City Guide Filming in Cincinnati, OH
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Cost (10 Day Prior Application): $200 for residents & $250 for non-residents
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 Million
- Worker’s Compensation: As Per Ohio’s Labor Code
- Automobile Liability: $1 Million Per Incident
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 Million
- Watercraft Liability: $1 Million
- Drone Insurance: $2 Million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 Million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 Million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: To be organized by the film production
Discounts
- Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit: 30% tax refund
About Cincinnati
Located in the state of Ohio, Cincinnati is just north of the point of confluence of the Ohio and Licking rivers. It is the third largest city in Ohio and is fairly densely populated with an impressive array of buildings and landscapes throughout. The neighboring riversides are just as impressive, and you'll find all sorts of filming locations both within the city and in the near vicinity.
Indoor and outdoor options abound, and you may find them much more impressive than anticipated. The city itself is no stranger to the arrival of filming crews and gets its fair share of screen time in Hollywood – some notable cinematic successes filmed here are My Days of Mercy, The Avengers, Airborne, Wrong Turn, Rain Man, A Rage in Harlem, The Ides of March, Milk Money, Dark Waters, The Public, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Though the city may not be as big of an economic giant as Chicago and many others that were once dwarfed by it, it is still a center of culture (much of it established by German-speaking immigrants). The filming scene here is very promising, with a ton of opportunities and perks given to filmmakers, especially since the local film office, Film Cincinnati, is actively seeking to promote economic growth in the city by welcoming filmmakers from all over.
The filming guidelines in Cincinnati are not the strictest, and you can manage your film production here with relative ease if you stick with the rules and seek help from Film Cincinnati as and when needed. As always, Giggster offers a plethora of unique and top-rated local filming destinations that you can pick from, so be sure to browse through our list of filming locations in Cincinnati and take your pick when you find whatever it is you’re looking for!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Cincinnati?
Getting a filming permit is a necessity for any film production operating in Cincinnati - no exceptions. The Ohio Film Office does not issue permits on its own but instead operates with several subsidiaries under its canopy, including Film Cincinnati, which operates as a non-profit organization. You can get your permit from the latter, and their contact information is also available on the former's website along with that of other local film commissions operating in Ohio. Whenever in doubt about who will issue your film permit in a certain specific area (let's say outside the jurisdiction of Cincinnati but nearby), you can always reach out to the Ohio Film Office for specific guidance.
Student Filming Permits
Student filming permits usually come at discounted prices and with no insurance requirements on part of the filming crew.
Pyrotechnic Permits
Pyrotechnic permits are needed when explosives and special effects are part of the script; these permits are issued after a thorough evaluation from the fire department.
Permit Management in Cincinnati
Film Cincinnati
This is the only area where you’ll need to do your research and get the concerned authorities on board. Film Cincinnati is the go-to film office for the city and issues permit for projects where applicable. However, in other cases, you may need to contact specific departments and administrations for permission to film in a certain area and pay their fees for the permit. For private locations, you only need the permission of the property owner (but be sure to still check in with Film Cincinnati); however, for public spaces, you’ll have to get in touch with the concerned departments.
You may not get exclusive access to public spaces, though. For that, you’ll have to state the requirement specifically in your request. Permit fees may be charged for the duration of filming, such as is the case with filming in the Anderson Park District. In other cases, you may need special filming permits from the local police departments. If you feel like you’re having trouble managing all your filming expenses, including the permit fees, you can always reach out to the Ohio Film Office and see if you qualify for their Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit program. This program offers up to 30% refunds as tax credits to filmmakers. If getting filming permits in Cincinnati seems complicated, you can always reach out to their staff for specific guidance.
It only takes a phone call or email to get the necessary information, though this may seem a bit bothersome, do keep in mind that filming without a permit in Ohio is illegal. Your production may run into lots of trouble if you violate the legal requirements. Also, the state of Ohio follows the one-party consent law for filming, which means that you can’t film somewhere unless at least one party involved gives its full consent to the filming (secret filming for documentaries must be avoided).
What Insurance Do I Need in Cincinnati?
As with any other city, Cincinnati too has a list of production insurance requirements. While in many cases, insurance requirements may be minimal, for big productions, the coverage must be extended. Production insurance is needed to reimburse the parties involved in any accident during the filming or due to the filming activity. Though the level of risk may be almost non-existent, you still need to be sure that your filming activity is insured to avoid any troubles.
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 Cincinnati?
We’ve begun exploring the Cincinnati filming laws, especially about getting your hands on a permit and the insurance requirements that come with it. But what about the filming venues? Well, there you’ve hit the jackpot!
Cincinnati is loaded with all sorts of indoor and outdoor venues that would go perfectly with the theme of your film. One example is the Creative Multipurpose Space in Cincinnati which is both well-lit and boasts a decent contrast level for the film screen. For something more themed, you can try the Exposed Brick Industrial Building, which delivers a unique and themed experience; though it is very specific, this might be exactly what someone might need for their film. The same can be said for Planet Dance Cincinnati, which offers a spacious sunbathed space with excellent colors in the background.
Or perhaps something like the Elegant Clean Space in Cincinnati might be up your alley? If so, you can’t go wrong with the Gorgeous Zen Yoga & Meditation Studio as well, which also features a finely made fireplace. Going back to themed spaces, you can try something like the Italian and Greek Renaissance Revival Mansion, which has impressive classic-style interiors, the kind you see in films inspired by the olden days. Plus, the nearby lawns are lush, sunbathed, and one of a kind. This place combines both the allure of Renaissance-inspired architecture and the premium location where it stands.
Another themed option is The Lamp Factory which works perfectly for horror and thriller-type titles. Remember the set from the movie Saw (the original one)? You can make something of that sort with this place, or you can feature it as a regular factory in your film – the choice is yours. The Hilltop Manor is a premium filming location, much like the mansion we discussed earlier, and in this case, you'll get even better background views – after all, it is a hilltop house. But if you want to combine the artistic glow of the Victorian period with something more down-to-earth, cost-wise, then you can try the Light-filled Converted Victorian Event Space. And the options don’t end here, you can try both outdoor and indoor locales, both generic and themed ones for every budget and production crew size.
Special Requirements in Cincinnati
Special Requirements In Cincinnati
Filming in certain areas, such as school districts, parks, and so on, involves additional requirements on top of the general filming regulations in Cincinnati. In many cases, you'll have to seek extra permission from the site administrators before you can shoot there. In other cases, some locations outside the city's boundary may be owned by the city government.
Filming In The Cincinnati Public School District
You’ll have to reach out to the Cincinnati Public School District management first of all and submit your application for filming permission on the school premises. This has to be at least a month (but ideally earlier) before your filming schedule. Once you get the approval from the school board, reach out to Film Cincinnati to complete the rest of the process and then you can begin shooting.
You will need to provide general liability coverage of $1,000,000 minimum.
Filming in Anderson Park (And Other City Parks & Park Districts)
Filming is allowed in Anderson Park, but you'll need to file a written request alongside proof of insurance ($1 million in general liability with the park as additionally insured) 10 days before the scheduled shoot or earlier. You can file your request later as well, but getting the permission is less likely in the latter case, and the permit cost will also be higher (if you do get the permission).
Filming In Nearby State Parks
For filming in a nearby state park, such as the Coney Island Park, Raccoon Hollow Shelter, or Rapid Run Woods, you'll have to reach out to the Ohio Film Office, since state parks are state-owned properties. OFO will link you up with the concerned subsidiary and help you get a permit. You will additionally need permission from the state park management, to pay entry and parking fees, and also pay by the hour for park officials stationed on the set for monitoring.
40-Hour Film Project/Challenge
If you're interested in Cincinnati because of the 40-hour film project, then rest assured that such projects do come up regularly in the city; the most recent one concluded in July 2022 and it is expected to happen again next year. Their entry requirements are stated very clearly on their website.
City-Owned Properties Outside The City Limits
You’ll need permission from the city administration to film in these areas (even though they fall outside the city boundaries):
French Park, Amberley Village
Blue Ash Airport Runway (Now Disused), Blue Ash
Cincinnati Southern Railway
What Does it Cost to Film in Cincinnati?
You’ll have to consider things other than the filming regulations in Cincinnati as well, for instance, the cost of filming in public spaces. Besides the site rental, the costs of hiring professionals, and rental costs for equipment, you also need to take care of permit fees and costs and other associated costs. Here, you’ll have to dig a bit on your end as well, since Film Cincinnati does not give a transparent account for the costs involved simply because there are several variables involved. But here we’ll highlight the permit fees and associated costs for filming in Anderson Park District, Cincinnati to give you a frame of reference for the costs involved:
Additional Fees
If your film requires departmental monitoring on the set, you’ll have to pay the workers and officers involved by the hour as per the proscribed rates, although they may vary depending on the rank of the officer involved and the duration of the duty:
You don’t have to dole out all your film funds here, especially if yours is a small-level production. Instead, you can apply for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit program, if you are eligible, and secure 30% refunds on your taxes as a credit. Also, most of the aforementioned costs won't apply if you film with a small crew and on private property.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Cincinnati?
Cincinnati features several low ridges, bluffs, and hills; geographically speaking, it is situated by the riverside, almost midway from Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, and Cairo. To the south lies the Ohio-Licking river confluence, and this is where the city sprouted originally; today, the city's downtown is the nearest to this confluence. The city incorporates three municipalities within its span: Saint Bernard, Norwood, and Elmwood Place. To the north of the city lie Sharonville, Springdale, and Blue Ash. To the east Milford, and the west is occupied by Bridgetown North. As mentioned earlier, the city is bordered by the river confluence to the south.
Outreach in Cincinnati
You’ll only need to reach out to the people if you’re filming in a public space and it affects the people living there. If that is the case, as per the filming regulations in Cincinnati, you’ll have to reach out to all the affected residents and business owners and ask for their express permission to film nearby. You’ll need to show your excitement, apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused, and show your schedule in writing (also mention if there will be any road closures). Once you get the people’s consent (from the affected areas/neighborhoods), you can further the process with Film Cincinnati.
Community Management in Cincinnati
Of all the cities in the USA, Cincinnati ranks number 8 as the friendliest! The people are warm and welcoming, and they have witnessed production crews come and go before as well. If you plan on shooting on public property, hopefully, there won’t be much trouble on your end. People here are generally open-minded and are easy to talk to. Just be sure to express your excitement and you’ll surely receive positive responses from those around you.
Conclusion
Cincinnati offers it all – a varied cityscape with each building more impressive than the one preceding it, a friendly population, and tons of scenic locations.
If you're a budding filmmaker, nothing can be better than having a welcoming atmosphere surrounding you and being able to pick from several premium-themed filming destinations. This is what Cincinnati offers! Granted, the technical formalities and documentation (as per the filming guidelines in Cincinnati) can get tedious at times, but it's not like you don't have any help — Film Cincinnati is always eager to support film production in the city and will offer complete support to you and your staff as and when needed — reach out to them when you need information/help. The city presents a unique charm, and its southern climate adds to this effect.
Filmmakers are generally welcomed in Ohio because of the impressive ambiance and the state's policy to promote filming in the area. With tax refunds, for instance, Ohio presents itself as a cost-effective and welcoming place for filmmakers overall. Plus, Cincinnati hosts several filmmaking projects/competitions, and that's why you're headed there (or maybe you're a resident filmmaker). Whatever your reason, if you're looking for a film-friendly place to produce your next big thing, you can't go wrong with Cincinnati. The city will add its allure to every frame with its premium locations and breathtaking views.
Giggster is here, as always, to help you find the most premium and sought-after filming destinations in and near Cincinnati. You will find something that resonates with your script from our vast list of options!