City Guide Filming in Athens, GA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by the Public Information Office
- Film Permit Application Fee: To be determined by the Public Information Office
Minimum Insurance
- Insurance minimums are determined on a case-by-case basis
- Name Athens-Clarke County as an additional insured
- Indemnify and hold harmless Athens-Clarke County from all claims that arise from your production
- Police and Fire Requirements: The Public Information Office liaises with the city agencies on behalf of the filmmakers based on the project details and provides the information to the filmmakers.
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Athens
The city of Athens, officially known as the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, is a prestigious filming location that has attracted a wide range of production crews for many decades. In addition, the city is also a top destination for lovers of arts and culture, history buffs, music and entertainment aficionados, and tourists from all over the world. Popular for the dozens of bulldog statues on display all around town, Athens-Clarke County is one of those cities where you will never run out of beautiful sights and sounds that will make any time spent here worth it.
Filmmaking in Athens-Clarke County, which lies about 70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, is a delight on so many levels. First off, producers can take advantage of tax credits of up to 30% on their production costs thanks to the Film, Television, and Digital Entertainment Tax Credit initiative by the state of Georgia. Moreover, the abundance of spectacular filming locations here also makes the city attractive for filmmakers. Interestingly, the 1940 movie The Green Hand, in which the students and staff of the University of Georgia and the local townspeople were heavily featured, kick-started film production in the city and led to the fame that Athens now has in the film production industry.
Check out some of the projects filmed in this Camera-Ready city like Road Trip (2000), Trouble with the Curve (2012), The Spectacular Now (2013), The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008), Good Eats (1999–2012), Cobb (1994), Greased Lightning (1977), Not Since You (2009), and Trading Spaces (2000), or review a comprehensive list of Athens’ filmography. Go ahead and find the fitting locations for your next production in Athens now on Giggster.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Athens?
Generally, the majority of the filmmakers that visit Athens-Clarke County do not require a film permit. This is because the filming laws in Athens allow filmmakers to shoot non-commercial and commercial production on most of the private and public properties in the city without having to first get a film permit from the city’s Public Information Office. However, certain circumstances still require some form of permit or approval.
You must obtain prior authorization if your production in the city will involve any of the following:
You will close sidewalks, streets, or lanes because of your production. You will film on roads managed by the city. You will film on roads managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation. You will film in city parks. You will film at a local government facility. You will film with drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Permit Management in Athens
Public Information Office
The Public Information Office in Athens-Clarke County is the government agency that oversees the process of accepting, reviewing, and issuing film permits to production companies that wish to film in the city. As the Camera Ready Liaison for productions in the city, the Public Information Office supports filmmakers with resources and information about what they need for a successful project in Athens.
Start your permit application process by completing the Film Project Information Form. You will be required to provide the following details about your proposed project:
The nature of your project and your contact details.
The production schedule.
The location ownership (e.g., public property or private property).
Your public space needs (e.g., parking spaces, airport, park, public street, government facility, etc.).
The site map.
Special considerations such as firearm use, fireworks or pyrotechnics, amplified sound, drone filming, moving vehicle filming, etc.
The number of crew and their roles.
The number and type(s) of production vehicles.
After you complete and submit the information form, the designated liaison will assess your production requirements and contact you on the next steps for your planning. Prepare to cover the fees and costs associated with your production and provide adequate insurance to cover all liabilities that apply to your project.
What Insurance Do I Need in Athens?
In Athens, every filmmaker is required to provide liability insurance that conforms to the production insurance requirements of the city. Each insurance requirement is treated on a case-by-case basis. The general insurance requirements for filming in Athens are as follows:
The certificate of insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the production.
You must name Athens-Clarke County as an additional insured.
You shall indemnify and hold harmless Athens-Clarke County from all claims that arise from your production.
The comprehensive liability you will provide for your film project will be determined by the Risk Management Division of Athens-Clarke County as soon as you submit the film project information form.
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 Athens?
Athens is home to plenty of modern attractions as well as fascinating indoor and outdoor locations for film production. From beautiful parks to art centers and galleries, museums, trails, a botanical garden, historic houses, and districts, this city is an enticing space for producers of TV shows, music videos, feature films, documentaries, and any other project.
If you fancy filming within park areas, feel free to check out Sandy Creek Park, Walker Park, and Oconee Rivers Greenway, to name a few of the picturesque parks here. You will have abundant opportunities to shoot on trails too here because the city is replete with hiking, biking, and multi-use trails. The State Botanical Garden and nature centers in the city also present nature in its most pristine form.
As a popular and vibrant arts scene, Athens-Clarke County also stands out because of the presence of structures such as the Georgia Museum of Art, the Lyndon House Arts Center, Ciné, The Classic Center Theatre, UGA Performing Arts Center, and UGA Fine Arts Theatre. Together these places feature thousands of unique works of art and several brilliant displays.
If you are looking to showcase the history of Athens-Clarke County, make a stop at the Ware-Lyndon House, a Greek Revival home that comprises artifacts and features that tell lots of historical accounts. You could also check out the Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum that’s considered the oldest surviving residence in the city. You will also find a lot of Georgia’s cultural history exhibited in the Richard B. Russell Building.
As for the architectural landscape, Athens-Clarke County’s neighborhoods showcase a wide variety of building styles. The Boulevard area, for instance, is popular for its mansion-sized historic houses and reflects the late 19th-century suburb building styles that were prevalent when it was established. Cobbham, the city’s earliest suburb, is made up of Victorian houses and antebellum homes. The Timothy Road area consists of a blend of colonial homes and modern buildings, all within a quiet suburban landscape.
Special Requirements in Athens
Athens
For productions that require security, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department will determine the number of security officers, guards, and police officers for the project while the filmmaker will bear the cost of their services.
The filmmaker is wholly responsible for making necessary arrangements for vehicle parking during production – crew, personal, and production vehicles. Abide by all parking ordinances, regulations, and rules in effect in the city.
To film with drones, comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s policies on the use of unmanned aircraft systems.
Athens City Parks
If you intend to film in any of the 2,000 acres of space occupied by city parks in Athens-Clarke County, complete and submit the request form to the Leisure Services Department. If you have any questions, feel free to reach the Department via phone or email. The majority of the parks operate between sunrise and sunset, so ensure you align your schedule with the park’s operational hours.
Athens-Clarke County-managed roads
To film on roads managed by the city, you must complete a Lane/Street/Sidewalk Closure Form and Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit. The following conditions also apply:
Submit the Lane/Street/Sidewalk Closure Form to the T&PW Engineering Division by noon on Thursday of the week before production and pay the $60 fee by check or cash.
Send a notification to the property owners adjacent to the road(s) at least twenty-four hours before the start of production.
Ensure that property owners have access to driveways and sidewalks.
Provide work zone safety that meets the standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Attach a copy of your traffic control plan to your request.
Protect all existing utilities and be prepared to cover the costs of any damages resulting from production.
Indemnify and hold harmless the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government from all liabilities.
Local Government Facility
To shoot production in a local government facility like the City Hall, complete the Facility Use Application and provide the application to Athens-Clarke County at least five business days before the date you intend to use the facility. Do not submit your request earlier than thirty days before filming either. There are fees to pay as well to cover facility use, personnel services, and processing costs. You may also be required to pay a refundable deposit.
Georgia Department of Transportation-managed roads
To shoot production on roads managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), complete a Right of Way permit request no later than 48 hours before production. Some requests may take longer to process, so apply as early as possible. Some of the requirements are highlighted below:
Notify residents and businesses that will be affected by production in non-interstate locations at least 48 hours before production.
Provide proof of insurance before the start of filming. The DOT will provide the required minimums based on the nature of the production and the potential impact.
Prepare to pay any fees that the DOT deems necessary for production.
If you have questions about requirements or special needs for your production, reach out to Shane Giles, Johnathan Peevy, or Jason Dykes.
The University of Georgia
You must obtain written permission from the University of Georgia before you can shoot films on campus. The Division of Marketing and Communications oversees the film permit process and reviews all applications to shoot production at the University. These are the requirements to fulfill:
Submit a Location Request Application no later than 30 days before the first filming date. Look out for an email from the Marketing and Communications office that confirms that your application is received and will be reviewed.
Coordinate production logistics (parking, road closures, production dates, etc.) with the Marketing and Communications Division for approval at least seven days before the date of filming.
Sign a location agreement at least seven business days before the start of filming.
Provide a certificate of insurance that covers comprehensive general liability in the amounts required by the University and name the University of Georgia as an additional insured.
Pay the production fees:
Major motion pictures cost $6,000 per day per site (Full day location fee).
Major motion pictures cost $3,000 per day per site (Half-day location fee).
Motion pictures, TV shows, and Commercials cost $3,500 per day per site (Full day location fee).
Motion pictures, TV shows, and Commercials cost $1,750 per day per site (Full day location fee).
Georgia Museum of Art
To schedule any events or film production activities at the Georgia Museum of Art, contact the Museum via email or phone with your request and details of your proposed production.
What Does it Cost to Film in Athens?
The Public Information Office in Athens-Clarke County treats applications for a film permit and provides production cost information to filmmakers on a case-by-case basis. In addition, all the costs associated with personnel of the Police Department, Fire Department, and other city personnel are covered by filmmakers. If there are damages incurred because of the production activity in the city, it is the production company’s responsibility to cover the cost.
Additional Fees
Additional fees might apply if you're using specific public or private locations for filming. Some places might charge location fees or require payments for the use of their facilities or spaces.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Athens?
The city of Athens is surrounded by several municipalities and counties. The bordering counties are Oglethorpe to the east, Jackson and Madison to the north, Barrow to the west, and Oconee to the southwest. Neighboring municipalities are Watkinsville (south), Ashland (southwest), Bogart (west), Attica (northwest), Nicholson (north), Colbert and Danielsville (northeast), Winterville (east), Crawford and Lexington (southeast). Watkinsville To film in Watkinsville, a filmmaker must abide by the film ordinances in effect in Oconee County, complete the film permit form and submit it as early as possible. You need to provide additional information with the application too, such as: Special requests for the production like street and lane closures, smoke effects, pyrotechnic effects, etc. Services you require during filming like police assistance, parks, fire department personnel, parking, etc. Special effects you intend to use like smoke, fire, pyrotechnics, vehicle use, simulated weapons, jumping or falling from heights, etc. A hold harmless agreement. Furthermore, you may be required to pay certain fees for the production and provide a certificate of insurance in line with the county’s insurance requirements. Contact the County office via phone or email for further information about film permit requirements. Madison If you wish to film on private property in Madison, you do not require a film permit from the city unless the production poses a threat to public health, welfare, or safety. On the other hand, you need a film permit to shoot production on streets, right-of-way, public property, public parks, and facilities in the city. Complete the film permit application form and submit it with a non-refundable application fee at least five days before the date of production. When the city receives the application, it will be passed on to appropriate city departments for review, evaluation, investigation, and recommendations on approval or denial of a permit. Take note of the following additional filmmaking requirements in Madison: Filmmakers must sign a Property Use Agreement before the film permit can be issued. Film production that disrupts normal traffic flow requires the presence of off-duty, POST-certified police officers. Any costs for the use of police officers during production are borne by the filmmaker. Film production with pyrotechnics or open flames requires the approval of the Fire Department. If it is necessary to have additional city personnel or services on hand during production, it will be determined while the application review is in progress and the filmmaker will be duly notified and required to pay for the services. Provide a certificate of insurance with umbrella liability of $1,000,000 and automobile insurance of $1,000,000 and name the city of Madison as an additional insured. The city may require a refundable cash bond. Notify the residents and businesses that will be impacted by filming at least five business days before the date that filming is scheduled to start. If the production will have a significant impact on the neighborhood, the notification period may be longer than five business days. Filming in residential areas is allowed between 7 am and 11 pm on weekdays and Sundays. Under special circumstances, filming is allowed between 7 am and 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays. If film production will negatively impact businesses, the filmmaker must provide compensation to those affected. Barrow County Filmmakers can shoot production in Barrow County because it is a Camera Ready Community. Reach out to the Economic Development Unit in the county for information about the filming requirements and assistance with your film needs
Outreach in Athens
Based on the filming laws in Athens-Clarke County, filmmakers are to notify the residents and businesses in the surrounding area of the filming production site about the scheduled project by sending out a notification ahead of time. Contact all affected at least 48 hours ahead to ensure that the locals are adequately informed and prepared. Ensure you include information about your production dates and times, locations, contact person and details, etc. to make it easy for recipients to ask follow-up questions, if necessary.
Community Management in Athens
Endeavor to carry the local community along as your production progresses by engaging them when the opportunity arises through meetings and forums that allow conversations about community development. When there is the need to compensate businesses or residents that are negatively impacted by any aspect of the project, ensure that it is done through the proper channels. In addition, take note of special areas in the neighborhood so that you can take extra care when in such areas. Examples include schools, hospitals, religious centers, etc.
Conclusion
The bulldog statues in Athens-Clarke County stand out because you will not find such beauties anywhere else. In the same way, film production in this city is remarkable. Since filming started here in 1939, there has been no turning back, and the city has kept playing host to different kinds of producers looking for that special something for their project.
If you would like to shoot production in Athens, reach out to the Public Information Office with your inquiries. The Public Information Office will let you know the exact permits and approvals you require for your project. Where payment is required, you must complete payment without delays. You can rest assured that you will leave Athens looking forward to your next visit for film production.