City Guide Filming in Denver, CO
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: FREE
- Film Permit Cost: FREE
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability:
- General Aggregate:
- Worker’s Compensation:
- Automobile Liability:
- Product Liability Insurance:
- Liquor Liability Insurance:
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Denver
The semi-arid climate and swift weather changes have not kept Denver from presenting itself as a perfect retreat and vacation destination spot for many. Art museums, science museums, botanical gardens, a zoo, and an aquarium – there are tons of places to be seen when you first land in Denver. Your only problem is figuring out what to do here, unless you already have a plan: to film your next project in the heart of the state capital of Colorado.
Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains, Denver is an urban oasis packed with lustrous filming locations, both indoors and outdoors, houses a hospitable community, and most of all, it comes across as a vibrant, lively place, perfect for incorporating into a film project based in an urban environment. The city has seen Hollywood production crews come incessantly for years, and many titles like Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lesson, Diagnosis Murder, Die Hard 2, Dynasty, Night Hunter, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and In the Line of Fire have been shot here.
While filming in Denver may seem exciting, and it is, it is also important to understand the regulations and filming guidelines in Denver so you don’t run into trouble. For instance, you need to know what kinds of permits you need for certain spaces, how to get them, what are the protocols for filming in urban locations, and so on. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered fully for all of this and more in this detailed guide on filming laws in Denver.
Also, if you’re planning to film someplace in the city, why not let Giggster set you up with some of the most premium filming locations in Denver? Our list is vast, and you'll definitely find something that resonates with the look and feel you have in mind for your filming spot.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Denver?
Filming permits are needed for productions using public spaces for their filming projects, such as parks, right of way, and so on. However, there are certain conditions for filming permits in Denver to be necessary for your filming project.
Permit Management in Denver
Office Of Special Events, Denver
The filming laws in Denver are rather lenient, and you won't have to labor much to understand the requirements for getting a filming permit and what that permit allows you to do. The Office of Special Events, Denver manages all film permit-related matters for public spaces only. OSE does not hold jurisdiction over private properties, and you'll instead have to get in touch with the owner for permission to film your project there. Also, the permit acquisition process is much different here than in most other cities: you don't have to manually fill up an application form or email your request to the permit issuing authority.
When you log onto the Office of Special Events website, you’ll see a button “Submit a Film Permit Application" which expands into a whole section for you to read. Here, you'll see that you first need to create an account at the website and then enter the relevant details step by step, as you would for setting up a social media account, except there are more entries here, and it's way more serious. Once you've filled up the info at one stage (or selected the suitable options), you can press "Next" to proceed. You don’t have to do it all in one go, as you can always use the "Save Progress" option and return to your work later.
This application must be sent at least 5 working days in advance for regular productions, and if your production is complex, you’ll have to do so 14 working days prior to the planned shooting. And we haven’t gotten to the best part yet: there are no charges for applying for a film permit and no film permit fees.
Note that for filming at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, you’ll have to reach out to their management directly; the OSE can’t issue a permit for you here.
What Insurance Do I Need in Denver?
Production insurance is needed to safeguard all the production crew and any other affected party during an accident or mishap. For instance, if a chase scene goes wrong and one of the actors ends up hurting themselves, your production insurance coverage will help reimburse them for any losses sustained. It is important to note that accidents don't have to happen for insurance to be needed; all cities require that you prepare for the worst irrespective of your safety measures.
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 Denver?
Now that we’ve taken a dive into the details of filming regulations in Denver, where the city shows itself as a perfect filming destination considering how lenient most of the laws are, let’s look at some of the most iconic places to film your next project in Denver. Right off the bat, we have places like the Green Room - Denver Soundproof Cyclorama which, as the name implies, has green screens and is perfectly soundproof, making it the perfect filming locale for incorporating CGI. Or you could go for a more natural look with the Bright Video Studio & Workshop Space. Similarly, the 1896 Urban Brownstone Church Studio presents a unique aesthetic appeal with its themed impression.
If you're looking for a purpose-built facility, then the Production Studio For Video And Photography and the Premier Denver Studio are two excellent options. Both spaces are made specifically for filming and photography. They combine an excellent ambiance with ample lighting and intricate backgrounds, making them worth mentioning here. But if space is something you value more than anything else, then the Spacious Dance Studio in Denver would be a perfect fit as it offers 5,000 square feet of building area and can accommodate around 60 people with ease.
For a kind of a lift-off, why not try the Aurora Aviation Venue? This place presents a unique ambiance of its own and offers ample sunbathed space. But for someone looking for serenity, calmness, spirituality, and more, options like the Memorable Event Venue & Yoga Studio and Rare Gem and Gorgeous Brick-Walled Yoga Studio will fit in nicely. But if the exact opposite is on your mind, then nothing says party like a local restaurant plus bar with a big patio, 35' ceilings, and music!
Indoor and outdoor, you’ll find a ton of options for your next filming location in Denver, and you’re sure to find exactly the kind of space you’re looking for.
Special Requirements in Denver
Filming At The Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most iconic places to shoot near Denver. It is an open-air red-rock formation made to be an amphitheater, ancient Greece style. The outdoorsy feeling and unique ambiance make this one of the most premium filming locales near Denver (no more than ten miles to the west). As discussed earlier, the OSE can’t issue a film permit for you to film at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. To get permission for your film shoot here, you’ll have to contact the Red Rocks Amphitheater management and discuss your schedule with them directly.
Filming In School Districts
Like most other cities, school filming is allowed only when the school management permits such activities. The same is true with Denver, which houses several noteworthy institutions, including Englewood Schools, Mapleton Public Schools, and DSST Montview Middle & High School. Usually, a permission letter is needed from the school administration before you can reach out to the formal authorities for a film permit. It is best to reach out to the administration around three months in advance to ensure the school premises will be available to you when you’ve planned your film. Also, to get a permit, you’ll need general liability insurance coverage of no less than $1 million, worker’s compensation as specified in your case, and auto liability insurance if applicable.
Special Permission Requirements For Certain Public Places
Certain public areas are open to filming under certain conditions (specific to each location). Still, OSE will only issue a permit for these locales once you reach out to the managing body and secure their permission first. These properties include:
City-Owned Recreation Centers
Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse
Denver International Airport
Denver City & County Building
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver Art Museum
Denver Public Library
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The 16th Street Mall
The Denver Zoo
Note that in most cases, you’ll still be required to pay entry fees and parking charges if you secure permission to film there.
Parks Rules And Regulations
Denver parks are another noteworthy mention here, as they have specific rules and guidelines for you to follow. There isn’t much in there that your common sense won’t tell you by itself, but it is better to go through these general park rules before you film there. For instance, if you have a dog with you, it must be leashed, and littering is not allowed.
Prohibitions For Filming Crews
Generally, no production activities (and this means any activity related to production, even setting up equipment) are allowed in the 11:00 PM to 05:00 AM window. You can also get special permission to continue your production during these hours, but only if you request it.
What Does it Cost to Film in Denver?
The cost of filming in Denver varies based on the nature of the script and whether or not any supervision is needed by the production crew. Generally, the filming regulations in Denver are light in this regard
Additional Fees
These costs are only implemented if city officials must be stationed on the set. Otherwise, you may proceed without paying extra fees since the permit is free. If you're unsure what extent of monitoring you need for your filming project, you can always contact the OSE and ask for instructions.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Denver?
The city of Denver is sandwiched between the Rocky mountains situated westward and the High Plains that lie to the east. The city itself has plains to the center and hills northwards, westwards, and southwards. Denver extends over an impressive area of 99,025 acres in total and is surrounded by neighboring counties. The northern and eastern side is occupied by Adams County. To the south and somewhat also on the east lies Arapahoe County. And finally, Jefferson County is situated to the west.
Outreach in Denver
Once again, the Denver filming laws are rather lenient here as you don’t have to get signatures and consent from a certain percentage of the people. Instead, the OSE will demand you to send notifications detailing your filming activities to the affected neighborhoods and the extent to which it will affect them, i.e., filming dates, details of lane closures, possible detours, and so on. A copy of the notification will also be needed by the OSE for assessment, and they’ll ask you to make additions/amendments if they see necessary. It's best to reach out to the OSE in advance and discuss what’s to be on the notification to avoid any troubles down the lane.
Community Management in Denver
The people in Denver are generally friendly and have experience with Hollywood shoots. Plus, since Denver is also a vacation destination, the locals are used to having an influx of people over. Overall, you should not have any trouble with the local community as long as you abide by the Denver filming laws and ensure minimal disturbance, i.e., by cutting down on noise, effective traffic control, etc. Also, since the city hosts a sizeable population of Mexican Americans, celebrations like Cinco de Mayo (May), El Grito de la Independencia (September), Dia De Los Muertos art events, and yearly Lowrider shows are observed with full zeal and enthusiasm. Be sure to schedule your filming project accordingly.
Conclusion
Denver is largely regarded as one of the most popular retreats for people all across the USA. The natives themselves are seen as rather outdoorsy, obsessed with mountaineering, hiking, and skiing. On top of the impressive cityscape, variety of environments, and huge volume of filming locations, Denver offers relaxed filming laws. Getting filming permits in Denver is much easier than in most other US cities, and the process itself is quite refined. No need to download a form and fill it up manually or send emails hoping for a reply, instead, you can use the dedicated portal.
Indoor and outdoor filming locations abound the city, and you have such a vast collection of options that it is virtually impossible not to find something exactly like what you need. But even if that happens, you can always use one of the many Green Screen Studios and use CGI to fill in on any gaps. There are some restrictions, mostly implemented for privacy and safety concerns, such as the banning of the use of UAS and pyrotechnics, but overall, the atmosphere is free and relaxed.
And as always, Giggster is here to hook you up with some of the most iconic and functional filming locations in the city. Feel free to browse through our list and pick whatever feels the best for you!