City Guide Filming in Amarillo, TX
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: $50
- Parks Permit Fee: $25
Minimum Insurance
- $1 million
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Amarillo
Yellow City, The Yellow Rose of Texas, and Rotor City (named after a V-22 Osprey aircraft assembly facility in town) are some of the titles that the city of Amarillo is often associated with. Located in the Potter County of the state of Texas, Amarillo, located northwest of Dallas, was once widely renowned as a major center for cattle marketing just two centuries back, but today, the city has grown so much as compared to its past and has a diversified economy.
Hollywood productions have long scouted the cityscape for the perfect filming venues and have masterfully put together excellent work here, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Bomb City, Waking Up in Reno, The Sundowners, Carry On, Drag Racer, Edge of the World, What Matters Most, and Boys' Ranch.
Overall, the filming guidelines in Amarillo are rather straightforward, and considering the massive success of the titles mentioned earlier, it is reasonable to assume that the city provides a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere to filmmakers. But you still need to acquaint yourself with the local regulations before you begin, and we'll do just that here.
Also, if you’re looking for the best filming spots for rent in Amarillo, you can count on Giggster to help you find the perfect venues for your project!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Amarillo?
Film productions do need to get a general film permit from the local Film Commissioner if they plan on filming on any public property. If you don’t wish to film in public but do require the technical assistance of the city’s departments, for insurance, you may want to hire a fire safety officer from the fire prevention department, then you’ll need to get a permit for your filming activity. However, if you’re planning to film on private property and the other condition doesn’t apply either, then the filming guidelines in Amarillo are very clear: you only need written permission from the property owner, not the local film office. Speaking of permits, you may be required to acquire some extra permits besides a general filming permit
Pyrotechnics Permit
for fire-based special effects, fireworks, gunfire, explosion, etc.
Animal Control Permit
for using animals, such as cats, dogs, and horses, in your film.
Aircraft Usage Permit
for using helicopters and assorted aircraft in your film project; additional insurance requirements also apply.
Drone Filming Permit
for using camera drones in your film project; FAA regulations and additional insurance requirements also apply.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
these permits are available at discounted rates after the verification of the filmmaker’s non-commercial or student status.
Permit Management in Amarillo
Amarillo Film Office
As discussed earlier, the authority for issuing general filming permits in Amarillo is the Amarillo Film Office, headed by the city’s film commissioner. You can reach out to the film office via phone at (806) 342-2017 or (806) 414-2576 or by email at sherman@visitamarillo.com. You can access the city’s film office online as well. They’ve got all the resources you’ll need for your project on their website. Feel free to check out the FAQ section for all the answers you may need to various concerns of filmmakers coming to the city. You only need a permit from the city if you plan on filming in public or require assistance from the local departments. If you’re filming on private premises, then the film office won’t get involved unless you require a liaison with any local departments.
Apart from issuing filming permits, the Amarillo Film Office will also help you with the following:
Scouting for filming venues.
Liaising with local, state-level, and federal agencies.
Communicating with numerous private entities in the city regarding your film project.
Acquiring any additional permits you may need for your filming.
Finding professionals for any special services needed on the set.
On top of this, you’ll also get help from the Texas Film Commission for your project in several ways:
You can secure financial assistance via their State Production Incentive (which gives tax credit returns up to 22.5%).
You can also benefit from their Media Production Development Zone Program.
Film productions are also given sales tax exemptions for all filming-related expenses.
You can also get refunds on certain expenses.
What Insurance Do I Need in Amarillo?
The production insurance requirements in Amarillo, as with all cities and states in the USA, are highly variable depending on the exact risk levels associated with your film project. Insurance is required because things can go bad without warning, even if the risk is only minimal on the surface.
Film projects involving stunts, car chases, aircraft, or watercraft obviously involve more risk than most other film projects. The chances of things taking a turn for the worse are much higher in such cases than in others. However, even if all seems well on the surface, one of your workers can suffer from a slip-and-fall, and that may also be the case with a third party. So, it’s important to understand the baseline requirements for insurance coverage before you start:
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 Amarillo?
We’ve discussed a fair deal about the filming laws in Amarillo, so now would be the best time to take a look at some of the most notable filming venues available for rent in the city. Amarillo is dotted with places of interest, such as the Big Texan Steak Ranch and the Cadillac Ranch, which means that you’ve got a ton of options for your film project.
Right off the bat, you’ve got purpose-built filming studios, both generic and themed – for instance, the Bright White Photography Studio & Event Space, as the name suggests, offers a vivid palette of colors, perfect contrast, and optimal lighting, perfect for film production and still photography. If you’re looking for a more formal space, then the Downtown Podcast Studio will be more up your alley – audio and lighting equipment are provided in the location. Another perfect example of a purpose-built facility for film production would be the Downtown Loft Studio which comes equipped with a light wall.
But if you’re looking for more natural settings that you can work into your film project, then you’ve got several options in that category too. For instance, the venue featuring a Parisian Room, Mediterranean Room, and Portrait Room is perfect for anyone looking for diverse themes. You also have destinations like the Gorgeous Ballroom, Inspiring Church Venue, and Luxurious Wedding Venue. All three of these are perfect for filming due to their vast interior space, bright atmosphere, inspiring ambiance, and perfect contrast. The same is also true for the Spacious Stage & Dance Hall, which has all the open space you need to get creative, or you can use it for what it is: a dance hall – if you're filming a musical. And there's this one venue that needs no explanation except that it is called "A Kick Ass Venue with Texas Hospitality” – could you ask for more?
Moving out in the sun, if we dare, you can find locations on a golf course that combines both the excitement of the sport and the delight of lush green displays from the indoor space. Other venues include residential spaces, such as the Stunning Home Venue, available for rent, possessing a modern luxury theme throughout, a top-tier chef-style kitchen, and a rainfall shower, among other things.
These are not even close to being the whole story – Amarillo is packed with some of the most premium filming venues in the area, both indoor and outdoor. You can also rent restaurants and bars for your film shoots. Whatever your needs may be, Giggster will help you find the most suitable and premium filming venues in your desired location, ensuring complete payment protection while you’re at it.
Special Requirements in Amarillo
Filming At The Amarillo Independent School District
Film productions need approval from the school board before they can be allowed to film at the Amarillo Independent School District, and here’s how you can do that:
You first need to prepare your proposal (a simple written application with all the important details will do).
Reach out to the school board online and arrange for a meeting in-person.
Email your proposal ahead and also bring a copy of it to the meeting to discuss your filming requirements with the school board.
Discuss the availability of the premises as per your schedule.
You may have to adjust your schedule according to that of the school.
Try to schedule your filming activities during the weekend, holidays, and vacations.
Discuss all the anticipated filming activities that will be conducted on the school’s premises.
Ask them for their insurance requirements, but $1 million in general liability should be enough in most cases.
After approval from the school board, you’ll have to get a permit from the Amarillo Film Office.
Filming At Neighborhood Parks
There are several neighborhood parks in the city, such as Memorial Park, Sam Houston Park, John Stiff Memorial Park, and Ellwood Park, and all of these are managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. There is a $25 fee for accessing neighborhood parks for filming, and you’ll also be obliged to follow all the park rules and regulations. Plus, if you need exclusive access to the park premises, be sure to mention this to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Filming At Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is based in the canyon of the same name that stretches for 120 miles through the Texas Panhandle area. You can visit the park in person and talk to the management about your proposal to film and seek their approval. The park is located at 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, and is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
You’ll have to discuss your proposal with park management and acquaint yourself with the park rules as well, and once you get their approval, no extra permits are needed. You might have to hire some officials from the park to monitor your film production activities and ensure on-site safety, so keep this in mind and set aside a budget for that. All park rules will also apply, and you’ll also have to pay the entry and parking fees as usual.
Filming At The Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is one of the most iconic local attractions. It’s an art installation featuring, as you might have guessed, several partly buried Cadillac cars with artwork on all of them. The setup was prepared by the Ant Farm art group in 1974. You can film here after approval from the city government, and they may require you to hire a production monitor, depending on the scale of your production.
Noise Regulations In Amarillo
Any use of noisy loudspeakers or the generation of noise otherwise in the public is strictly prohibited citywide between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. This means that you can’t use loudspeakers, keep your car engines running, turn on noisy power generators, detonate fake explosions, start fireworks, and such activities during this time. And doing so during the daylight hours is not preferable, but if you do have to, mention that in the notification posted to all affected residents.
Filming With Camera Drones
You are allowed to film with camera drones, but you need to ensure that the device won't be used to intrude on anyone's property, spy on anyone, or invade anyone's privacy. Also, you need to submit $2 million in liability insurance coverage before you can get your permit for using the camera drone and will also have to comply with the FAA regulations for the use of said drones.
What Does it Cost to Film in Amarillo?
Apart from the filming expenses and site rentals, there are other fees too that must be paid to the Amarillo Film Office and other local departments for their cooperation and support. As per the filming regulations in Amarillo, you’ll have to pay all of these fees via the Amarillo Film Office, including the fees that are not charged directly by the office. For the latter, the local departments will send their invoice to the film office, and they’ll share the details with you. Here’s a rough breakdown of the fees payable to the Amarillo Film Office: $50 is charged as permit application processing and review fee (per application). Any changes in the permit application (after submission) will cost you $40 as a change fee. If you wish to get a filming permit for a neighborhood park, an additional $25 fee is also applicable. Other than the fees mentioned above, there are some other fees as well that you must contend with, although there are fixed rates here, and you must pay as per your invoice: Hourly payments for traffic control services. Hourly payment for having a police officer on the filming set. Quote-based payment for renting police equipment for the filming. Hourly payments for having firefighters on the filming set. You’ll have to pay a refundable security deposit for your water connection and then pay depending on the usage. The department of transport will also charge you for any parking signs set up, depending on the number of signs and the duration of use. The same also applies to street closure fees.
Additional Fees
Providing meals on set and catering services for the crew during filming days is an expense to consider. Craft services like snacks and beverages are often required as well. Also, renting cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and other gear may incur expenses. Shipping or transporting specialized equipment to Amarillo can also add to the budget.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Amarillo?
The filming laws in Amarillo only apply to the geographical jurisdiction of the city, and luckily, there is no room for confusion here. Sitting in Potter County, in the Texas Panhandle grassland area, the city is surrounded by dense prairie landscapes that have remained relatively untouched through the centuries. There are no adjacent settlements bordering the city. However, no more than 20 miles to the northeast of the city lies the Canadian River. Nearby cities include Borger, Hereford, Pampa, Plainview, Canyon, Dumas, Clovis (New Mexico), and Guymon (Oklahoma).
Outreach in Amarillo
As per the Amarillo filming laws, you must notify all the affected residents and businesses about your activities at least two days before you start. This means those living or working close to where you’re filming. No need to conduct a local survey unless instructed to do so by the Amarillo Film Office; be sure to share a copy of the notification letter with the film office before posting it to all.
Community Management in Amarillo
Just steer clear of politics, and you should be fine. The people are generally warm and welcoming here, with true southern hospitality. The city has seen lots of cinematic work done in public, and the filming regulations in Amarillo also allow you to film in public spaces without many restrictions. Overall, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the locals as long as you don’t cause any excessive disturbance. It’s best to keep the noise levels down and respect people’s privacy as much as possible.
Conclusion
We’ve seen just how simple the filming guidelines are in Amarillo, and this goes to show that the city has a pro-filmmaker policy. Overall, there’s much to be impressed with in Amarillo. Sitting on top of the largest helium fields in the whole wide world, the city is also sometimes proclaimed as the "Helium Capital of the World" by the locals. Today, the city is the 14th biggest in terms of population in the state and has the biggest meat-packing facilities nationwide. While this may not be enough to help it stand shoulder-to-shoulder with major metropolitan areas like Houston, it has allowed Amarillo to gain exposure in the cinematic world.
Movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Utopia Means Nowhere are perfect examples of what this city has to offer. With numerous filming venues available for rent, a cooperative local community, and a highly resourceful film office in the equation, Amarillo is the perfect filming destination for anyone, regardless of the scale of production. Plus, there are several incentive programs set in place by the Texas Film Commission to promote state-wide film production. Lastly, if you need to find the best local filming venues, you know you can always count on Giggster.
Check out our listings now!