City Guide Filming in Erie, PA
Production Permit Fees
Minimum Insurance
- $1,000,000 per occurrence and a general aggregate of $2,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- Workers' Compensation by the Pennsylvania Labor Code.
- Depending on the scope of production, you may also need automobile liability and equipment insurance.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Organized through Greater Erie Film Office where needed.
Discounts
About Erie
Erie has stunning scenery, interesting people, and fascinating stories. As a result, it comes as no surprise that Erie has served as the scene for numerous great films. From the dawn of filmmaking to today, the City of Erie has served as a permanent base for notable films, from The Road, That Thing You Do, On The Road, Krampus, Before The Border, Hellcat’s Revenge, and Pact of Vengeance to Undercover Billionaire.
When looking for a fantastic location to film in Erie, there are many waterfalls, rivers, mountain views, and lovely autumn foliage to select from. Whether visiting the City of Erie for the first time or living there, you will likely find a befitting location to shoot.
However, while Erie's beauty was one of many things that drew film production here, many filmmakers chose the city for reasons other than the screenplay. For instance, the costs of film productions are often lower than in other big cities like Los Angeles, which is another reason a production might shoot here.
Also, unlike other cities, Erie does not require a permit to film on public property unless a particular part must be closed down for filming. Films that qualify for Film Tax Credit are also eligible for a 25% tax credit on their total qualified production expenses in Pennsylvania.
The rights and responsibilities of a filmmaker visiting Erie to make a film are critical. Local laws are also significant for filmmakers considering a commercial shoot in the city. For the safety of residents, local business owners, and visitors who come to Erie for film production, filmmakers must be familiar with Erie filming laws and regulations.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Erie?
No. You are not required to get a filming permit in the City of Erie or its surrounding communities unless your film production necessitates street closures or disrupts day-to-day business activities. Also, when filming on a council-owned property, you should consider the many permits you could need. For instance, if you wish to install light, you may need to obtain a temporary structure license. Furthermore, if you intend to film on or near a road, you may need to bring in traffic control staff, apply for a road closure, or set up temporary barriers with stop-start signals. You must apply for this well in advance and submit the necessary papers.
Another example would be using a drone to film. Many regulations also apply to this, which you may need to be made aware of. You must follow these rules and have the necessary permits and papers to guarantee your shoot runs smoothly.
Filmmakers may also need to contact the police department or borough manager in the area where they will be filming to find out if that borough or municipality requires permits. This is especially important if the film production will require the use of public property, such as the placement of equipment on sidewalks or streets or the parking of vehicles on a public street, in which case Erie may require a filming permit.
Also, when filming on private property, it is best to get filming permission in writing from the property owner, which often comes in the form of a filming location release form. Contact the Greater Erie Film Office GEFO for a template location release form. Please remember that whether filming on private or public property, you must adhere to all local noise and other ordinances.
Permit Management in Erie
Greater Erie Film Office (GEFO)
The Greater Erie Film Office (GEFO), which opened in 2013, serves film, TV, new media projects, and commercials of all sizes in Erie Counties. Since its inception, GEFO has assisted several film and TV projects and consulted on many others.
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has accredited GEFO, part of the Pennsylvania Film Office network. As part of the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, the Greater Erie Film Office works to elevate the city’s film industry and empower filmmakers.
The agency serves as a liaison between local authorities, filmmakers, and local community professionals, such as the Police Department and the local Fire Department. In addition, when filming in the city necessitates street closures, crowd control, or other community involvement, the film commission serves as a support liaison for filmmakers.
What Insurance Do I Need in Erie?
In the highly competitive film world, filmmakers face unique challenges that frequently expose them to personal liability. Many things can go wrong when you're involved in film production, whether it's a short or feature-length production. There are numerous hazards in film production, such as damage to property used while filming on location or damage to a film studio while shooting there.
You may require several types of film production insurance in the City of Erie, such as:
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 Erie?
Among the locations in the City of Erie are thriving mid-size urban streets, charming small-town storefronts, a variety of suburban neighborhoods, new and vintage industrial sites, mansions, and sports facilities. Farmland, marshes, vineyards, gorges and streams, woodlands, beaches, and a sporting bay with distant lakefront views are among the picturesque four-season landscapes in the City of Erie.
Lake Erie is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Lake Erie is a divot formed by a moving glacier and is young in its current form. Lake Erie was the last Great Lake discovered by the Europeans. In 1669, French explorer Louis Joliet "found" the lake. Since then, Lake Erie has appeared in a few films. For instance, in the surf film "Ghost Babe," Lake Erie portrays the Pacific Ocean, while the strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake plays Venice Beach.
State parks are excellent filming locations since they often include abundant trees and plants. Presque Isle State Park also boasts infinite locations ideal for shooting films. The park has so many great locations, which include beaches, a lighthouse, Perry Monument, and a sidewalk route, just a few. In addition, the Presque Isle has a gorgeous shoreline and recreational and entertaining activities. Fishing, bicycling, boating, in-line skating, and hiking are a few examples.
If you want to add some nature to your shots but don't want to leave the city, explore Frontier Park. This park provides a stunning backdrop and is accessible, with wonderfully groomed walking routes. Are you looking to feature cliffs with a view of the lake in your production? If so, then Erie Bluffs is the place to be. In addition, the park is an excellent hiking destination and calmer and quieter than Presque Isle and Frontier Park, thus making it easier to shoot your film. Finally, the park can guarantee production opportunities with its spectacular vistas overlooking Lake Erie.
Downtown Erie also has some stunning old structures. However, if you prefer a more urban atmosphere, visit the local small stores along State Street, the Erie Insurance Restorations, and Perry Square Park!
Another good thing about Erie is that it is only a 20-minute drive from beaches and woodlands to an urban atmosphere. State Street, particularly around The Warner and the steps of the Erie Art Museum, are excellent places for film production.
Special Requirements in Erie
Presque Isle State Park
All events occurring within the Presque Isle State Park boundary require a written agreement with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
To allow enough time to process all agreements and filming permits required to shoot a film in Presque Isle State Park, you must submit all applications to DCNR at least 60 days before the proposed event's first date.
Your production company is fully responsible for all aspects of their event, including set up, tear down, and the actual event. In addition, you are required to provide each vendor with a copy of the Presque Isle State Park Special Event Guidelines and ensure compliance with them.
All requirements, including payment of fees, evidence of liability insurance, and any other required permits, must be met before the first day of production. Please do so to avoid the production being canceled and no refund of fees paid to date.
Erie’s Public Schools
Applications must be submitted 15 business days before the intended date of use.
You will be restricted to the specific spaces and equipment listed on their application. Erie’s Public Schools will only consider film personnel, equipment, and school space demanded in writing on the application.
You must agree to return the space in the same condition it was when your application was approved, excluding regular wear and tear. Payment of all associated fees and compliance with Erie’s Public Schools terms and conditions will be required for future applications.
You must accept financial responsibility and agrees to repair and/or replace damaged or broken equipment or facilities used during filming production.
Each facility administrator has the right to add more terms as they apply to particular properties, buildings, or fields. Your film production company must acknowledge the additional terms and conditions by identifying them on the agreement’s prescribed box.
A certificate of insurance is required indicating that your production company will maintain liability insurance with limits of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident for the duration of the rental. To use Veterans Memorial Stadium, you must submit liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per claim.
Erie National Wildlife Refuge
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will not collect application, cost recovery, or location fees for filming activities. Therefore, permits may not be required for filming activities in refuges where filming is permitted. However, a permit may be required in some cases in order to protect public health, safety, and the refuge's natural and cultural resources.
Contact the refuge manager well in advance if your planned filming includes or may potentially involve any of the following:
You intend to use larger filming equipment than hand-held cameras or cameras supported by hand-held tripods.
The total number of people in your filming crew is large enough to endanger refuge resources
The number of people in your filming group and all their associated equipment and activity may obstruct the general public's enjoyment of the resources or refuge operations.
What Does it Cost to Film in Erie?
Film permits in the City of Erie are usually free, especially for small film productions. If you're unsure whether your production needs a filming permit, consult the Greater Erie Film Office once you've determined the size and scope of your shoot. However, while the application fee for a film permit in Erie is often free, there may be costs associated with shooting films in the city and getting personnel, such as street closure administration and traffic control. The price varies according to your location and the scope of your production activities. Setting up a location shoot is costly, time-consuming, and complicated, so efficiency is the goal. Your Greater Erie Film Office Production Coordinator can work with you and your budget to meet your production's needs while keeping any potential fees to a minimum.
Additional Fees
Remember that while these fees can quickly add up, the consequences of failing to follow all filming regulations are far worse. The city may levy fines or even shut down your production until compliance issues are resolved. So be sure to budget for everything you'll need to film in Erie to avoid breaking the city's rules.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Erie?
The City of Erie is the county seat of Erie County and is located on Lake Erie's south shore. With a population of 94,831 at the 2020 census, Erie is the 5th largest city in Pennsylvania. The population was estimated to be 93,928 in 2021. The Erie metropolitan area encompasses all of Erie County and has a population of 266,096 people. At the time of the 2010 census, the combined statistical area of Erie-Meadville had a population of 369,331 people.
Erie is approximately 100 miles from Cleveland and Buffalo. The manufacturing sector in Erie remains important to the local economy, but insurance, higher education, healthcare, technology, service industries, and tourism are emerging as important economic drivers. Like the other Great Lakes, the City of Erie can access the ocean through the St. Lawrence River network and Canada's Lake Ontario.
Presque Isle is one of the geographical landscapes that shaped Erie's initial settlement and subsequent growth. It encircles and forms the natural port that piqued the interest of Pennsylvania officials, prompting them to get the Erie Triangle. The county's hydrographic divide, which separates the Lake Erie watershed from the upper Ohio Valley, was another important strategic geographic factor for growth.
Presque Isle Harbor and Le Boeuf Creek near Waterford were connected via a thirteen-mile portage. There was the unbroken passage by canoe and barge from its headwaters to the Ohio Forks. This brief network connects the lower Great Lakes to the upper Ohio Valley via an all-water route., along with the unique natural harbor at the portage's head, providing the area with certain natural benefits.
Outreach in Erie
You may be required to notify residents or business owners affected by the filming production as part of your permission to film in a specific area. This could be due to the increased number of vehicles that need to park close to expedite the shoot.
More examples of this include extensive filming durations and late-night/early-morning activities. In any of these cases, residents and businesses within close proximity of the film location must be notified of filming dates, times, location addresses, and contact information at least one day before the first film activity.
Community Management in Erie
Aside from working with government agencies and the workforce, the general public is another stakeholder with whom a filmmaker must collaborate when shooting outdoors. They also play an essential role in the filming production process. Local community support is required for film production to succeed in any area. They frequently have plenty to say about continued film production activity in their neighborhood. If they are unhappy and the neighborhood elected officials hear about it, they may look to stop the production.
The more assistance and production you receive from the local community, the happier and more successful the project will be. First and foremost, residents and business owners want to be informed. Effective communication with them can mean the difference between success and failure. People become agitated when they do not understand what is going on. Film production companies frequently forget that real life continues while the film is being made.
The production must take into account the basic needs of the local community. For example, is there enough presence of police, fire, and other security officers to keep both the neighborhood and film production crew safe? You may also want to do something for the community — anything that helps everyone, such as donating to the city’s library, paying for a swing set in the city park, or other community priority initiatives.
Conclusion
Erie's reputation as a film and TV production hub is growing. This is thanks to filming locations, filmmakers, studios, and networks taking advantage of tax breaks that have made shooting in the area more cost-effective. It's no secret that the City of Erie's natural climate is much sought after. Filmmakers worldwide come to the city for mountains, woods, parks, beaches, and good light.
However, understanding the Erie filming regulations and laws will make the process go as smoothly as possible. The procedure is the city's way of ensuring that local communities and productions benefit each other for years.
This Erie filming guide helps you understand how to obtain filming permits when required, communicate with Film LA, budget for film production, and more. Also, connecting with the Greater Erie Film Office might provide additional benefits. They are created to help filmmakers in various ways and are frequently the best source for information on prospective tax breaks, production locations, and casting calls.