City Guide Filming in Bellevue, WA
Production Permit Fees
Minimum Insurance
- At least $1 million in commercial general liability coverage per incident and $2 million annual aggregate.
- Workers' Compensation by the Washington Labor Code.
- Employer Liability Insurance of at least $1 million for any occurrence
- Automobile Liability of at least $1 million for every vehicle used in the shoot. A Non-owned Auto Endorsement to your General Liability Policy is sufficient if you use rental automobiles or other vehicles you do not own.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Organized through Special Events Committee where needed.
Discounts
About Bellevue
It should be no surprise that the City of Bellevue has been the location for numerous films. After all, it is only a few miles east of Seattle in Western Washington. Now and then, Hollywood reaches out to the city and uses the natural forest land, beaches, and mountains to help tell a magnificent story. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, The Vanishing, The Chocolate War, Mad Love, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Nishabdham are a few films shot in the city.
Bellevue has been a film production center for iconic films, engaging TV programs, and successful commercial campaigns. It is a delight to film in a picturesque city with friendly locals.
Many filmmakers, from high-profile producers to indie visionaries, have been drawn to Bellevue's distinguishing features. With its breathtaking splendor and culturally hip and smart urban heart, it offers a diverse range of inspiring surroundings. The blend of sophistication and livability draws the best talent, crews, and innovators. You'll be amazed by the variety of casting options and pleased by the industry's hardest-working crews.
However, you'll also need the appropriate filming permits and permission to shoot a film in Bellevue. You must follow the Bellevue filming guidelines to avoid trouble with the authorities.
With a reputation like this, it's no wonder Giggster researched great locations to shoot films in Bellevue so you can have all the best spots curated in one place.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Bellevue?
Using motion pictures, sound recording, videotaping, or other audio recording or moving image equipment on public land involving actors, sets, models, and props may necessitate a permit in the City of Bellevue.
Dangerous stunts
Display of real or artificial weaponry
Filming at night in a residential area with an external light
Filming on public property. Unless you are filming protests, rallies, or demonstrations.
Filming that necessitates the use of barricades, street closures, lane closures, or sidewalk closures.
Making use of a portable structure, such as a stage
Pyrotechnics or any other form of explosives
Water effects, flame effects, or smoke effects
Use of any equipment that may cause harm to public property
Use of City intellectual property
Car chases and/or accidents
Permit Management in Bellevue
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee issues special event permits for any production shooting on public property inside city borders. Bellevue adopted a special events policy in 1994, recognizing the significant societal benefits of special events and the necessity to ensure the safe and efficient execution of these events.
If you are planning a special event in Bellevue, you must file a special event form of intent at least 90 days before your film production date. The Special Events Committee will decide if your film production activities qualify as a special event, which necessitates permits and planning to reduce the impact on city streets and parks. Even if the event is not "special," the committee may impose permits and fees.
You can apply for your permit after you've completed the appropriate surveys and shown confirmation of insurance. Any payments owed to the City of Bellevue must be paid when the permit is issued.
In addition, Washington Filmworks (WF) is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation that also oversees the film production incentive program as well as a variety of resources for Washington State's creative industries, including Bellevue. Washington Filmworks' objective is to provide economic development opportunities by strengthening and expanding Washington State's film industry's competitiveness, sustainability, and profile.
What Insurance Do I Need in Bellevue?
In the filmmaking industry, film production insurance is required. Film production insurance is created to safeguard film production companies or other film-related initiatives against costly liability claims. You'll want to be covered if something is broken, lost, or stolen. If someone becomes injured or ill, you'll want to be covered for that as well. Film production insurance is beneficial to everyone involved, not just the production company.
Legitimate evidence of insurance coverage is required for any production getting a film permit in Bellevue. At a bare minimum, the Special Events Committee requires the following:
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 Bellevue?
The City of Bellevue has its distinct cultural location while also having the ability to morph into other major metropolitan areas when necessary. Not to mention, Bellevue has demonstrated its commitment to action films by shutting down major streets and even an entire interstate to allow film productions.
The downtown area of Bellevue is home to many of the city's attractions, which include the attractive Bellevue Downtown Park. The 21-acre Bellevue Downtown Park was conceived in 1984, and it now serves as an open space among the urban sprawl and remains an essential feature of the Bellevue community. This picturesque public spot features a constant waterfall sculpture and lush green grass, all framed by the metropolitan skyline. Art museums, shopping malls, and various local restaurants are among other unique downtown spots perfect for film production.
Aside from that, playgrounds and picnic spots may be found beside a reflecting pool, glittering waterfalls, and outdoor performance venues, with views of the city skyline and Mount Rainier in the distance. And the allure of Bellevue extends beyond the city core, particularly in the shape of natural parks. The Pacific Northwest beckons to be discovered within and around the municipal borders, with locations such as Mercer Slough and Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
Meydenbauer Beach Park is a hidden treasure and marks an essential milestone in the city's history. This region was previously the landing site for ferries sailing from Seattle, located on Meydenbauer Bay on the shoreline of Lake Washington. This ancient ferry stop was critical in the growth of Bellevue.
The scenic Lake Sammamish borders the eastern boundary of Bellevue's bounds and offers good outdoor locations for film production. Its picturesque coastlines and reflected waters, dwarfed to the west by Lake Washington, provide numerous settings possibilities for filmmakers.
Special Requirements in Bellevue
Right-of-Way Street Use Permits
Unless specified on the permit, Right-of-Way Street Use permits are valid for one month. The applicant must apply for a new permit and pay new application and processing fees if the approved film production activities are not completed on or before the expiration date.
Additional information and permissions may be necessary if the property contains or is next to key regions (wetlands, streams and stream buffers, geologic hazard areas, and floodplains).
Bellevue Parks
When you sign the agreement part of the filming permit form, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to abide by the Bellevue Park Use Guidelines.
Request Forms are processed in the order in which they are received. It is best to book a reservation as soon as possible. Request forms received fewer than ten days before the requested date will not be handled, and payment will be returned.
Shooting a film in the Bellevue Parks requires an insurance policy that includes General Liability insurance of at least $1/$2 million, $1 million Auto Liability, and Workers' Compensation as established by the state of Washington.
Following receipt of payment, your production will be given a filming permit that states the date, time, and location for the usage of the scheduled park. The remainder of the park will be open to the public.
Fees are refunded (less than the permit fee) if the Bellevue Park usage is canceled after the filming permit is issued. The agency receives written notice two working days before production.
Bellevue Botanical Garden
Depending on availability, small groups (up to 25 people total, including the photographer and their team) may use Bellevue Botanical Garden for film production. Permits are required and must be requested at least one week before the day of the shoot by phone or email.
Most permits can be obtained with as little as five days' notice; however, the time required to get a permit depends on the scope of production in the park.
The City of Bellevue, its workers, officials, and volunteers must be labeled Certificate Holder and Additional Insured. The City requires General Liability of at least $1 million per event, with a total limit of $2 million.
What Does it Cost to Film in Bellevue?
The City of Bellevue special event permit comes with various fees depending on the scope of your film production and location. The Special Events Committee decides on event conditions and prices, and they can work with you and your budget to suit your production's needs while minimizing these fees. You must pay these fees before getting any other permits from the city agencies. Acquiring permits and obtaining personnel, such as fire service or street closure management, may involve charges. For instance, all fees must be paid before getting a permit, which costs $50 per day. You will also need to pay the following commercial use fees for the parks:
Additional Fees
Refunds are available if the usage is canceled after the filming permit is issued and your written notice is received at least two business days before the usage. Also, these fees may be changed at any moment, and the consequences of not following Bellevue regulations can be severe. So be sure to budget for everything you'll need to film in Bellevue to avoid breaking the city's rules.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Bellevue?
Bellevue is a refined, metropolitan neighborhood dotted with skyscrapers. Although it did not incorporate until 1953 and has witnessed most of its rapid expansion since then, its history as an inland harbor, farming hub, and milling town dates back many decades. Bellevue, Washington's fifth-largest city, has a population of 145,300 people. Bellevue is the Eastside's retail and high-tech hub, with several thousands of jobs and a downtown skyline of shimmering high-rises. Because of its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and strong economy, Bellevue has repeatedly been rated one of the best mid-sized communities in the country.
While Bellevue's main business district is booming, much of the city retains a small-town feel, with blooming, wooded neighborhoods and a large trail network. Bellevue is known as a city in a park because it boasts over 100 parks. Bellevue has a wide range of retail options, and the Bellwether arts festival draws artists from all over the United States. Bellevue's agrarian traditions are celebrated at Kelsey Creek Farm Park during annual fairs in the spring and fall. On the last weekend of July, people visit the downtown area of Bellevue for arts and crafts festivals.
The city encompasses more than 33 square miles and is situated between Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington, just a short distance from the Cascade Mountains. The 320-acre Mercer Slough Nature Park in the city allows people to kayak within the view of downtown. The population is growing and changing.
Outreach in Bellevue
The City of Bellevue welcomes film production, citizens, and businesses to feel the same way. The majority of complaints the city receives are from businesses and people who believe they were not given proper notice or that the notice did not adequately reflect the filming activity. That is why Bellevue’s Special Events Committee requires production companies to notify the community members where they intend to shoot their films.
With the notification, your film production will proceed seamlessly, and the community will likely invite you back for your next project. When sending out a notice in the community of your filming activity, ensure your notifications include the time of arrival of your production crew, the filming hours, the time of departure, a general description of the impact (vehicle or pedestrian control, street parking, equipment on streets or sidewalks), and a map showing the film production impacts.
The Special Events Committee may demand sign-off agreements from neighbors within the production footprint for productions that will impact a neighborhood, businesses, and residents or that will operate outside of ordinary working hours. The agency may also add conditions to the event plan based on public feedback.
Community Management in Bellevue
While the general public may be familiar with film production activities in Bellevue, and there can be an innate excitement about having a production in their neighborhood, the excitement might swiftly fade if residents and businesses are unclear about what to expect when the movie comes to town. Hosting films regularly can impact neighbors who may not receive direct financial rewards.
It is easy to excite a community, but it is even easier to disappoint them if they are not well-informed and the production causes discomfort. For instance, if night shooting is involved, what precautions are taken to ensure that residents are not kept up all night? Is a hotel room being offered to those closest?
They often have a lot to say about the continuous filming activity in their neighborhood, and if they are unhappy, they may attempt to stop or interrupt your production. The local community is also a fantastic asset. The more help you receive, the happier and more successful the project will be. You might also want to consider ways to compensate the community for the inconvenience, such as donating to local organizations.
Conclusion
Film producers often evaluate where the concentration of film crew and talent in their project genre is situated when choosing a location. Fortunately for filmmakers, the City of Bellevue has developed an incredible talent network of highly qualified individuals. Bellevue offers diverse locations, including sunny beaches, hillside panoramas, intriguing and culturally diverse street scenes, and meticulously created sound stages and sets.
The best thing film producers can do to take advantage of the best incentives and choose the perfect location in the City of Bellevue is to start budgeting early. Give it time to learn about different filming regulations and laws and what is offered before deadlines pile up.
The Special Events Committee and Washington Filmworks will advise you on the best way to apply for filming permits and handle all of the legal, financial, and administrative fees associated with the process.