City Guide Filming in Dallas, TX
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability of at least $1,000,000 per incident and $2,000,000 for aggregate.
- Automobile Liability of at least $500,000 covering any automobile used for the shoot. If the activity involves car chases or stunts, you must submit at least an automobile liability insurance of $3,000,000 per occurrence.
- Pyrotechnic Liability Insurance of at least $3,000,000 if you plan on using explosives, pyrotechnics, or other special effects.
- Aircraft Liability insurance of at least $5,000,000 for any aircraft used.
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Dallas
Dallas has long possessed an iconic allure. From American business titans to gridiron cowboys, this amazing city has a long list of familiar names among its renowned people. However, Dallas' star power isn't confined to such celebrities. Dallas is significant to people all over the world; it signifies opportunity, innovation, and success. Perhaps this is why Dallas has served as the principal filming and television set setting for a number of noteworthy movies and television episodes that have highlighted the city's remarkable architecture and uniquely Texan culture.
Dallas is a hot spot when it comes to moving pictures. Dallas, like many Texas cities, benefits from Texas' tax breaks, but its cost of living is lower than the national average, providing filmmakers the opportunity to not only survive financially but thrive. The varied looks, simplicity of film permits, and overall hospitality of the City of Dallas make it a growing film production option for those wishing to avoid the rat race of New York and Los Angeles. The city also has a varied range of places that can be used to represent other regions and settings, such as the Old West or metropolitan chic.
Some of the famous movies that have been shot in the City of Dallas include The Phantom of the Paradise, Robocop, JFK, Bottle Rocket, Dr. T and the Women, Upstream Color, and so on. Also, popular TV series like The Real Housewives of Dallas, Queen of the South, Midnight, Texas, The Gifted, and Raven's Home is set up in the city. The Dallas area also has the most film and video equipment available in the Southwest. So, you don't have to mail it from Los Angeles.
However, there are filming regulations and guidelines in Dallas designed to protect the personal and property rights of the city residents and businesses and to promote safety, public health, and welfare.
If you’re filming in Dallas, be sure to check out this guide which covers a variety of great locations in the city to shoot a film.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Dallas?
No production company in Dallas shall use any public or private facility or property for the purpose of filming without first obtaining a filming permit from the agency appointed by the city. However, production companies are not required to have a permit just to tape or roll film.
When filming permits are required in the City of Dallas, they are often easy to obtain and cheap. In some cases, a simple notification is enough. However, due to a large number of municipals in Dallas, it is best to contact the Special Events Office for precise permitting information.
Before filing an application for filming in Dallas, Special Events Office must be contacted to discuss the film production's specific filming requirements.
Student Filming:
While a student permit is free in Dallas, it is still required to shoot film. Student films must include a letter signed by the instructor or school representative on school letterhead. In some cases, the same insurance requirements may apply to student film shoots.
Pyrotechnic Permits:
You need to get a film permit from the fire authority for the use of all types of pyrotechnics, fireworks, and special effects for the sole purpose of film production.
Non-profit Filming:
The City of Dallas may exempt non-profit organizations from filming permit fees or for any other reason deemed necessary.
Permit Management in Dallas
Office of Special Events
The Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office is the city's official resource for projects involving film, television, animation, advertising, interactive, literature, music, and photography, but they do issue filming permits. On the other hand, registration with Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office will ease the permission process for filming-related activities.
The Office of Special Events is the official film and TV permit office for all of Dallas. Maple Ridge offers a welcoming one-stop shop for the film industry. In addition to handling all essential filming applications and permits, the Film Liaison is an accessible resource for finding and securing the ideal location for your production. Film permits are an important instrument that governments like Dallas use to reconcile on-set film production needs with the needs of the affected communities.
They provide access to city resources such as street closures and Dallas' vast community notice program, in addition to shooting authority. Permits are not standardized. Certain activities, such as stunts, may necessitate greater inspection or the assistance of city officials. It can take up to two business days to obtain a permit if you need to shoot in Dallas and up to five days for complex productions involving the police.
Keep in mind that if you're shooting films in the city, you won't be able to apply for permits until you've scheduled a pre-production meeting with the Office of Special Events at least two business days before filming begins.
What Insurance Do I Need in Dallas?
The Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office is the city's official resource for projects involving film, television, animation, advertising, interactive, literature, music, and photography, but they do issue filming permits. On the other hand, registration with Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office will ease the permission process for filming-related activities.
The Office of Special Events is the official film and TV permit office for all of Dallas. Maple Ridge offers a welcoming one-stop shop for the film industry. In addition to handling all essential filming applications and permits, the Film Liaison is an accessible resource for finding and securing the ideal location for your production. Film permits are an important instrument that governments like Dallas use to reconcile on-set film production needs with the needs of the affected communities.
They provide access to city resources such as street closures and Dallas' vast community notice program, in addition to shooting authority. Permits are not standardized. Certain activities, such as stunts, may necessitate greater inspection or the assistance of city officials. It can take up to two business days to obtain a permit if you need to shoot in Dallas and up to five days for complex productions involving the police.
Keep in mind that if you're shooting films in the city, you won't be able to apply for permits until you've scheduled a pre-production meeting with the Office of Special Events at least two business days before filming begins.
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 Dallas?
Dallas has a long history of providing the right setting for film productions, from feature films like Robocop and JFK to today's top TV shows like Queen of the South and Cruel Summer. The city quickly became a leading location for TV and commercial filming projects after establishing itself as one of the top runaway production destinations to shoot award-winning films. Plus, the city has a vibrant creative community that creates high-quality, critically acclaimed, and internationally known artists.
Dallas is home to two large American cities that are not far apart. Within 30 to 40 miles of downtown Dallas, there are a variety of tiny towns that can be used for either modern or period settings. Dallas is recognized for its outstanding modern and futuristic office buildings, whereas Fort Worth has an older brick style that may often be mistaken for the midwest or northeast despite some distinctively "western" architecture.
Dallas doubles for other sections of the country or acts as "Anywhere, USA" in at least half of the major filming projects shot in the city due to the cost advantages of shooting in there. Oliver Stone was able to double New York, Georgia, Syracuse, Washington, D.C., and Florida for Born on the Fourth of July, thanks to a great range of neighborhood looks.
Overall, when it comes to film locations, the City of Dallas offers it everything. Dallas is an excellent location for your future project, with everything from beaches to schools and all in between.
Special Requirements in Dallas
University of Dallas
Any type of filming on the university-owned or leased property requires permission from the Office of Marketing & Communications. Once approved, the department will work directly with the film production company and manage all relevant university colleges and departments.
The film production company must provide a certificate of insurance that matches the university's criteria. This certificate must include the University of Dallas, its trustees, officers, staff, and students as additional insureds, and complete general liability insurance, including coverage for personal injury and property damage.
SMU Campus
SMU Marketing and Communications arranges and coordinates filming and photographic events on campus. The production company is responsible for providing SMU with a copy of the filming insurance, with minimum standards, at least one week before the filing date.
To get permission and insurance, SMU Marketing and Communications requires at least four weeks' advance notice for film productions. Before signing the contract letter agreement, a copy of the script or final layout may be required for approval. All filming must adhere to NCAA guidelines. If more information is needed, Marketing and Communications require you to provide it.
You’ll need to provide proof of General Liability Insurance covering a minimum of $500,000 per bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage. You are also required to provide automobile liability insurance of $250,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage. Employer liability insurance of at least $500,000 per incident is also required. You must submit your proof of insurance to Marketing and Communications at least seven days before your film production.
Klyde Warren Park
The Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is in charge of all filming production activities at the park. As a public park, the company maintains the right to use photographs of any people in printed materials. A permit and rental charge are also necessary if the filming would restrict any part of the Park.
DFW Airport
The film production company must get a permit from the Airport Communications and Marketing Department to shoot the film at the DFW Airport.
To receive approval, you must submit a permit application at least ten days before the preferred day of filming.
All members of the production crew must at all times stay under the escort of the department representative in the Airport’s guarded areas. Also, all the crew members in guarded areas must be accompanied by a badged Airport escort, with no more than five visitors per escort.
Unless expressly authorized in the filming permit, a film production company shall not perform any filming activity for more than eight hours daily. In some cases, extra fees may apply for extended filming hours.
If the film production company causes property damage or personal injury while filming at the Airport, the Department may require liability insurance in an amount determined by the Department.
Parking Meter Bagging/Permits
If parking meters must be bagged, a second permit from the Dallas Parking Department is required. A fee equivalent to the average money generated by the meters will be levied. To apply for a permit, follow these steps: Send a letter that requests bagged meters. Include the street name, block numbers, the street side(s) you are on, times, dates, and meter numbers. Under the surface of each meter will be a little plate with letters and a series of numbers.
Drone Permitting Guideline
To obtain a filming permit for the operation of a drone, you must have aviation liability insurance in addition to general liability insurance for filming. These insurance needs will be covered in further detail in your master film permit agreement. Flight limits may also be imposed over specific locations and parks to conserve wildlife like birds during the breeding season.
What Does it Cost to Film in Dallas?
The cost of filming in Dallas depends on different variables. While there is no fee required for a filming permit, there are an application fee and other charges associated with filming in the city.
Additional Fees
Many smaller film productions do not require any Dallas film permits. If you're unsure where your film production belongs, consult the Office of Special Events and other relevant municipal resources once you've determined the size and scope of your shoot.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Dallas?
Dallas is the country's 4th-largest metropolitan region in the United States. The city extends into Denton, Collin, and Kaufman, Rockwall counties. It is located near the Trinity River's three forks, in a region of prairies, gentle hills, tree-lined creeks, and rivers. Winters in the City of Dallas are trivial with passing cold spells, but summers are often hot with moderate-high humidity.
Dallas is becoming a cosmopolitan metropolis recognized for its abundance of shopping malls and restaurants. Skyscrapers like the Reunion Tower and Bank of America Plaza contribute to an eye-catching nighttime skyline. Due to the predominance of single-family homes, the population density in Dallas is strangely low for a major metropolitan city.
The Dallas/Fort Worth area includes more than two dozen municipalities, towns, and cities, each with its own regulations and contacts for issues arising from film production. Very few cities in Dallas require filming permits, but many require film permits for some of the activities associated with filming in the area, such as special effects, meter bagging, street closures, and pyrotechnics.
Outreach in Dallas
It's crucial to be a good neighbor when shooting in a new place, just as you would if you were moving into a new neighborhood. As a filmmaker, it is your responsibility to alert local residents and businesses in the community of your upcoming shoot. The letter must include the phone number of the Special Events Office and mention that permission has been asked for (a copy of this letter must be included with the permit application). This should be done as soon as possible to give residents and businesses in the area plenty of notice and at the very least 48 hours before your shoot. After assessing the public impact of your output, the agency will also discuss community notification protocols with you.
Community Management in Dallas
A film activity notification to each home and business affected by a shoot has become industry standard. As a means of ensuring effective management of the filming activity, it is critical that the film company participates in proper and suitable communication with the community likely to be affected by the proposed shoot. Productions frequently forget that real life continues while the film is being made. The production must take into account the basic necessities of the citizens. Residents are also fantastic assets. The more assistance you receive from the residents, the happier and more successful the project will be.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this resource has helped you understand why Dallas should be your next filming location and how to go about it. The city has a robust independent culture that produces high-quality and award-winning materials. Dallas offers a wide range of settings, an amazing cast and crew, a reasonable cost of doing business, and the infrastructure required to make your film production a success. The Dallas community loves film, and the city backs it up with educational programs, film festivals, and movie theaters to meet the demands of any film lover or filmmaker.
However, you've probably heard that it's easier to seek forgiveness than permission. It's not much easier when it comes to film production. If you don’t get a permit for filming in Dallas, you may get in trouble with the authorities. Also, if you fail to comply with the terms of the notice, the City Manager has the right to take whatever steps are required to correct the situation at your expense.
This Dallas filming guideline can be a critical resource in helping you navigate the world of film production in the city. For more information on how you can take advantage of the benefits offered by the City of Dallas, please contact the Dallas film commission.