City Guide Filming in Norcross, GA
Production Permit Fees
- Gwinnett County Fire Plan Review Permit: Free-Of-Cost
- Filming Permit Fee: $320 Per Day
- Reduced Fees For Filming Permits: $25
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability
- Worker’s Compensation
- Automobile Liability
- Liability For Aircraft/Helicopter Usage, Pyrotechnics, or Car Chase Sequences
- UAS/Drone Insurance
- Product Liability Insurance
- Liquor Liability Insurance
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Norcross
On the surface, the sparsely populated city of Norcross in Georgia’s Gwinnett County may not seem like a big deal, especially when compared to some of the bigger cities in the state. After all, what can one expect from a city with around 17,209 people in it? How about blockbuster hits like Furious 7, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, Cosmic Sin, Boss Level, The Mule, Hidden Figures, Ozark (Crime Drama Series), and Halt and Catch Fire (Series)? No kidding! These and many more cinematic jewels from Hollywood have been put together, even if in part, in the city. And that’s not all there is love about Norcross. The city has been graded as a Platinum Level Green Community, so you can expect to connect with nature here. It is also a certified bee & tree city in the USA, known widely as a welcoming city, and ranked as the Best Downtown Gwinnett.
The city boasts an assortment of premium filming locations and features many scenic destinations and routes, such as the iconic Western Gwinnett Bikeway which connects it to the neighboring Duluth. But before you make all your production preparations and dash for the city at top speed, be sure that you understand the filming guidelines in Norcross in full to avoid any troubles later on; overall, the local filming laws are not all that strict, making it a warm and welcoming city for all filmmakers. And you can count on Giggster as always to set you up with the most premium and top-rated filming locations in Norcross for your next filming project!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Norcross?
In short, yes, filming on any public property or the use of the public property for film production (parking areas, setting up tents for food, etc.) requires a filming permit and assorted permissions from the city of Norcross. According to the Norcross filming laws, not only do you need filming permits for film production in public spaces but also require approvals from local departments before you can proceed with filming your project. For instance, all film productions must get a free-of-cost Gwinnett County Fire Plan Review Permit before they can film within the city limits.
Special Effects Permits
these are needed when you have to use pyrotechnics and explosives as part of the filming process
Animal Control Permits
if your film features animals, such as dogs and others that need to be kept under controlled supervision, you’ll need this permit
Permits For Gwinnett County Parks
these permits will give you access to the many public parks in the county, including those in Norcross
Permits For Access To Recreation Facilities
with these permits, you can film in facilities otherwise reserved for recreational activities
Road/Lane Closure Permits
the name is very self-explanatory; plus, with such permits, you’ll need to hire an off-duty police officer for traffic control
Traffic Control Permits
for traffic control measures, you first need a permit
Student Filming/Non-Profit Filming Permits
regular permits are often available at discounted rates for student filmmakers (university projects) and non-profit filming
Permit Management in Norcross
Gwinnett Film
Gwinnett Film manages all the filming activities and permit issuance for projects throughout the county, including the city of Norcross. The film office offers detailed instructions for all filmmakers and even links them with all the resources needed by budding film productions looking to film in the county, including Norcross city. As mentioned earlier, you need filming permits from Gwinnett Film for any production activities that involve the use of a public property. This also applies to private property; you’ll have to get written permission from the property owner before you can film. Filming within the city limits, in any neighborhood parks, on any right-of-way, within recreational facilities, and so on requires permit issuance from Gwinnett Film.
You can get an application form for a filming permit in Norcross from their website, download it, fill it out, and then submit it to the Gwinnett Film Office. Be sure to send in the application a week prior to the filming schedule to be able to get approval for your request. You'll also have to mention certain specifics about your filming plan, such as the map of the area to be used, details of the activities involved, and disclosure of any risky/action-packed sequences. Getting filming permits in Norcross is not tricky at all. If you feel overwhelmed or have no idea how to get approval for certain things, you can always reach out to Gwinnett’s Camera Ready at 404 849 8996 for immediate assistance. Plus, all film productions must obtain a Gwinnett County Fire Plan Review Permit (free-of-cost) before they can film.
What Insurance Do I Need in Norcross?
Production insurance is one of the bare-bone essentials of filming anywhere in the USA since things can get ugly before you know it. Even if your script does not involve many risky elements, you still need to be on the safe side, as is required by the law. This way, if something does happen, even if it is a minor mishap, you can compensate the victims for their losses. General liability insurance is the standard requirement for all filming activities, but other insurance policies may also be needed depending on the nature of the script and the local laws. All insurance policies declared before Gwinnett Film must be valid throughout the filming period, and any cancellations must be declared in advance.
The film production must also name the city and its representatives, employees, and officials as additionally insured. Plus, via the execution of an indemnity, the film production must also agree to hold Norcross city administration completely harmless against any claims or incident lawsuits arising from any activity on part of the film production at the given venue. These details have been stated with ample clarification on the application form.
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 Norcross?
Now that we’ve covered the filming laws in Norcross comprehensively, let's move on to the many location options available for film productions. Norcross may not be a massive metropolis, but it does have its fair share of premium filming locations, both indoors and outdoors. You can try some of the many premium locations, such as the purpose-built Production Studio in Norcross which features a green screen and fully equipped sets for film productions. Or you can try something fancier, such as the Massive & State-of-the-Art Recording Studio, which delivers an expansive space, well-lit interior, and an overall vibrant atmosphere, perfect for filming (mostly music videos), photo shoots, and music vocals recording. The Studio M is another impressive, purpose-built facility that comes fully equipped and features a unique atmosphere for all recording activities.
For a still photography session, the purpose-built Atlanta Photo Studio in Norcross is the go-to solution with its vivid and vibrant ambiance. Or you can try The Cave, which is a spacious and versatile space featuring a soundstage. For more colorful vibes and a bit of a super-casual ambiance, you can try The Rasta Room, which comes with a vocal booth. But if you’re not looking for recording and filming studios but are instead looking for something more natural and homely, then you have many options there too. The Modern Ranch House in Downtown Norcross, for instance, delivers both unparalleled sophistication and premium style in one package. Standing opposite is the Traditional 90s Family Home, which delivers a retro-style vibe and a classic sense of design. Similarly, you can try the Unique and Modern Retreat in the Heart of Duluth (near Norcross) for a more natural ambiance.
Indoor and outdoor, you've got a ton of options in Norcross, and each one seems to be more impressive than the other in its own way. Though the city is small and the list of filming locales is not as vast as other cities in Georgia, you still find a ton of themed locations, perfect for your next shoot.
Special Requirements in Norcross
Filming In Gwinnett County School District
The Gwinnett County School District is the largest in all of Georgia; you can film here with the permission of the Gwinnett Film office, but there’s more to it. You’ll first have to reach out to the school administration for approval of your application to film on the school premises. Once they approve your application and you provide the necessary insurance documents or bonds or both worth $1,000,000 in total and endorse the school as additionally insured, you can move further with the process. Do keep in mind that you’ll have to reach out to the school administration at least a month before your filming schedule, and once you’ve secured their approval, only then can you move ahead with the permit application with Gwinnett Film.
Filming In Lillian Webb Park Norcross
The Lillian Webb Park features a fantastic repertoire of fun and adventure for all, including volleyball courts, fountains, a gazebo, a splash pad, and more. It is spread over five acres in total, and every square inch is loaded with fun and excitement. The park is managed directly by Norcross City Management, so you'll have to reach out to them for permission to film there. When you've acquired the necessary permission and provided a map of the specific locations you plan to use for filming, you can further the process with Gwinnett Film.
Filming In Pinckneyville Park
Pinckneyville Park is one of the many green areas near the city (but outside its jurisdiction), you can still film here under the canopy of Gwinnett Film. Reach out to the park management first at +16782770920 to get their approval before you fill in all the forms and applications for Gwinnett Film. Also, be sure to go through the park rules in detail so you don’t violate them while you film there. Plus, do keep in mind that you may not get exclusive access to the park.
Filming In Silverbacks Park
This also works the same as in Pinckneyville Park, just reach out to the management at +14044107410.
Filming In Duluth
The nearby city of Duluth is another magical spot for filmmakers and may attract you as well for your project, even if only for a couple of scenes. Gwinnett Film manages the permit issuance here as well, but be sure to go through all the filming guidelines for the city before you proceed. The general liability insurance requirement here is $1,000,000 minimum instead of $500,000.
Qualifying For Georgia Film Production Incentives
All productions that spend a minimum of $500,000 in the state of Georgia as qualified production and post-production expense are qualified for tax credit returns. The minimum returns are 20%, and you can top that up with another 10% if you embed the state’s logo in the project.
What Does it Cost to Film in Norcross?
As with many other cities, Norcross does not fully disclose the cost of hiring certain services but instead leaves that to the discretion of the Gwinnett Film permit application reviewer. You'll find on the fifth page of their permit application form that the cost section is listed as “city use only” and contains several blanks where the costs are supposed to go. But there are some constants in the costs as per the filming laws in Norcross: The Gwinnett County fire plan review permit won’t cost you anything (it is free of cost) The film permit itself will cost per day; the rate is $320/day Non-commercial filmmakers and student filmmakers can take advantage of reduced fees which will bring the cost down to $25 instead Other than this, the Gwinnett Film staff will fill in the sections detailing the costs for: Police supervision (if and when needed) Services rendered by the Public Works Public safety assurance costs (in the case of pyrotechnics, car chase scenes, etc.) Public facility rental fees Rental fees for the use of the right-of-ways (due to road closures) Once the official has filled in all these details – the exact cost in each category will vary significantly – you'll get a total estimate of your filming costs in Norcross. You'll then have to pay the invoice to be granted a permit to start filming. Though the costs may seem overwhelming when all put together (not just fees but all the other costs), you can get support via up to 30% tax credit returns (calculated based on your entire production expenditure inside Georgia) from the state of Georgia. If you spend most of your production cost within the state, you can get a huge portion of it back!
Additional Fees
To ascertain the specific fees and authorizations needed for filming in Norcross, it is advisable to directly reach out to Norcross City Hall or the Norcross Film Office. They can furnish comprehensive details regarding the essential permits, fees, insurance prerequisites, and any other governing rules applicable to filming within the city.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Norcross?
Norcross covers 4.65 square miles in total and sits in the embrace of western Gwinnett County. To the north, the city is bordered by Peachtree Corners. The southern boundary of Norcross is marked by Interstate 85. The neighboring city of Duluth, which is somewhat to the northeast of Norcross, is connected with the city via the Western Gwinnett Bikeway. Nearby parks include Pinckneyville Park and Silverbacks Park. The production laws in Duluth are pretty much the same as the filming regulations in Norcross since both cities are managed by the same permit issuing office.
Outreach in Norcross
You’re also required by the filming laws in Norcross to notify all the affected residents and business owners about your scheduled filming. Once again, this is something you’re bound to do in advance and mention (via tick marks) that you completed this requirement on the permit application. You’re not supposed to go and ask for people’s permission, but you’ll still have to go door to door and share the notification with them, in all commercial, residential, and semi-public spaces. You can use leaflets, mailed notices (if you don’t wish to go door to door personally), illuminated signs, and temporary signages, among other options, to notify the people about your filming schedule and any possible impact it may have on the people in that duration.
Community Management in Norcross
Norcross has been proudly dubbed as a welcoming city. The people are in touch with nature, much more than those living in the big cities can claim, and they are usually very friendly. If you’re going ahead with your plan to film in Norcross, be sure that you understand the filming regulations in Norcross well and follow through with the general guidelines as well. You should not have much trouble with the local public but be mindful of the noise levels and overall disturbance – the people here love their peace and quiet.
Conclusion
Norcross is blessed with the amenities of nature and does well with its concern for maintaining a green community. The city has hosted several production crews over the years and has been the site for the production of many cinematic masterpieces. Overall, the filming guidelines in Norcross are also clear and easy to follow. The people are especially friendly and welcoming – this makes the city a perfect place for shooting your film project. Plus, the scenic beauty of the region, the many parks and recreation spaces, and a cooperative permit issuing office make everything even more worthwhile.
From premium-grade houses and mansions to purpose-built recording and filming studios, you'll get a whole assortment of filming locations. Though the city is small, the options are wide and impressive, and you won't have much trouble finding exactly what you need. Plus, with the tax credit incentive in Georgia, you can get a fraction of what you spend on film production in the state back. But the city's allure itself is a factor. It is not heavily populated, so you’ll have none of the troubles you get with the bigger cities. It is also close to nature, as signified by its title "bee and tree city in the USA," and it presents breathtaking background views when filming outdoors. If you need a respite from skyscrapers and jam-packed traffic for your film, Norcross will be the perfect option for you.
And Giggster is here as always to link you with the best local options so you can start filming wherever you feel would suit best with the content of your script!