City Guide Filming in Downtown Dallas, TX
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: $50 (10 days required)
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 Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas is nestled in the center of the city and serves as the central business district of Dallas. Having moved long past the haunting shadows of November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Downtown Dallas is a vibrant and impressive part of the city today with an awe-inspiring cityscape littered with tall skyscrapers and buildings accredited to several nationally acclaimed architects. It is a mosaic of dense urban districts that all have some things in common and others unique to themselves – today’s image contrasts perfectly with memories of the past, some of which are still alive in the West End Historic District, which houses brick warehouses from two centuries back, mostly repurposed as shops, restaurants, and bars. While these architectural marvels are not the only notable feature of this part of town, they sure have been made prominent by several iconic films and television shows that feature this area, such as Batman & Robin, Prison Break, Independence Day, Office Space, The Faculty, Dallas, Queen of the South, and Friday Night Lights. The climate is somewhat basic – hot summers and chilly winters, but snow is relatively uncommon, although not unheard of. Downtown Dallas is home to the original Neiman Marcus department store from 1914, which can make an amazing film location. Plus, the area’s proximity to other prime filming destinations like Austin and Houston makes this spot even more desirable. Seems like an amazing place to feature in your upcoming film project, right? But before you start making travel arrangements, let’s go through a brief overview of the filming guidelines in Downtown Dallas to help you understand what we have here. And Giggster is, as always, eager to help you pick the most premium filming venues in Downtown Dallas and nearby!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Downtown Dallas?
All filming activity here, as per the filming guidelines in Downtown Dallas, that involves the use of public property or the closure of streets, lanes, roads, and other rights of way requires a filming permit issued by the City of Dallas Special Events Office. Films shot on private property, without using the city's assets/properties, don't generally require a permit. It’s best to never assume anything and instead reach out to the Special Events Office to be sure whether or not you’re exempt from applying for a film permit.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit is needed when fire-based special effects, explosives, gunfire, and similar elements are involved in film production. Animal Control Permit – this permit is needed if your film project involves an animal that must be restrained to avoid any property damage or bodily injuries, such as canines like dogs or wolves.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this permit is needed to use aircraft, especially low-flying ones, in your film production; additional insurance will also be needed.
Drone Filming Permit
this permit is needed when you plan on using a camera drone to film some scenes of your project (or the whole thing); additional insurance coverage is also needed, and you must never violate anyone’s privacy.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
this permit is pretty much the same as a general film permit issued by the Special Events Office, except that it’s free of charge.
Permit Management in Downtown Dallas
Dallas Special Events Office
The Special Events Office issues filming permits in Downtown Dallas after a careful inter-departmental review of your permit application. You’ll first have to log onto the online permit application submission portal, submit all the required details, and then submit the application. This will save you a ton of hassle as you won’t have to visit the office in person to submit your application but can instead do so from the comfort of your home, hotel, or wherever you are. Before the permit application processing can start, you’ll have to clear all the dues and fees proscribed by the Special Events Office; you can make the payments via credit card, among other ways. The review will involve all the relevant local authorities alongside the Special Events Office, and while the review is underway, you'll have to complete any additional requirements asked of you. Following this, you'll get approval for your application, a permit will be issued, and you'll be free to film at your selected venues. The Special Events Office will coordinate with any local departments whose collaboration might be needed for your projects, such as the local police and fire department. This is a nice added benefit since they have the existing contacts and a streamlined process. Keep in mind that the normal filming hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. But, if this doesn’t suit your project, you can request an extension of this time limit via a special application. Plus, if you need technical assistance at any stage of the process, you can always reach out to the Special Events Office staff for help and guidance.
What Insurance Do I Need in Downtown Dallas?
One of the most basic requirements for filming in Downtown Dallas, or pretty much anywhere else, is production insurance. You need to be fully insured to be able to film in the area legally. Production insurance is a safeguard against any liability claims stemming from the filming activities. All film production activities carry an element of risk, minor or major, and you must ensure that all risks are accounted for in your insurance coverage. Even if there is no obvious risk associated with your film project, it is still important to be prepared because the City will not want to be held liable for any damages caused by your filming activities.
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 Downtown Dallas?
Now that we’ve briefly discussed some of the most important filming laws in Downtown Dallas, let's explore some of the options we have for filming venues in the area. And there are a ton of options to pick from! There is a selection of residential filming options here. From a downtown loft with wooden flooring, a bright interior, a cool light wall, and a grand piano to homes with theme rooms decorated in Parisian or Mediterranean style, for example. Moving away from such options, we have the Downtown Podcast Studio, which, as the name suggests, is built for podcasters (or if you plan on depicting a scene in such a setting for your project) and also gives an excellent city view. Another equally capable and alluring filming venue is the Pink Rose, which is branded as IG-worthy and is a high-rise in Downtown Dallas. For a more formal setting, you can try the Fresh Workspace in Dallas, which offers an office-like setting, perfect for anyone looking for a place themed like the one they used in “The Office.” The Modern Office Space in Dallas and the Downstairs Conference Room (two separate venues) are also excellent examples of the same themed setting. Other notable buildings in Downtown Dallas include the original Neiman Marcus department store, the Chase Tower, Dallas City Hall, and the Old Red Museum. Whether you need modern or historic, this area has you covered.
Special Requirements in Downtown Dallas
Filming In Downtown Dallas Schools
Downtown Dallas houses several iconic schools, such as International Leadership of Texas, Downtown Montessori, Pegasus School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Good Shepherd Episcopal School, and Uplift Luna Preparatory. To film on these premises, you'll first have to secure permission from the respective school boards and present a general liability insurance certificate of $1 million. Once you've secured the permission (try to schedule it right – holiday and vacation times are the best), contact the Special Events Office for a permit.
Filming In Downtown Dallas Parks
Local parks like the Main Street Garden Park, Klyde Warren Park, Carpenter Park, and West End Square are managed by the City of Dallas. You won't need to approach the city parks department for special permission unless instructed by the Special Events Office. Exclusive access requests, however, will require you to contact the department for special permission.
Filming At Cedar Hill State Park
To film at nearby Cedar Hill State Park, you must contact the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and ask for their permission. Once you’ve secured their authorization, you can get a permit from the Texas Film Commission since it is a state-owned property.
Filming On Interstate Highways
The Texas Film Commission again issues permits for filming on the interstate, and you'll also need permission and cooperation from the Texas Department of Transport for lane closure and traffic redirection.
Noise Regulations In Downtown Dallas
You are also forbidden to use loudspeakers and such elements that generate noise, except from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and even then, you’re obligated to keep the disturbance level to a minimum.
What Does it Cost to Film in Downtown Dallas?
As per the filming regulations in Downtown Dallas, you are required to make certain payments for your film permit application review and assorted services requested from the local departments, via the Special Events Office. These costs are other than the site rental and filing expenses.
Additional Fees
Larger productions or those requiring street closures might need to hire off-duty police officers or security personnel to manage traffic and ensure public safety. This incurs additional fees.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Downtown Dallas?
The filming laws in Downtown Dallas discussed so far are only applicable to the Downtown Dallas area specifically, thus understanding the area’s jurisdiction is important for avoiding any confusion. The Downtown Dallas region is nestled on all sides by what is defined as the downtown freeway loop. To the east, the area is bound by the I-345, the I-35E forms the western boundary, I-30 marks the southern boundary, and to the north, the area is bordered by the Woodall Rodgers Freeway.
Outreach in Downtown Dallas
You are required by the Downtown Dallas filming laws to distribute notification letters to all affected residents and business owners in the area you've chosen for your film project. Your notification letter must mention all the relevant details, including the schedule, the area to be used, the contact information of the Special Events Office, and other details that concern the recipient (such as alternative routes, and if any streets are closed). You must also mention that you've applied for the required permits, and also submit a copy of this letter to the Special Events Office alongside your permit application. Normally, you're required to send these notifications at least two days in advance, but for more complex productions, an earlier notification is required.
Community Management in Downtown Dallas
Though it is ranked as one of the safest cities in the USA, not everyone is a fan of the locals. One poll conducted by the Independent, involving their travel writers, revealed Dallas as one of the least friendly cities for outsiders. However, there isn’t much for you to worry about, you shouldn’t need to interact with the residents too much, aside from issuing the notifications. Luckily, that well-known Texas hospitality is bound to come through. As with any other big city, people in Dallas value their privacy and don't take disturbances lightly, like noise pollution from sirens, gunfire, bullhorns, and loud music. Just steer clear of such elements, and you'll be fine.
Conclusion
With numerous architectural masterpieces housing some of the most successful businesses of the area, and historic warehouses converted to fit the needs of these times, Downtown Dallas is more than just a commerce district. It is an icon. The numerous filming venues and its repeated appearance in some of the most impressive Hollywood films ever made are also testaments to the district's suitability as a hub of film production. Creativity and inspiration hang heavy in the air as Downtown Dallas’ allure unfolds itself before any production crew coming from outside. And as we explored, the rules and filming guidelines in Downtown Dallas are not too hard to follow. If you've prepared well and understand what is expected of you, you're halfway there. The online portal for the submission of permit application forms is another major plus as it enables you to get more done with less. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to apply for a permit, plus, you can edit your application later on as well, although there is a fee associated with any changes. The Special Events Office is willing to assist you in all capacities, including as a liaison with the local department officials to help you film your project uninterrupted and safely; their pro-film policy is another bonus. Lastly, the filming venues are themselves an alluring element of Downtown Dallas – you have a wide variety of some of the most premium and exclusive locales. From such a long list of locations to choose from, it is impossible to not find what you're looking for. Indoors, outdoors, or a mixture of both – whatever it is that you're looking for, you'll get it. Your filming venue can be a simple home or apartment, a studio, a themed space, or pretty much anything else you can dream up – the choices are limitless. Just use Giggster to help you pick what you feel suits your script the best.