City Guide Filming in Dayton, OH
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: Free
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability:
- Worker’s Compensation:
- Automobile Liability:
- Aviation Insurance Coverage:
- UAS/Drone Insurance:
- Product Liability Insurance:
- Liquor Liability Insurance:
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Dayton
Dayton is one of the major metropolitan centers of Ohio and has also been designated as the sixth-largest in the state. Situated in the Miami Valley region of the state, the city experiences warm and muggy summers but gets dry and cold during the winters, loosely defined as a humid continental climate. But it’s not just the tall buildings and favorable climate that make the city stand out, there’s history too! The city has deep roots in the scientific community’s quest for inventions, it is here that Orville Wright, the father of powered flight, was born and would ultimately initiate aviation for the first time in human history. John H. Patterson, a famous entrepreneur, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, an iconic poet, are also some of the many inspiring personalities hailing from Dayton, which has a deep association with inventors, inventions, innovations, and patents.
Talking of innovations, some of the most creative Hollywood production crews have worked in the city and featured its elegance on the big screen in titles like The Old Man & the Gun, Immortally Yours, Babysitter Massacre, Street Dreams, Super Bro Time, Deadbeat at Dawn, and Making Out. And if you’re wondering whether the city is suitable for your project, do keep in mind that it has been ranked as one of the top 100 cities in the country and has been repeatedly ranked as the number one mid-sized metropolitan center boasting significant economic growth, and has also been among the top places for college graduates in the USA to find employment. In short, Dayton has all that you and your crew (and any individuals you may want to hire) could wish for.
But before you head straight for the city to feature it in your next project, it is best to go through the basic filming guidelines in Dayton to know what to do and what to expect. We’ll go through those in sufficient detail, so no worries! Also, if you’re worried about scouting ahead to find the most suitable filming venues in Dayton, don’t be because Giggster will help you pick from a list of the most premium filming destinations in the city and beyond!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Dayton?
Film permits are only needed when you plan on using the city's property for film production (such as public parking), want to film in a public space, require the assistance of local departments, or all of the above.
Also, if you're planning to use any unusual elements in your film production efforts, such as explosives, fire-based special effects, gunfire effects and sounds, fireworks, and so on, you'll have to get a permit from the Division of Development.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this applies to film productions that plan on using explosions, gunfire, fire-based special effects, and their likes in the filming activities.
Animal Control Permit
this applies to film productions that plan on getting animals like dogs, wolves, and other creatures involved in the film production, especially animals that can cause damage if not restrained properly. Coordination with the local animal control department is also mandatory.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this applies to film productions that want to use helicopters and aircraft in their film production, especially low-flying aircraft; additional liability insurance coverage must also be provided for this permit.
Drone Filming Permit
this applies to film productions that want to use a camera drone for filming some or all of the scenes; additional liability insurance is also needed for this permit.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
all permits are free to apply for, meaning that student permits don’t cost anything, either!
Permit Management in Dayton
Division Of Development (Dayton Film Permit)
The authority for issuing filming permits in Dayton rests with the Division of Development, which issues the said permits for free. Yes, you heard that right! Permits are free to apply for in Dayton, and you only require them if you plan on using any city assets or if you require help from the city’s departments for your film production activities. You can visit the office at W 2nd St or reach out to the local person at (937) 333-3812 via phone call or keith.klein@daytonohio.gov via email.
To apply for a permit, you’ll have to download the permit application form from the department’s website, fill it up manually, and then submit it at the aforementioned address at least 10 business days in advance (before the filming schedule) to initiate the permit application review process which involves several city departments, mainly if you've applied for special permissions. The permit itself is free. However, special permits and permissions will cost you, and you’ll also have to pay for any services rendered by a city official on the filming set. These payments are handled by the Division of Development itself, and the Division will also be responsible for liaising with the concerned city departments, as and when required, in your specific case.
If you feel that the expenses are mounting, not to worry! The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit program offers up to 35% back in tax credits for upwards of $300,000 spent by a film production crew in Ohio on a broad range of film-related expenses. You can also take advantage of a tax exemption for hotel stays in all of Ohio for 30 days, and you can also reach out to a network of professionals and filming partners in Dayton and beyond for help with accessing city-owned facilities (as filming venues), location scouting, and technical assisting with the filming process. Talk about the full package!
What Insurance Do I Need in Dayton?
The only hard requirement for film productions (apart from the general stuff) is providing sufficient insurance coverage to be allowed to film in the city legally. Even if your script does not involve especially risky elements, you still need to be prepared for the worst. Accidents and mishaps can happen without a warning, and one of your production crew members or a third party may suffer bodily injury, property damage, or non-economic damages (pain and emotional trauma associated with the accident) due to negligence. In such a case, the city will not face the liability claims of the victims; instead, the film production will have to deal with any liability claims stemming from the filming activities. This means that the production insurance requirements in Dayton correlate with the level of perceived risk and are thus variable.
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 Dayton?
Breaking away just a bit from our conversation about the filming laws in Dayton, let's take a look at what the city has to offer to filmmakers, well, apart from the usual charm and generally relaxed regulations.
The venues in Dayton are highly varied and can serve all purposes, especially the themed ones, which can blend in nicely with any script that features such elements. For instance, the 1917 French Historical Mansion is an excellent historical-themed filming venue big enough to accommodate a production crew of up to 50. The renaissance inspired mansion sits on five acres of land, meaning that you’ll have ample outdoor space as well, and the mansion itself covers 15,000 square feet. Apart from the luxurious and freshly renovated interior, you also have an iconic fireplace, a breathtaking library, a grand entryway, sunlit rooms, and an indoor swimming pool. Talk about a one-stop shop!
Moving ahead in time and towards the present, you have the Modern Urban Style Penthouse featuring bold colors, natural lighting, panoramic views of the city, and private parking for up to 10 vehicles. The artistic impression of the decor and theme is beyond excellent, and you can get the city and the interior both in your frame if you place your camera correctly.
Other premium options nearby include a Gorgeous Zen Yoga Studio, which also boasts a fireplace, natural lighting, and perfect color contrast. You also have options like the Elegant Clean Space and Curated Coworking Space, both of which provide ample space, lighting, and a generally warm and vibrant setting.
For an outdoor filming venue, you can find an elegant patio, which comes fully furnished and themed. Moving back indoors, you have the vibrant galleries of the Dayton Art Institute. For something more casual, the welcoming and atmospheric Beer Hall is a perfect option.
From indoors to outdoors, plain and simple to ultra-luxurious, generic to themed, modern to historic – you can get all sorts of filming venues for rent in Dayton and nearby. No need to fret over the matter; Giggster lists some of the most iconic places for rent in the area that you can book with just a tap or click!
Special Requirements in Dayton
Filming In Dayton City School District
Reach out to the Dayton City School District management and discuss your schedule, planned activities, and other relevant information when handing over your application for permission to film on any school premises. You’ll also be required to provide an insurance certificate amounting to $1 million in general liability. Once you get the school’s permission, the rest of the process with the Division of Development is the same.
Filming In Local Parks
You can access public parks in the city, such as Island MetroPark, Deeds Point MetroPark, and RiverScape MetroPark, by simply checking off the relevant entry on the application form.
Filming In City Government Buildings
You must check the relevant box on the form to film in a city government building.
Filming In Nearby State Parks
Nearby state parks, such as Sycamore State Park and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, are operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; you must contact them for your filming permission request. Once granted permission, you’re free to film, but you'll also have to pay for parking and entry under supervision from the park officials (paid by you).
Seeking Extension For The Time Limit For Film Production
The usual time limit for film production activities is 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and you must complete all your production activities, including film-stage setup and packing, within this time limit. But if you need an extension, you'll have to submit a special request for that and will also be required to conduct a local survey with a positive outcome to get the extension.
Extra Services From The Local Departments
You can also ask for the cooperation of the local departments of police, fire prevention, parks and recreation, and others for help with the following (by marking your specific needs on the form):
Automobile stunts and driving shots
Physical fighting scenes and scenes involving weapons
Scenes involving animals
Work with open flames
Scenes involving pyrotechnics, fireworks, explosions, or smoke
Exclusive access to a public right-of-way
Setting up tents or canopies
Setting up temporary electric generators, lighting, etc.
Getting exclusive access to a public park
Getting access to a City of Dayton government facility
What Does it Cost to Film in Dayton?
On top of the filming expenses (hiring production crew members, renting equipment, and so on) and site rentals for the filming venues, the filming regulations in Dayton also require you to pay for any services rendered by the local departments. These dues are payable through the Division of Development, and the amounts are mentioned on the form as well for your reference. You don’t have to pay for every category, only the ones that apply in your case, and there may be other specific categories not mentioned here. You can get a direct quote for those from the permit office or directly from the concerned department.
Additional Fees
Most costs may seem excessive, but with the tax credit incentive program and all the help you'll get in return for your fees, it seems doable and worth it. Remember that proceeding with your film production without paying the necessary dues can land you in troubled waters.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Dayton?
The aforementioned filming laws in Dayton apply only to the city of Dayton and not elsewhere. The laws in nearby areas can be slightly different (and the rates for services rendered may be different, too), so it’s essential to understand the city limits. The city sits in the Miami Valley region of Ohio and is bordered by Trotwood, Fort McKinley, Shilon, and Huber Heights to the north. The eastern boundary is marked by Fairborn, Byron, and Beaver Creek, whereas to the west, the boundary is marked by Drexel. Lastly, West Carrollton, Moraine, and Oakwood mark the southern boundary.
Outreach in Dayton
You are required to send notifications to all affected residents and business owners at least two days before the filming schedule, as per the Dayton filming laws; however, the earlier you do so, the better. The notification must list all the information that concerns the recipient, including your contact information, filming schedule, possible ways in which the residents might be affected, alternative routes to any streets or lanes closed, and so on.
Community Management in Dayton
While the filming regulations in Dayton don’t require you to go door to door, you’d still be impressed by the level of humility and generosity that the residents of Dayton are capable of displaying. They are hardworking people with high moral standards, and overall, the city is best described as giving a small-town-like feel despite being a metropolis.
Conclusion
Dayton offers a vast array of filming venues, some of which date back at least a century, and others are as modern as things get. On top of that, the filming laws in Dayton are filmmaker-friendly, encouraging creatives from all over to come and feature the majesty and allure of the city in their next project. You also get a free film permit for your production and only need to apply for it under set circumstances, so all in all, you haven’t got much to worry about. Plus, the tax credit incentives for filmmakers are another bonus that most would find very useful. Remember, you can qualify for Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit by spending $300,000 or more.
The sheer variety of outdoor and indoor venues available for filmmakers, including many local parks and city buildings, coupled with relaxed filming laws, incentives, and a pro-film policy, make Dayton a perfect destination for any budding film producer. Lastly, you don't have to scout for locations when you get there; why not leave prepared? With Giggster, you can! Giggster offers a wide selection of filming venues you can choose from in Dayton and beyond; from our extensive list of premium locations, it is impossible not to find what you’re looking for.