows: The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah C/O Susan Broker P.O. Box 1027, Savannah, GA 31402 *Note: Evidence of Insurance must be submitted before a permit can be effective. Notification Your permit requires you to provide notification to the residents and businesses near the location. This must be completed at least 2 business days before the scheduled shoot day(s). All notification letters should be uploaded using THIS FORM. And hard copies of this letter must be printed and distributed on YELLOW paper. Please click here to see an example of a City of Savannah Student Film Notification Letter. Or download the Word Doc version to edit with your projects information. Failure to notify as described in the permit is a violation. |
| Contact | Nicole Bush Permit Liaison Special Events, Film & Tourism 912.351.3837 nbush@savannahga.gov 1 Waring Drive **inside of Daffin Park** Savannah, Georgia 31404 |
Chatham County |
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| Permit Procedure | Fill out the Chatham County Student Filming Application at least 5 business days in advance in order to be considered for approval. Submit to Monica Middleton, in person, at the Dept of Building Safety & Regulatory Services at 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite D, Savannah, Georgia 31406 or by mail at the following address: Department of Building Safety & Regulatory Services ATTN: Monica Middleton P.O. Box 8161 Savannah, GA 31412-8161 If students wish to use a Chatham County park or facility, please check to see if the property is available for your requested dates via the online Chatham County Facilities webpage. |
| Fee Structure | Applicants must pay a $25 non-refundable administrative fee with their application. Please make checks payable to Chatham County. |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Contact Monica Middleton for Insurance requirements. |
| Contact | Monica Middleton Occupational Tax Supervisor Dept. of Building Safety & Regulatory Services (912) 201-4322 mpmiddle@chathamcounty.org |
City of Tybee IslandCity of Tybee Film Guidelines |
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| Permit Procedure | For students, please fill out submit directly to Robyn Rosner: For beach filming please also fill out: |
| Fee Structure | Contact Robyn Rosner |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. Hard copies of this letter must be printed and distributed on YELLOW paper. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Contact Robyn Rosner for Insurance requirements. |
| Contact | Robyn Rosner Facilities Coordinator 912-472-5045 rrosner@cityoftybee.org |
City of Garden City |
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| Permit Procedure | Student projects are subject to the same rules and permit requirements as professional productions. All filming guidelines can be found on the City’s Planning and Economic Development page: http://www.gardencity-ga.gov/film Fill out the Professional & Student Permit Application at least 5 business days prior to the first requested filming date. If you wish to use Garden City Parks and Rec Locations, please click here to find more information. |
| Fee Structure | Garden City may charge for certain services such as police, ITC, parking, etc. Please contact the City for direct answers. |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Some schools provide insurance coverage, and some do not. If your school does not, you may be required to procure coverage. |
| Contact | Ben Brengman 100 Central Avenue|Garden City, GA 31405 P- (912) 963-2768 | F- (912) 966-7792 BBrengman@gardencity-ga.gov www.gardencity-ga.gov |
City of Port WentworthCity of Port Wentworth Film Guidelines |
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| Permit Procedure | Fill out the City of Port Wentworth Film Permit Application no less than 5 days in advance of the desired production, and submit to Shanta Scarboro via email sscarboro@cityofportwentworth.com or at the City of Port Wentworth’s City Hall at 305 S Coastal Hwy, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.
Student productions MUST have a hard copy version of their signed permit at all times while on location. |
| Fee Structure | If students wish to use a City of Port Wentworth park or facility, please contact Shanta Scarboro for availability and rates.
A fee may also be charged for certain services such as police, Internal Traffic Control (ITC), parking, etc. |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Some schools provide insurance coverage, and some do not. If your school does not, you may be required to procure coverage. |
| Contact | Shanta Scarboro Permitting Office 912-964-4379 sscarboro@cityofportwentworth.com |
City of Bloomingdale |
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| Permit Procedure | Each City of Bloomingdale-owned location should be permitted by the City Administrator via the City of Bloomingdale Film Permit Application.
The City of Bloomingdale requires all productions to submit a permit application at least 10 days before filming. |
| Fee Structure | Contact Charles D. Akridge |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Contact Charles D. Akridge for Insurance requirements. |
| Contact | Charles D. Akridge City Administrator 912-748-0970 cakridge@bloomingdale-ga.gov |
Town of Thunderbolt |
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| Permit Procedure | To film in the Town of Thunderbolt, you will need to submit a Thunderbolt Film Production Application |
| Fee Structure | Please contact Molly Sims |
| Insurance and Notification | Submit your notification letter here. For an example of a notification letter, please click HERE. Contact Molly Sims for Insurance requirements. |
| Contact |
Molly Sims
Interim Town Administrator
Main Office: (912) 629-4652
2821 River Drive – Thunderbolt, GA 31404
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City of Pooler |
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| Permit Procedure |
Film permits are not required for private property, but any City of Pooler public property or right-of-way requires a special event permit. SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT: A special event is any activity occurring upon private or public property that affects the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-way, or sidewalks. This includes, but is not limited to, fairs, festivals, foot runs, and bicycle runs. A special event application must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the proposed event. Each application will be considered for approval by the Pooler City Council at a regular meeting. If approved, a permit will be issued upon payment of the $300 application fee. Permits are valid for 30 days. |
| Fee Structure | Contact Hadassa Villafana |
| Insurance and Notification | Contact Hadassa Villafana |
| Contact | Hadassa Villafana Occupational Tax Specialist Finance Department City of Pooler 912-748-7261 ext 109 hvillafana@pooler-ga.gov |
