City Guide Filming in Akron, OH
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $150 per site
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As per state requirements
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired”
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the production
- Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program:
- Partial tax refunds ($300,000 plus spent)
- A waiver on hotel occupancy taxes (for stays over 30 days)
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Akron
Akron is best known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to its association with the rubber manufacturing industry and the famous Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The city is fifth in terms of size and population in the state of Ohio and also holds the county seat for its county – Summit County. Talking of summits, that's how Akron got its name which is an ancient Greek-inspired term referring to a summit.
Situated on the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau’s western edge, the city was first established as a settlement in 1825 on the banks of the Little Cuyahoga River. Today, Akron is famous for several things, including its continued involvement with the rubber and tires industry, as the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, a nationwide support group for recovering alcoholics, and several local companies of national and international reach, such as Huntington Bank, Gojo Industries, Charter Spectrum, and FirstEnergy.
Hollywood films have made a habit of featuring Akron’s cityscape and natural features on the big screen. Space Jam: A New Legacy, My Friend Dahmer, Skinned Alive, Julia, 25 Hill, Shelter, Alex Cross, The Dead Next Door, Killer Nerd, 3 Day Test, Akron, More Than a Game, Slacker Uprising, Shooting Stars, The Instructor, Her Name Was Christa, and Immortal Combat: The Code are some of the many films to feature sections of the city in them, and although most of these titles failed to make as great of a cinematic impact as some of the big shots, many of them remain cult classics and fan favorites.
You’re probably working on an ambitious project and could do well portraying the impressive cityscape of Akron, but wait! Let’s do a quick review of the filming guidelines in Akron to ensure that you don’t face any trouble acquiring a filming permit and in other aspects of the film production efforts.
And when you do come over, there’s no need to roam the streets to find the best venues for your film production needs. Instead, you can look up premium filming destinations in Akron on Giggster and take your pick from there!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Akron?
Getting a filming permit is necessary for any production team looking to film their project in public or seeking any assistance from local agencies and departments. This only applies to film productions and filming teams, and not to solo videographers, TikTokers, Instagram models, YouTubers, and so on, in most cases. Also, if you’re indoors, or on private property, you don't need a filming permit from the city, but as long as you need access to the city's facilities for your film project, you must get the relevant permits. Also, the filming guidelines in Akron clearly state that additional permits are also required in circumstances that demand them, such as:
Pyrotechnics Permit –
required when any explosions, gunfire, canon fire, fireworks, and so on, are involved in the film project.
Animal Control Permit –
required when any animal that may cause harm to others or damage someone’s property is involved in the project.
Aircraft Usage Permit –
required if any helicopters or other aircraft are involved in the film project; the production must submit $5 million in aviation liability insurance to acquire this permit.
Drone Filming Permit –
required if any camera drones are involved in the film project; the production must submit $2 million in UAS liability insurance to acquire this permit.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit –
all students and non-profit filmmakers can acquire filming permits for reduced fees after proper verification.
Permit Management in Akron
Community Events Division
All filming permits in Akron are issued by the Community Events Division, which works with the local parks and recreation department (but offers permits for activities, including filming, throughout the city). You can visit the office in person at 1030 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310, call 330-375-2854, or email the Community Event Coordinator, Laurie Chenevey at LChenevey@akronohio.gov. Whatever way you go, you'll have to get a film permit application form, fill in all the details, attach proof of insurance and assorted documents, and then submit the form to the department for approval. The permit application is to be approved by the:
Community Events Division
Akron Police Department
Akron Fire Department
Service Director
Department of Neighborhood Assistance
Office of Integrated Development
You’ll also have to reach out to the local departments, including the police and the fire departments for their cooperation concerning the film project. All fees and protocols are to be discussed with the Community Event Coordinator, who will give you an invoice based on the expected costs/fees associated with your project.
All the fees and dues can pile up quickly, but you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed, as the Ohio Film Office is here to the rescue! You can benefit from not only the cooperation and resources offered by the film office but also claim as much as 35% of all taxes paid as credit via the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit program if you've spent at least $300,000 on filming expenses. You can also get waivers on any occupancy taxes for hotel stays exceeding 30 days (not necessarily a single hotel). The Ohio Film Office will also help you find local talent, scout for filming destinations, and more!
What Insurance Do I Need in Akron?
All production teams must, first of all, be fully insured against all forms of liability claims associated with the filming activities. This insurance coverage is always decided according to the level of risk associated with the production activities. Of course, such a risk is inherently higher in cases with extreme stunts, parkour sequences, fighting scenes, races, aviation, and so on, but that is not to say that accidents can’t happen even during the most usual and seemingly harmless parts of the production efforts, such as setting up stages, lifting props (some of which may be heavy), slipping on a slippery surface, stumbling on uneven ground, and so on. But one can see how some of these situations are much direr than others, and thus a much broader insurance coverage may be needed in accordance with the level of risk posed by the said activities. The basic production insurance requirements in Akron are as follows:
Commercial general liability insurance coverage amounting to $1,000,000
Worker’s compensation insurance coverage for all workers and employees associated with the film project
Automobile liability coverage amounting to $1,000,000 (per incident) for any vehicles involved
Aviation liability insurance coverage amounting to $5,000,000 for any aircraft involved
UAS liability insurance coverage amounting to $2,000,000 for any camera drones involved
Product liability insurance coverage amounting to $1,000,000 for any food served
Liquor liability insurance coverage amounting to $1,000,000 for any alcoholic beverages served
You may be required to submit additional insurance coverage for your project on top of the ones mentioned above if the risk associated with your project is excessive. Plus, the film production must also issue a letter of endorsement in favor of the city and associated employees, representatives, and officials; be sure to ask for a sample of the letter and the insurance form to make sure that you get it right the first time.
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Akron?
The filming laws in Akron, as we have seen, are not too hard to follow, but let's take a moment to look at what's all about –filming in the city. And speaking of filming, why not explore some of the most iconic filming destinations in the city and how they can add value to your project? Some of the most iconic and frequently visited local destinations include the Akron Art Museum, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 3 (historic landmark and amphitheater), Akron Zoo, Highland Square, and Dr. Robert Smith House. All of these are prime tourist destinations of the city and attract visitors year-round.
But maybe you’re also looking for a fine interior for some of the sequences in your project, perhaps a homely environment that reflects a sense of comfort and elegance. On the top of our list in this category is the Suburban Split Level Home, designed on modern principles. This adequately spacious residential venue not only houses the finest interior décor and setup but also offers ample room for storing filming-related equipment. You’ll be delightfully taken aback by the open kitchen with wooden cabinets and linoleum tile flooring, the spacious open living room with the finest gas fireplace, an open dining area, two bedrooms – both themed differently, a fully furnished patio space, dedicated parking/storage garage and a driveway. In short, it's a spacious, homely venue with all the furnishing you could possibly ask for.
Other options include fully equipped recording and filming facilities, such as the Video and Photography Studio and World-Class Photography Studio. You also have well-lit open indoor spaces, such as the Dance Studio with Hardwood Floors and Huge Open Event Space. But perhaps you’re interested in more intimate settings, like the Private Party Room and Intimate Dining Space. Outdoor options like the Elegant Patio Space and the Main Dining & Bar Space are also worth every penny, whereas the likes of the Large Meeting Room give a more formal feeling. No matter what your exact needs are, we’ll help you find something that fits your requirements exactly – feel free to browse through our listings at Giggster and book your favorite filming venues without leaving your comfort zone!
Special Requirements in Akron
The Akron Public School District
If you wish to film within the premises of the Akron Public School District, you must reach out to the school administration to discuss the availability of the premises for your production efforts. Here’s how you can approach the administration with your proposal:
Prepare a brief proposal to be shared with the administration, detailing the filming activities, script, etc.
Get an appointment with the board and discuss your proposal in-person
Based on the school’s activity calendar and other data, request access to the premises when you feel that it may be granted
The school management may require you to adjust your schedule or some aspects of your filming activities
You’ll also be required to arrange for $1 million in general liability, $1 million in automobile liability, and worker’s compensation coverage
Discuss any fees/charges for using the school premises
If your request is approved, you'll be given a permission letter from the school administration
With this letter and the stated terms and conditions, you can start filming as per the schedule.
Neighborhood Parks
Local parks, such as Erie Island Park, Grace Park, Summit Metro Park, Sand Run Metro Park, and Elizabeth Park, are managed by the Akron Recreation and Parks Department. If you need exclusive access to any park premises in the city, you must first reach out to the parks department in this regard – you’ll also be required to pay hourly fees to any parks and recreation officials assigned by the department to monitor your filming activities.
The Portage Lakes State Park
The Portage Lakes State Park comes under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; to get permission to film here, you must:
Reach out to the park management with your proposal
Review the park rules, regulations, and fees (and agree to all of them)
Hire staff members from the park’s management staff to act as guides and production monitors
Agree not to disturb the natural flora and fauna protected by the park
Start filming after approval of your filming request.
The Wingfoot Lake State Park
As with the aforementioned, the Wingfoot Lake State Park too is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the protocol for getting permission to film here is similar to that described above.
The Waters Of The Little Cuyahoga River
If you wish to take a watercraft to the Little Cuyahoga River for your filming project, you must first arrange for $1,000,000 in watercraft liability insurance coverage.
Filming With Camera Drones
Camera drones are gaining popularity as filming equipment, owing to their maneuverability, agility, and ease of operation. However, many people have raised alarms about privacy issues, especially among the public. Filming someone without their consent is against the law, as is snooping up on someone, so be sure you steer clear of people’s personal boundaries when using the camera drones. Plus, before you can use a camera drone in public, make sure that you get a green light from the city government (usage may be disallowed in some areas) and get a permit for the use of the drone (which also requires you to submit $2 million in UAS liability coverage).
Noise Regulations To Follow When Filming
Generally, all forms of noise pollution that can disturb the peace and calm of the local community are strictly prohibited. If you need to use a loudspeaker in public, you must first get a permit from the City License Clerk (which costs $25). But other than this, the noise ordinance is very strict – no loud noises are allowed in public; if you plan on using explosion effects, be sure to get permission from the local police department first.
What Does it Cost to Film in Akron?
The filming regulations in Akron state clearly that filming privileges are not free, but will instead cost the film production depending on the scope and size of the production efforts and how much assistance is required from the various city departments. To start, the Community Events Division will charge you $150 as a site fee (per site) for issuing a permit (additional fees may also be applicable, the Community Event Coordinator will give a quote on that for your case).
Additional Fees
Additional fees will be charged for services rendered by the local departments (these fees are not disclosed in advance), depending on your exact needs. The Community Events Division will give you an invoice for the hourly/fixed costs for hiring a police officer for the set, a firefighter, fire safety inspection, exclusive parking privileges, street closure, traffic control/redirection, setting up a temporary water connection, and more.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Akron?
Akron sits in Summit County, more specifically, in the western part of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. Cut in eastern and western halves by the Ohio and Erie canals, the city covers a total span of 62.37 square miles to which the filming laws in Akron apply. To the north, Akron is bordered by the Cuyahoga Falls; the eastern boundary is demarcated by Tallmadge and Mogadore; to the southeast, lies Lakemore; Portage Lakes are to the south; Barberton is to the southwest; Norton, Copley, and Fairlawn border the city’s western boundary.
Outreach in Akron
You must notify all neighborhood residents and affected business owners before the scheduled shoot to let them know what to expect and for how long. As per the Akron filming laws, you don’t have to conduct a local survey unless directed to do so by the city government; sending in notification letters detailing your contact information, filming activities, street closure, possible disturbances, and so on, will be enough. Just make sure to get your draft approved by the film office first and then post the letters in timely fashion (ensuring that the recipients get them at least two hours in advance).
Community Management in Akron
Akron is best described as an average city; while the filming regulations in Akron are as welcoming as they can be, and the people too are nice, you can run into trouble. Safety-wise, the city ranks below several other cities in Ohio, which means that caution is advised, but the people overall are warm-hearted and caring folks. If you're requesting on-site police presence, that may take your mind off worries for safety. Also, keep the noise down, and the rest should be fine (as long as you follow the rules).
Conclusion
Akron is filled with natural beauty in the form of the Little Cuyahoga River and the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, both of which add to the scenic beauty of the area. Far from being a metal and concrete jungle, the city's development is in harmony with the elements of nature around it, making the cityscape a delightful sight, with a mix of tall buildings and perfectly maintained green areas. Nearby lakes and nature preserves also serve to amplify this beauty even further. But this is not all there is to attract filmmakers to town – you've seen that the filming guidelines in Akron are easy to follow with minimal hassle on your part.
As the Rubber Capital of the World, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, and home to Gojo Industries, the city has earned much acclaim state-wide and even on the national level, and it has also earned features in films like Space Jam: A New Legacy, 25 Hill, and The Dead Next Door. Overall, the city is perfect for hosting your production crew as you work on your next big project, and you can expect complete cooperation from the local authorities as well. Lastly, when it comes to picking the best filming venues in town, you don't have to wander around in search of the most prized filming venues. Instead, just swipe and tap/click to book your favorites on Giggster, without any worries!