City Guide Filming in River, MA
Production Permit Fees
- As per the invoice sent by the Mayor's Office
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As per state requirements
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired”
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: To be arranged by the production on its own
Discounts
About River
If you are looking for some of the most iconic cities to base your film on in Massachusetts, you can't go wrong by putting Bristol County's Fall River on the top of that list! Though the city is only the tenth-largest in the state and does not pack the same excitement as some metropolitan centers like Boston, its somewhat grim history has allowed it to make a mark in the minds of the locals and the cinematic industry. The Lizzie Borden axe murder case and the Fall River cult murders are both deeply rooted events that have inspired speculation and cinematic imagination. But other than this, its history is tied to the textile industry and earned it quite a name back in the nineteenth century. The effects of this past are reflected even to this day in the culture of the city as well as in its landscape.
Fall River has also been featured countless times in Hollywood productions, including sometimes for stories inspired by events in the city. The Ouija Possession, Bedford Springs, Haunting in New England, The Critic, Subconscious, Don't Look Up, Letters for Annie: Memories from World War II, Jonah Lives, The Raft, Thirteen Days, Nun of That, Beyond the Dunwich Horror, and Midnight Butterflies are some of the most impressive Hollywood productions that were shot in the city. You would also be glad to know that the filming guidelines in Fall River are easy to keep up with, making the city perfect for filmmakers from all over. But let us review the rules and regulations before you rush towards the town to film your project.
When picking the best filming venues in the area, you can always count on Giggster to help you find the most premium spots in Fall River, nearby, and elsewhere!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in River?
Yes, all film productions that plan to film on city property, use city property while they’re filming (such as public parking), wish to get some form of assistance from the local departments, or want to film inside public buildings (after approval), must first obtain a general filming permit from the Mayor’s Office. As per the filming guidelines in Fall River, you won’t have to get a permit if you’re filming exclusively in privately-owned premises if your production crew size is minimal (less than four people), or if you’re filming solo, but this exemption does not apply in all cases — plus, filming at some locations will necessitate the acquisition of a permit no matter what the size of your production is. You’ll also have to get additional permissions as per the needs of your script:
pyrotechnics permit
You’ll have to get a pyrotechnics permit if you wish to use any fire-based special effects like explosions, gunfire, fireworks, and such elements that involve the risk of fire spreading; onboarding the fire safety department in this regard is a firm requirement.
animal control permit
You’ll need an animal control permit if you wish to shoot with horses, cats, dogs, and other animals that could cause personal injury or property damage; liaise with the local animal control department for coordination in the matter.
aircraft usage permit
To use an aircraft or helicopter, you’ll need an aircraft usage permit from the local aviation authority; they will require you to follow certain safety protocols and to submit $5 million in liability coverage for the aircraft being used.
drone filming permit
If you wish to use a UAS or camera drone for your film project, you'll need a drone filming permit and have to submit $2 million in liability coverage for the same.
student/non-commercial filming permits
Student/non-commercial filming permits are available for much lower rates than regular general filming permits, but you'll have to verify your student/non-commercial status before you can avail of such benefits.
Permit Management in River
Fall River Mayor’s Office
Instead of appointing a dedicated special events team, the city has designated the mayor’s office as the focal point for filmmakers seeking filming permits in Fall River. You can contact the Mayor’s Office via phone at 508-324-2600 during business hours or visit in person at One Government Center, Fall River, MA 02722, USA. You can also access the office’s website and contact the staff. Unlike some other categories of special events, including parades, there are no online forms for permit applications on the website. You will have to get one from the office in person.
It’s best to set an appointment with the mayor’s office staff and then discuss your proposal with the focal person upon arrival — you will be assigned a coordinator for your filming efforts to access the city’s resources through them. This is not how things work in some big cities, but rest assured that the mayor’s office is as cooperative as you can hope for.
You’ll only have to approach the office for a permit when filming in public. No permit is needed from the city for film production efforts based exclusively on private premises. It’s still recommended to notify the mayor’s office. You will need written permission from the property owner and may also have to sign an agreement with them. To contact the local departments, such as the police and fire safety departments, via the city’s official website — the mayor’s office will facilitate the liaison.
What Insurance Do I Need in River?
The production insurance requirements in Fall River, as with production needs pretty much anywhere else in the USA for film productions, are based on the risk assessment of the filming activities. If the film involves action-packed sequences, fight scenes, car chases, and dangerous stunts, the insurance coverage requirements will rise accordingly. This is because the odds of things going south in such risky segments are far higher than otherwise. But this does not mean that low-risk productions will be exempt from the obligation of providing insurance coverage — even if there is no apparent risk associated with the filming activities, accidents can still happen, even if they are as minimal as slip and falls. It necessitates film production insurance coverage for all, but there are no fixed requirements. Still, you may be required to produce more extensive coverage.
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 River?
We’ve discussed much of what you need to know about the filming laws in Fall River; let's redirect our attention to some of the many options we have for filming venues in the city. Purpose-built facilities are dotted all across town, and venues like the Top Floor Loft Production Studio are all well-lit, offer picture-perfect contrast, and feature a blend of vivid and stimulating colors. Other options in this category include the Urban Photography Studio with Modern Design, Production Studio Space, Full TV Studio Space, and Open Loft Filming Studio — all of these are fully equipped and furnished spaces, offering perfect lighting and an adjustable environment. If you wish to add some theme to the blend, something other than generic settings, then New England's Premiere Creative Studio might be perfect for it, and the same is also true for the Artistic Vibe Recording Studio.
Moving on, let’s explore some filming venues, other than purpose-built facilities — you’ve got a ton of destinations that you can rent for filming. Such spaces offer a natural, relatable setting – for instance, the Impressive Yoga Wellness Studio offers a calm and serene atmosphere with natural lighting, ample space, and a generally soothing setting. You can also try out the In-House Green Screen filming venue for all the CGI effects you wish to include in your project. There are also Custom-Built Sets for Music Videos and Photoshoots and 23+ Unique Rooms and backgrounds for Content Creators, both uniquely themed spaces with several unique sets for all needs. There’s also the Textile Mill which gives a calm and welcoming feeling and a fully furnished interior. The Penthouse-Style Creative Space is another premium option available for rent with a skyline and a garden. Another top-tier filming venue is the Gourmet Kitchen with Private Patio which is perfect for shooting recipe tutorials, cooking-based shows, and scenes involving food preparation for your film project.
Whatever it is you need, you can count on Giggster to help you find the most premium venues in the city and nearby!
Special Requirements in River
Filming At The Fall River Public School District
Filming is only allowed under special circumstances in the premises of the Fall River Public School District; to get approval for your production efforts, you’ll have to:
Reach out to the school board with your proposal
Next, you need to discuss the schedule for your filming activities
The school will also need some details of your script/project to see if they would find it suitable to allow you to film on their premises
You’ll also have to arrange for $1,000,000 in general liability
Additional insurance requirements may also apply, such as automobile liability, worker’s compensation, etc.
Next, you need to get a permit from the city
After the completion of all the aforementioned requirements, you can start filming as per your schedule
Filming At Neighborhood Parks
Some of the prominent neighborhood parks in the city include Kennedy Park and Ruggles Park – you can film in such parks without any hassle. However, if you require exclusive access to the premises, you’ll have to reach out to the local parks and recreation department. You may also be required by the department to hire a professional from their staff as a production monitor.
Filming At The Fall River Heritage State Park
The Fall River Heritage State Park spreads over 14 acres and is situated on the Taunton River; it is a historical-themed land with natural elements worth preserving. It is best known for housing the USS Massachusetts, a battleship from the Second World War era. To film here:
Reach out to the state park’s management staff
Share your proposal for filming on the premises of the park
Discuss any special requirements they may have for you
Go through all the park rules thoroughly as they will apply to the fullest in your case too
After approval, you may have to hire guides and monitors from the park
Start filming as per your schedule
All park fees and rules will be applicable as usual
You'll also have to get $1,000,000 worth of general liability coverage
Filming At The Fall River Heritage State Building
The Fall River Heritage State Building is owned by the state of Massachusetts, and to film here, you need to get permission from the management staff, not the city government. The process is pretty much the same as that described earlier for the Fall River Heritage State Park.
Filming At The World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial sits in the Heritage State Park; the exact location is at the Bicentennial Park Trail, Fall River, MA – you don't need extra permission to film here if you've already communicated with the state park's management about your film project. However, if you wish to film only at this memorial site and not the rest of the state park, the process for getting permission is pretty much the same as described earlier.
Filming At The Freetown-Fall River State Forest
The Freetown-Fall River State Forest stretches over 5,000 acres of public-owned land and serves as a nature conservation reserve in the vicinity of both Fall River and the nearby Lakeville. To get approval for filming here, simply reach out to the management with your proposal, discuss your schedule, understand their rules and expectations, submit proof of insurance, agree to their terms and conditions, and then start filming after approval.
Filming At The Battleship Cove
The Battleship Cove houses the USS Massachusetts battleship from the Second World War and is situated within the Fall River Heritage State Park. Other than this, the maritime museum also displays several other US navy-related historic articles. Special events are generally permitted here and this means that you can film within the premises too but you'll first need the management's approval, which is the same as that for the Fall River Heritage State Park.
What Does it Cost to Film in River?
As per the filming regulations in Fall River, you need to pay both the mayor's office and all other departments involved for their services rendered, making your project possible. This includes fees for the permit itself and for hiring any officials from the other departments; however, none of these fees are listed in advance, and instead, you'll get an invoice specifically for your case stating how much you have to pay to be able to film your project on city property. Here's a rough breakdown of what is payable to whom (and note once again that none of these fees are stated in advance):
Additional Fees
To apply for a film permit in Fall River, contact the Mayor's Office to discuss your project needs and intent.
Geographical Jurisdiction of River?
The filming laws in Fall River apply throughout the city's premises and no further, so it's important to understand the geographic jurisdiction of Fall River in Bristol County. Fall River borders both the Mount Hope Bay and Taunton River to the west, the former being a bit towards the southwest, relative to the city. Up north are Somerset, Freetown, and Freetown-Fall River State Forest; moving east, the city borders the Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation and the city of Acushnet; to the south, the city’s boundaries are defined by the Rhode Island.
Outreach in River
As per the Fall River filming laws, you should send the residents notifications if filming somewhere nearby and it might affect them. For film productions operating exclusively on private premises, no such requirement applies. Also, you’ll only have to conduct resident surveys if you wish to film within the same neighborhood for a prolonged period, or if you want to continue filming late at night, and so on.
Community Management in River
The filming regulations in Fall River are not the only good thing about picking the city –— overall, the local population is highly supportive and will be eager to host you. You only need to keep the decibel level low, avoid loudspeakers, the humming of power generators, or any intrusion on someone's privacy — play by the rules, and you'll be fine; you're not the first to come here to film anyways!
Conclusion
Following the Great Fire that ravaged the city in 1843, Fall River adopted a new motto which remained in place until recently: "We'll Try" before being replaced by a new slogan "Make It Here" in 2017, as part of the city government's efforts to rebrand it in line with their future vision. And since you're probably planning to "make it here," rest assured, the city has established simple and easy-to-follow filming guidelines in Fall River for a reason! The local government is trying to promote film production in the area, and there is much to show: the local Portuguese culture, countless textile mills dating back to the nineteenth century, nearby state parks, the Battleship Cove, the USS Massachusetts, and so on.
Fall River has also been dubbed as the Scholarship City since the establishment of the Dollars for Scholars fund in 1958, and if you’re planning to film at one of the numerous educational facilities in the area, you’d be impressed by the quality of talent the city has acquired through such scholarship incentives. But the best part is that you won’t have to deal with tons of red tape. You’ll instead get to speak directly to the concerned people in each department with minimal hassle — all contact numbers have been listed on the website. The city has done everything possible to welcome filmmakers into town for their creative innovations, and you could be part of the next big thing here.
No need to worry about picking the best spots for filming; at Giggster, we’ve got you covered, as always!