City Guide Filming in Lafayette, LA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Application Fee: $525
Minimum Insurance
- commercial general liability
- worker’s compensation insurance coverage
- automobiles provide liability coverage
- watercraft liability insurance coverage
- helicopters or aircraft liability
- UAS liability insurance coverage
- product liability coverage
- liquor liability coverage
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Lafayette
Happiest City in America, Heart of Acadiana, and Hub City – these are some of the many honors that the city of Lafayette has to its credit. Others know it as the city that houses top business brands like Amazon, CGI, JP Morgan Chase, Petroleum Helicopters International, Brookshire Grocery Company, and others. But to its residents, Lafayette would've been just as impressive without all of this – it is one of the most populous cities in the state. It’s part of the Acadiana region, which is one of the most vital economic zones sandwiched between New Orleans and Houston. Built along the Vermilion River, the city was originally named Vermilionville, for obvious reasons, when it was first established in the early nineteenth century, but was later renamed. Its agricultural past went out the window when the city became a focal point for entertainment and retail, and of course, oil!
Apart from these industries, healthcare, aerospace, banking, social services, and technology are the major strong points of the city, much to the contentment of the people living there. The University of Louisiana’s Lafayette campus is a notable landmark that integrates well into the context of the city's transformation.
The cityscape has never been as vibrant and awe-inspiring, and the city itself has made its mark on the Hollywood big screen with titles like Easy Rider, Double Jeopardy, Secretariat, Jonah Hex, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, The Apostle, The Drowning Pool, You Might Be the Killer, and Christmas on the Bayou. And if you’re thinking of heading towards the city to pursue your filming passions, you should take a look at the filming guidelines in Lafayette first to avoid any troubles later on.
Not to worry about scouting for the most premium filming venues in Lafayette either, because we at Giggster have you covered. You can count on us to set you up with the best filming destinations in the city!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Lafayette?
As per the filming guidelines in Lafayette, you only need general filming permits when the city's property or resources are involved in the film production activities. This means that if you're filming on public property or if you've requested assistance from the local departments, you'll have to get a permit for your film production – the latter also applies if you're filming on private property. Also, for private properties, you'll have to get written permission from the property owner to be allowed to film there legally. Plus, besides the general filming permit, you'll also have to acquire special permissions for the following:
Pyrotechnics Permit
you’ll have to get a special permit from the local fire prevention department if you’re planning to use any pyrotechnics, special effects, explosions, fireworks, or other elements that carry the risk of fire spreading out on the film set; the department professionals will handle such effects under guided supervision for your film production to ensure complete safety.
Animal Control Permit
you need this permit to be able to get animals like dogs involved in the film production efforts – such animals need to be properly restrained to avoid any damage to anyone or anyone's belongings.
Aircraft Usage Permit
you’ll have to reach out to the local aviation department for this permit and also submit $5 million in liability insurance coverage to be able to use any aircraft/helicopters in the film production; the department may also require you to agree to supervision from their officials the whole time for safety and compliance with the local rules.
Drone Filming Permit
this permit is needed when you wish to use a camera drone to film your project; you’ll have to provide $2 million in UAS liability insurance coverage and ensure that you follow through with the local and FAA regulations for drones and UAS.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
student filmmakers and non-commercial filmmakers can get general film permits for discounted rates.
Permit Management in Lafayette
Lafayette Planning & Building Department
The Lafayette Planning & Building Department issues filming permits in Lafayette after carefully reviewing the proposal and the anticipated activities. You must also submit proof of insurance coverage with your permit application for your request to be considered. You can reach out to the department at 705 W University Ave. The film permit application form is also available online. You can download it, fill it in, attach all the required documentation, and then submit your case to the aforementioned address. Credit card payments are also accepted.
When visiting the department’s office, do keep in mind that the working hours are 12 to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday, and you don’t need to get an appointment first. If you need assistance from the local departments (like fire and police), you’ll have to contact them on your own and discuss the fees for their services. Also note that you may need additional permits in case you’re planning to use camera drones to film in the city or if you want to set up fire-based special effects, explosions, or pyrotechnics.
What Insurance Do I Need in Lafayette?
The only hard requirement for filming in Lafayette is production insurance – you need to be insured against any imminent threat associated with your filming efforts. Even if the threat is not substantial, the city will still require you to be fully prepared for the worst because, in that case, you’ll be responsible for reimbursing the victims for any liability claims that arise, not the city.
Production insurance safeguards you and the city against such liability claims and allows you to compensate anyone who gets injured or faces property damage due to your film production activities. The production insurance requirements in Lafayette are never carved in stone, they vary with the exact nature of the script and scope of the project. The bigger the element of risk, the higher the insurance coverage requirements, and vice versa. Here are the basic coverage requirements to help you get some perspective:
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 Lafayette?
Now that we’ve discussed some of the most important filming laws in Lafayette, let’s take a deeper dive into what the city actually has to offer to filmmakers besides its beautiful cityscape and vibrant atmosphere. And you won’t be disappointed! The city has some of the most iconic places you can film at, there are around eight historically important sites in the city that are part of the National Register of Historic Places, including the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist and the Old Lafayette City Hall, both in the Downtown area of the city. And next to these, you have towering buildings with up to 16 stories – talk about development!
You also have offices of retail companies like Amazon, CGI, and JP Morgan Chase in the area, but if you’re looking for something more humble, we’ve got you covered too! The Downtown Glow In The Dark Bicycle Boutique is a perfect neon-themed, dark and colorful space that perfectly projects a funky vibe. In contrast, the bright and color-rich Videography Studio is a perfect option for productions trying to capture the best contrast with every shot. And you also have quaint interiors, such as the Greenery Meeting Room and the Snug Library Conference Room, among others, to deliver a soft atmosphere with plenty of colors, brightness, and contrast.
Stepping outdoors, you have the likes of the 18,500 Square Feet Indoor & Outdoor Event Space, which is perfect for all sorts of film production ideas involving a sunbathed, lush-green yard and, of course, a bright, naturally-lit interior. The Resort Atmosphere Condominium is also a marvelous choice for film productions, a bit high-end but impressive in all ways – the colors, contrast, brightness, and natural lights are all elements that further boost the venue's excellence. And for that homey feeling you've probably been missing throughout our discussion here, you can try out the Classic Oakrest Residential House – this isn’t the only residential space for rent here, but it is one of the most impressive ones with a vintage theme and fully furnished interior.
Regardless of your preferences, Giggster will help you find the filming destinations that work best with your script!
Special Requirements in Lafayette
Filming In The Lafayette Parish School System
You can get conditional approval for your filming permission request from the Lafayette Parish School System administration. Conditional because you'll have to stick to the school's timeline, and you won't be able to perform activities deemed risky inside their premises, such as stunt sequences or pyrotechnics. Submit your proposal at least a month in advance and arrange for $1 million in general liability insurance coverage – wait for approval from the school board, and you're all set.
Filming In The Lafayette Science Museum
The Lafayette Science Museum is one of the most iconic recreational spots in the city and is frequented by visitors in the hundreds daily. You may not get exclusive access to the site for your film production activities, but you can film in there after approval from the administration without much hassle.
Filming In Local Parks
The parks in Lafayette, such as Girard Park, Moncus Park, and Plantation Park, are managed by Lafayette Parks & Recreation. You'll have to reach out to this department for exclusive access to the park of your choice and assistance with the film production activities, including monitoring and clean up afterward.
Filming In Nearby State Parks
The Louisiana State Parks Department manages nearby state parks such as Palmetto Island State Park and Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. You can film in such parks, but permission will be granted conditionally – activities like pyrotechnics won't be allowed at all. You'll also have to hire a park official for production monitoring.
Filming In/Near The Vermillion River Area
There are no special requirements for filming in the Vermillion River area, but you'll have to get $1 million worth of watercraft liability insurance coverage if you're using any water vessels in the shoot.
Filming With Camera Drones
Filming with camera drones is allowed if you get the necessary permit, submit proof of $2 million in UAS liability insurance, ensure that there is no invasion of the residents’ privacy, and follow through with all the FAA guidelines for the use of UAS/camera drones.
What Does it Cost to Film in Lafayette?
Apart from the site rentals and filming expenses that you’ll have to contend with anyway, there are some other dues and fees too that you must pay as per the filming regulations in Lafayette. The permit fees and associated dues go directly to the Lafayette Planning & Building Department. On top of that, there are other fees that you’ll be paying to the various departments for any services rendered. First up are the fees directly payable to the Lafayette Planning & Building Department: $525 is the basic film permit application processing and review fee. You’ll also have to pay $500 for 5 hours of filming time in the selected venues. For any additional hours, you’ll have to pay $90 per hour. Permit rider fees and production shoot monitor fees are not disclosed in advance. On top of this, you’ll also have to compensate the relevant departments for their services – you’ll have to get quotes from the concerned departments first and note that these rates will vary for every case: Traffic control services – hire a police officer on an hourly arrangement. On-set police officer – hourly payment. Police equipment rental – reach out to the police department for a quote. Fire safety inspection – reach out to the fire department for a quote. On-set fire prevention officer – hourly payment. You can also seek the city’s help with street closures, parking signs, and setting up water connections. If the costs seem to pile up, do keep in mind that you’re getting valuable help in return, and the filmmaker incentives offered in the state of Louisiana will help you get partial refunds for your film production expenses.
Additional Fees
It's essential to contact the Lafayette Consolidated Government or the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees and permits for filming in Lafayette, LA.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Lafayette?
The filming laws in Lafayette that we’ve discussed so far only apply to the city, so understanding the jurisdiction of the city itself can help you avoid confusion. Lafayette sits in the Acadiana region of southern Louisiana and has expanded on either side of the Vermilion River which gave it its old name. To the north, Ossun, Carencro, and Stekey form a boundary, while to the east, the city is bordered by Breaux Bridge, Parks, and Saint Martinville. The southern boundary is marked by Cape, Romero, Capitan, and Woodlawn. And to the west, Milton, Maurice, and Sadou form a boundary. Other notable cities within a 100-mile radius include Baton Rouge, the state capital, Lake Charles, and Alexandria. Filming in Baton Rouge The permit issuing authority for Baton Rouge is the Baton Rouge Film Commission; filmmakers can also make use of several local incentives (in tax credits and partial refunds) that are not available in the rest of the state. Filming in Lake Charles In Lake Charles, the Southwest Louisiana Film Commission issues general filming permits for productions on top of offering technical assistance, equipment rentals, liaison with governmental agencies and departments, and transportation.
Outreach in Lafayette
You are required by the Lafayette filming laws to notify the affected neighborhoods and business owners about your scheduled film production activities. You must do so at least two days prior to the commencement of your filming activities, but ideally, the sooner you notify the residents, the better. Your notification letter must share all the necessary details too, such as:
Your contact information
Filming schedule
Venue information (where precisely will you be filming)
Notice about street closure, if any
Alternative route information (in case of street closure)
A brief description of the anticipated activities
You are not required to go door to door for a resident survey, but you may need to do so if your filming activities go beyond the coverage of general filming permits (i.e., if low-flying aircraft are involved or if you’ve got fire-based special effects and explosions).
Community Management in Lafayette
The people in Lafayette are some of the most amazing and warm-hearted folks in all of the USA – this is true for the whole community, broadly speaking. It is not without good reason that the city was ranked as the happiest place to live in the USA. You can expect full cooperation and enthusiasm from the locals. Since you’re not required to conduct resident surveys as per the filming regulations in Lafayette, you don’t have to stress over anything. Privacy intrusion and disturbance, as expected, are not welcome, but overall, you’re bound to have a good time filming with the good people here!
Conclusion
The filming guidelines in Lafayette, as we've discussed, are as relaxed as things can be. By now, you probably need no convincing that Lafayette will be the perfect filming destination for your next project. Owing to its impressive assortment of filming venues, tons of landmarks, an abundance of local attractions, and a generally vibrant and creative atmosphere, the city stands prominent among all others in the USA.
Lafayette has already hosted filmmakers and production crews from all corners of the USA, and their efforts have yielded impressive big-screen films. Who's to say that yours can't be next? The local community is also warm and welcoming, leaving nothing for you to worry about. Save for the production insurance requirements, there are no hard requirements for filming in the city. And if you feel that the expenses are piling up, you can always benefit from the state-wide incentive program for filmmakers. And as always, Giggster is here to help you pick from our list of the most iconic and premium filming venues in the city and beyond!