City Guide Filming in Rapid City, SD
Production Permit Fees
- Timeline: Simple shoots require at least three business days.
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability coverage is required.
- Workers' Compensation by the South Dakota Labor Code
- Automobile Liability for every vehicle used in the shoot. A Non-owned Auto Endorsement to your General Liability Policy is sufficient if you use rental automobiles or other vehicles you do not own.
- Production Equipment Insurance provides coverage for filming equipment.
Additional Permits
- Police and fire requirements are handled by Film South Dakota as needed. Additional fees are quoted by the individual departments based on the scope of work.
Discounts
About Rapid City
Rapid City's diversified and stunning scenery, combined with its natural splendor, makes it a perfect location for filming. You might not realize it, but Rapid City has had its fair share of stardom in cinema and television. The city is not Los Angeles or New York, but several unique locations in the community have provided film directors with just what they were looking for.
Several popular films were filmed in Rapid City, South Dakota. The city has everything, from exhilarating, action-packed movies to legendary blockbusters. Rapid City is a dream for filmmakers looking for film and TV series locations.
Kevin Costner's Dances With Wolves was the movie that helped place Rapid City and the state of South Dakota on the map for filmmakers. The period drama was set in post-Civil War America, as general populations traveled west and came into contact with Native Americans. The majority of the film was shot on private ranches near Rapid City. As extras, Native Americans from South Dakota reservations were cast.
Other movies made in Rapid City include Battles of Chief Pontiac, How the West Was Won, ThanksKilling 3, and Until Forever. However, if your film production project has financial value, you must adhere to the Rapid City filming restrictions and guidelines. We cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to conduct your research and ensure that you have the documentation every time you shoot, even if you think you can get away with it.
Once you know the filming guidelines in Rapid City and are preparing for a shoot, check out Giggster for all the best film locations in town.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Rapid City?
Rapid City does not have a centralized governmental permit system. Therefore, permitting is highly dependent on where you plan to shoot. Most of Rapid City's iconic places are on public land, which has long been a preferred location choice for the film industry.
When filming on private property, you must acquire the permission of the property owners. Be aware that there may be instances where private and public lands overlap. Filming on agency-managed lands may necessitate film permission. In addition, some agencies are in charge of more than one category.
Any film project that requires any of the following must get film permits:
Parking Privileges
Requiring film production vehicles to have parking privileges (personal cars do not require a permit).
Sole Use
Requiring sole use of City property.
Filming at City Park, Bridges, Tunnels, or Subways
Filming in a city park, bridges, building interiors, tunnels, or subways; stunts, prop weapons, prop cars, or actors in police uniforms. These shootings also necessitate additional authorization from the entities in charge.
Equipment Use
Use of any equipment that may cause public property damage.
Wild Animals
Wild animal use is governed by legislation
Permit Management in Rapid City
Film South Dakota
For inquiries about film and media projects in Rapid City, Film South Dakota is the initial point of contact. Film South Dakota is a part of The South Dakota Department of Tourism.
The South Dakota Film Office was established in 1989 to provide the following services:
Finding places and/or resources that correspond to film needs and bundling those destinations into a visual presentation. Serving as a go-between for filmmakers and public/private domains to acquire filming locations. Supplying information on numerous film production requirements such as housing, labor, food services, transportation, props, and state laws and standards.
Rapid City recognizes that film productions may take place in a short period and involve several public and private locations. So, they provide a suite of services to assist you in acquiring permission to film inside the city and online information for the local film industry.
When a filming permit is needed, filmmakers often submit their application at least four business days before the first production date, along with the requisite documents provided in the location production rules.
What Insurance Do I Need in Rapid City?
Besides film production, we've all learned that things don't always go as planned. Something unpredictable may occur no matter how well we plan or think we are prepared. Accidents happen. We understand, and film insurance does as well.
Ask any seasoned filmmaker or film producer about the mistakes and unforeseen happenings on set, and they'll go on and on. Due to the sheer number of potential setbacks — such as on-set injuries, location damage, equipment damage, or theft — production companies and producers will obtain film production insurance.
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 Rapid City?
With the variety of backdrops available, including mountains, plains, rivers and lakes, and more, it makes perfect sense for a filmmaker to choose Rapid City as a filming location. Rapid City is a fantastic starting point for exploring the national forest and its many monuments, tourist attractions, and natural spaces, with a welcoming community and decent lodging options.
Rapid City is located in western South Dakota on the eastern side of the Black Hills mountain range. Among the surrounding attractions are Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Black Hills Caverns, and Bear Country USA. Mount Rushmore, while technically not in Rapid City, is only a nine-minute drive south of the city.
The city is a great starting point for filmmakers exploring the area's spectacular scenery, particularly the Badlands National Park. South Dakota's best camping may be found in this Midwest national park. It's approximately an hour outside town, but the scenery is breathtaking. There are also a variety of museums and galleries, amusement and water parks, and even a chuckwagon dinner show in the city that can serve as a backdrop for your next movie.
The bustling Downtown Rapid City can be found between Omaha and Columbus streets. It's the ideal place to start your journey here, with plenty of locations for filmmakers. Main Street Square is located in the middle of downtown. This is a popular community gathering place featuring playgrounds and open spaces, a stage with summer music concerts, shopping, and much more.
Then there are several parks. Rapid City has a long history as a vacation town, and the parks are icons of the city. The federal lands may also be an excellent filmmaking location. Whether you're searching for a yoga studio, a fitness center, a meditation retreat, or a yacht to shoot on, Rapid City has it all.
Special Requirements in Rapid City
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP)
A permit is required for any commercial filming production taking place within GFP-defined zones. Commercial filming is the digital, electronic, magnetic, or other recordings of a moving image for a market audience by a person, business, or other entity with the goal of making money.
All filming permits are "revocable" with or without notice if the permit requirements are breached. You must get liability insurance in an amount proportionate to the risk posed to park resources by your intended filming activity.
Additional fees may apply depending on the intricacy of the permit, and you will need to produce proof of liability insurance.
Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department
The Parks and Recreation Department handles special event requests. Applications must be completed and submitted 90 days before the event date to allow staff enough time to assess the material given.
Proof of insurance with Rapid City listed as an extra insured will be required; liability waivers will not be accepted.
Forest Service
You are required to make an initial phone call to the Forest Service at least 10 days before the intended filming date for a short-duration request or minimal impact and 30 days before the desired shoot date for a longer duration.
You must show documents demonstrating coordination among various parties, such as Location Agreements and permits required from the Department of Transportation, County, private landowners, or other permittees.
If feasible, include a Certificate of Insurance with the United States Government designated as an extra insured with your film production request. Prior to permit issuing, written proof of liability insurance must be submitted.
A split-limit insurance policy requires minimum coverage requirements of $25,000, $100,000, and $300,000, and you need to provide $300,000 for a combined single-limit policy.
National Park Service (NPS)
Those interested in commercial filmmaking on National Park Service-managed land are urged to contact the park directly for further information regarding filming in the park and discuss strategies to minimize any impacts on visitors and sensitive park resources.
Filming activities require at least 10 days early notice to the National Park Service, which can be obtained by contacting the park directly via e-mail.
The superintendent of the park will evaluate if filming activities will necessitate special use permit.
A location fee, which is normally paid along with the application, is also necessary to process a permit application.
You may be required to get liability insurance in an amount commensurate with the risk presented to park resources by your intended filming activity, with the United States named as an additional insured. You may also be required to deposit a bond to guarantee the payment of all fines and fees, as well as the repair of the area, if necessary.
What Does it Cost to Film in Rapid City?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of film production project and location. While Rapid City does not require an application fee for film production, extra permissions by other Federal or State departments for your film production activity may incur costs. For example, if a fire apparatus is to be used in a fire scenario or to show routine fire department activities, a fee might be required by the Fire Department. Some special effects may necessitate the deployment of a fire engine and personnel as determined by the Fire Department. Film South Dakota filming permits are also free for both non-profit companies and student productions, although there may be fees associated with other municipal permitting agencies. A student is described as "an applicant (student) who has submitted a statement prepared by a school instructor or administrator stating that the applicant is currently a student in the United States educational institution and that the film is for educational purpose only."
Additional Fees
You may want to budget for everything from team members to equipment type to location fees to complete your production. Your filming project may need one location, but it may also require more locations and many types of equipment. And if you need to hire resources like police officers and firefighters to be onsite while you shoot, you’ll be paying them by the hour as well.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Rapid City?
Rapid City is the county seat of Pennington County and the second most populated city in the State of South Dakota.
The city is divided into western and eastern halves by a short mountain range. Camp Rapid, which is part of the South Dakota Army National Guard, is situated on the City of Rapid City's western outskirts.
Rapid City has grown into the foothills, with projects erected on both slopes and valleys, particularly in the last 20 years. The Westberry Trails fire in 1988 demonstrated the increased risk of wildfire in this desert edge location. Skyline Drive runs south from near Rapid Gap to a wide high plateau that serves as the current south boundary of Rapid City. Rapid City's central and eastern districts are located in the vast valley of Rapid.
Main Street Square, Dinosaur Park, the City of Presidents walking tour, Art Alley, Storybook Island, and Chapel in the Hills are just a few of the attractions in Rapid City. Deadwood, a historic "Old West" town, is close. Mount Rushmore, The Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the museum at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, and Jewel Cave National Monument are also nearby tourist sites. Badlands National Park is located to the east of the city.
Outreach in Rapid City
The goal of writing a letter to homeowners and businesses is to notify them of your impending arrival and to describe the scope of the filming. In some communities, filmmakers must distribute letters to residents and businesses in the area before filming, allowing them to drop comments or suggestions if they wish.
In the notification letter, you may want to include the film's location name (if known) and the full address — nothing ambiguous here. If necessary, provide a comment describing where you have permission to film if you are only permitted to film in some locations.
When filming on private property, some owners may have several questions since most have never seen a film production before. Explain your film production in detail, and don't tell them you're a small crew when you're bringing 50 extras. If you're on a low budget, the property owner is more likely to give you the place for free if you are creative with compensation. For example, you can credit them, and if it's a business, a shout-out on their social media platforms or website.
Community Management in Rapid City
While the community members may be aware of the disturbance that filming might cause, don't expect them to be impressed by the presence of film crews. The more they understand what goes into developing a film or TV show, the easier it is to manage. Engaging neighborhoods and businesses, as well as keeping people informed of potential disruptions, noise, night work, traffic, and parking changes, can go a long way toward avoiding conflict.
Integrating film possibilities into the business community is another critical component of adding value to your community while also boosting support for film production. You should maintain active contact with businesses to facilitate filming. It is critical to establish relationships with them and provide them with as much information as possible. Inviting them to events, ensuring that they have any information that you are permitted to give, and providing them with updates on your work can all help to ensure a smooth film production.
Conclusion
Every year, thousands of visitors are drawn to Rapid City, but what you may not know is that the historical significance and distinctive beauty have also enticed several filmmakers.
Rapid City provides everything you need for successful film production. It has world-class film studios, a depth of experienced crews, a diverse selection of inspiring film locations, award-winning talent, and competitive film and TV production incentives, all of which contribute to cost-effective film production in Rapid City. The city has lots of experience in creating feature films, TV series, animations, and documentaries, and it consistently provides excellence to film producers from all over the country.
In addition, getting a film permit in Rapid City is a relatively simple process designed to ensure that film productions and local communities have a mutually beneficial partnership now and in the future. You can ensure that your next production in the city is adequately and properly approved by allowing enough time to go through the Rapid City film permitting process.
While obtaining the necessary documentation may appear to be a complicated procedure, this filming in Rapid City guide offers a more straightforward and effective approach to staying on the right side of the law and satisfying all of your licensing requirements. Whether you're a seasoned film producer or just starting out, this guide offers the important things you need to know about shooting on location in Rapid City.