City Guide Filming in Redding, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by Film Shasta.
- Film Permit Application Fee: To be determined by Film Shasta.
Minimum Insurance
- General liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, as well as a waiver of subrogation.
- List the city of Redding and its team as an additional insured and as the certificate holder.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Film Shasta liaises with the city agencies, but the filmmaker takes responsibility for complying with their unique requirements.
Discounts
About Redding
The city of Redding is situated about 11 miles northwest of Anderson and is both the county seat of Shasta County and a renowned cultural and economic hub in Northern California. Located along the Sacramento River, this city is a reputable place to visit with production cast and crew members, as it features both amazing locations as well as a welcoming community.
Here in Redding, filmmakers get to take advantage of the bliss of diverse natural settings such as meadows, mountains, rivers, and lakes for their film projects. Furthermore, the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually, meaning that production companies can rest assured that the various filming locations in the city will be available for as long as possible to accommodate their unique requirements.
Redding is not only a popular filming destination because of its great locations but also because of the film incentives that are available to film producers who bring their productions here. Thanks to incentives that help with application fees, hotel accommodation for members of the production team, and grants to filmmakers, the city is one place that is hard to pass up when considering possible spots for any kind of film shoot. You should find the location in Redding that suits your film production needs now using Giggster.
Film production in Redding dates back to the 1960s, and productions such as TV shows, music videos, feature films, student films, commercials, and ads, as well as documentaries, have been filmed here. Some of the common projects that Redding is well known for include Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014), Lethal Weapon (Lawmen) (2017), Modern Family (Pig Moon Rising) (2017), Bright Ones (2019), Scotty McCreery: The Soundcheck Sessions Live (2020), Donny Osmond: Who (2021), and Climb an Angry Mountain (1972).
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Redding?
Per the filming laws in Redding, you do not require a film permit if you plan to shoot for personal (non-commercial) reasons in the city and will not use any public properties or spaces for your production. A good example is a recording you make to document some of the beautiful spots you visit in town while on vacation.
Furthermore, you will not need a permit if you intend to film on private property in the city. In any case, if you are in doubt about what may apply to your unique project, feel free to reach out to Film Shasta for guidance so that you do not end up breaking Redding’s filming regulations.
For commercial film production in Redding, you must obtain a film permit before such production commences. Also, if you intend to use public property while filming in the city, you require a film permit. Productions with special effects and those that will interfere with activities or public rights-of-way also require a film permit. For instance, if you must close streets, roads, or sidewalks because of your filming activities, you must secure a film permit.
You may require additional approvals besides the film permit because of the nature of your production. If such is the case, you must obtain those approvals before starting your project.
Certificate of insurance
A certificate of insurance that complies with the production insurance requirements of the city.
Signed Indemnification Agreement
A signed indemnification agreement and hold harmless form.
Declaration of Services
A declaration of the services you will need.
Parking and site maps.
Permit Management in Redding
Film Shasta
Film Shasta is the agency that oversees the process of issuing film permits to filmmakers who plan to shoot production in the city of Redding. Besides helping filmmakers secure the permit to film in Redding, Film Shasta also assists with booking film locations, getting local resources and incentives for production, and other services that filmmakers may need to ensure their filming experience is seamless.
The first step towards obtaining the permit to film in Redding is to fill out a request form for production. Then, a representative of Film Shasta will get back to the filmmaker. The form will contain the basic details of the planned production and help Film Shasta know how they can guide you to obtain the film permit. At that point, you will complete the required paperwork and submit the complete application via email.
Ensure you submit your film permit application at least five business days before the date you intend to start filming in the city. As soon as Film Shasta receives your permit application, they will forward it to the appropriate agencies for review and notify you once it is approved.
If you are a student filmmaker or a non-profit organization, special considerations and conditions may apply to you during your permit application process in Redding. Reach out to Film Shasta to find out what you need to do to obtain a film permit.
Film Shasta spearheads the liaison process with city agencies, like the Police and Fire Departments, on behalf of filmmakers. Some external agencies that Film Shasta also works with regarding permitting include the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Cal Trans, California State Parks, Department of Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service, Shasta County Public Works, United States Forest Service, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
What Insurance Do I Need in Redding?
To comply with the filming laws in Redding, you’ll need insurance. You must provide a certificate of insurance and an additional insured endorsement before you carry out any form of commercial film production in the city.
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 Redding?
Redding is a paradise for filming. The city hosts beautiful natural areas where filmmakers can use the backdrops of lakes, mountains, meadows, beaches, forests, waterfalls, and plains to create exciting scenes for their projects. Interestingly, the film locations in the city can easily be adapted to various needs and double for other places.
Redding is also home to the Shasta Dam and Sundial Bridge, two famous film-friendly locations in the area. Other places of interest are Sculpture Park, Cascade Theater, Old City Hall, Riverfront Amphitheater, The Dip, Shasta Historical Society, Redding Civic Auditorium, and Axiom Repertory Theater.
If you fancy filming in a school environment, check out National University, Shasta College, Shasta Union High School, and Simpson University. Funeral areas and cemeteries in the city are also popular spots where filmmakers often shoot scenes. The residential areas and commercial business chains also offer interesting settings for more film shots.
In addition, you will find restaurants and bars, studio facilities, sports areas, museum and art centers, historical buildings, gardens, healthcare facilities, and open areas that will be attractive for a quick (or prolonged) shot.
Special Requirements in Redding
Redding City Parks
If you wish to film in any of the city parks, you need to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at least 30 days before the filming date for special requirements for your production.
Amtrak
To carry out any commercial filming project on Amtrak facilities in Redding, a filmmaker must first obtain authorization from Amtrak’s Real Estate Department. Reach out to the department by phone as early as possible to secure the approval you need.
Greyhound
If you intend to film on Greyhound property or on buses in Redding, you require permission from the company. For approval for such commercial production, contact Greyhound’s marketing department via email at least one month before the date you intend to commence production.
Redding Municipal Airport and Benton Airpark
Before you can carry out any form of commercial film production at Redding Municipal Airport or Benton Airpark, you must first call the Airport Manager’s Office to request any special requirements that you need to comply with. Then, you can provide all requested information/documentation and plan your production on these premises.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
You require a Special Use Permit to carry out film production at Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To get the permit, you must submit your commercial film request to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Office at least two weeks before the date you intend to start filming. The permit will be issued by the District Ranger or the Authorized Forest Supervisor if they review your request and find that there are no environmental concerns arising from your project. You need to comply with the other requirements highlighted below:
Provide insurance:
General liability insurance of $1,000,000.
Aircraft liability insurance of $5,000,000 if applicable.
List the United States Government as an additional insured.
Pay a performance bond.
Pay the Land Use Fee:
$285.12 per day for less than 11 persons.
$380.12 per day for 11 – 30 persons.
$950.36 per day for 31 – 60 persons.
$1,144.07 per day for more than 60 persons.
Waived for student filmmakers if appropriate documentation is provided.
Pay the Cost Recovery Fee:
$136 for work hours less than 8.
$480 for work hours between 8 and 24.
$904 for work hours between 24 and 36.
$1,206 for work hours between 36 and 50.
Full costs for work hours greater than 50.
Student filmmakers pay a minimum recovery fee.
Lassen National Forest
You also require a Special Use Permit to film at Lassen National Forest. Submit your commercial film request to the Lassen National Forest Office at least two weeks before the date you intend to start. The permit will be issued by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor after determining that there are no environmental concerns that will arise from your project. Some other things you need to do for production in Lassen National Forest are as follows:
Provide insurance:
General liability insurance of $1,000,000.
Aircraft liability insurance of $5,000,000 if applicable.
List the United States Government as an additional insured.
Pay a performance bond.
Pay the Land Use Fee:
$274.15 per day for less than 11 persons.
$356.51 per day for 11 – 30 persons.
$913.81 per day for 31 – 60 persons.
$1,100.07 per day for more than 60 persons.
Waived for student filmmakers if appropriate documentation is provided.
Pay the Cost Recovery Fee.
Student filmmakers pay a minimum recovery fee.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you wish to film at Lassen Volcanic National Park, reach out to the park via email or phone to discuss your project and how it will affect park visitors and resources. The nature of your production will determine if it will be a low-impact activity that does not require a permit or if it is a higher-impact activity that requires a permit.
Filming with Drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems – UAS)
If you wish to use film drones in Redding, you must send a request for filming with a drone to the California Film Commission at least seven business days before the date you intend to start filming. You must attach the following documents to your application to ensure that it is processed timely:
A copy of the Remote Pilot Certificate for the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).
A copy of Part 47 or Part 48 Registration Certificate for each UAS.
A copy/screenshot of ATC approval to operate in restricted airspace.
A detailed description of proposed flight activities (including maps).
Copies of all necessary waivers or approvals.
Proof of insurance coverage:
At least $2,000,000 UAS liability coverage.
At least $1,000,000 general liability.
At least $1,000,000 auto liability.
Workers’ compensation that complies with statutory state requirements.
List the State of California as an additional insured.
If you are a student filmmaker, these are the documents you need:
The proof of registration of the UAS.
A letter from your school that verifies your studentship.
Aircraft insurance coverage of $2,000,000.
A detailed description of the proposed filming activity and UAS operation.
The aviation organization’s safety guidelines that guide your operation.
What Does it Cost to Film in Redding?
Filming in Redding is not free; therefore, you must prepare to pay all the fees associated with your production activities in the city. Furthermore, if the city incurs costs because of your film production, you will bear these costs according to the terms.
Additional Fees
Film Shasta provides the details of the costs associated with film production to filmmakers on a case-by-case basis.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Redding?
The city of Redding is located at the northwestern edge of the Central Valley and is surrounded by mountains to the west, east, and north. The central and southern parts form part of the Sacramento Valley, while some other parts are in the Cascade Foothills. Municipalities that border the city include Centerville and Shasta to the west, Anderson to the south, Bella Vista and Junction to the east, and Mountain Gate to the north. Tehama County Film Tehama is the agency that manages the film permitting process in Tehama County, south of Redding. Film Tehama also assists filmmakers with their production needs in the county, ranging from scouting locations to organizing resources and getting incentives. If you wish to film on public property in the county, complete the request form, and a representative will contact you. Then, you can complete the necessary paperwork and send it via email to the film office for processing.
Outreach in Redding
The filming regulations in Redding require filmmakers to conduct outreach in the locality where they intend to film in the city. Furthermore, the rule is that the outreach must be done before filming commences. To be precise, for any film production activity affecting surrounding businesses and residents, the filmmaker must send the notice of filming at least five business days before the filming starts. The notification can be done using letters or door hangers and must contain information about the project and the person to contact if there are questions or concerns.
Community Management in Redding
Even though the residents are known to be constantly welcoming film cast and crew with open arms, there’s also some responsibility as the filmmaker that you ensure that your stay in Redding does not disrupt the lives of the residents and business owners as much as possible. You can engage the community through public forums and meetings and ensure you are reachable whenever residents or businesses have an inquiry or concern about the production.
Conclusion
Head to Redding in Northern California with your production team for an unforgettable filming experience. The city’s beautiful landscape, which features flat and mountainous areas and bubbling water bodies, makes the entire area a production paradise. Add to that the historic architectural styles, municipal buildings, parks, businesses, and residential areas, and you will see why it’s hard to resist scheduling a film shoot in Redding.
The agency that oversees the film permitting process in Redding is Film Shasta. They also act as the one-stop shop for everything related to film production in the city. That is why filmmakers have only good things to say whenever they visit the city with their cast and crew. Film Shasta is a reliable helping hand for location scouting and production resource assistance.
All you need to do to get started is contact their office, and they will liaise with other agencies that need to be involved in your production. You should provide a certificate of insurance and pay the film production fees in Redding. Additional requirements will be communicated to you by Film Shasta’s representative. Depending on the nature of your production, you may be eligible for some incentives.