City Guide Filming in Scottsdale, AZ
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: Free
- Film Permit Application Fee: Free
Minimum Insurance
- A combined single limit of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence of bodily injury and property damage
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Scottsdale
Time spent in the city of Scottsdale in eastern Maricopa County is always refreshing, fulfilling, and memorable for all. Tourists that visit this city which is just a few miles northeast of Phoenix to enjoy the year-round weather the region is known for always leave with a desire to return soon. The experience is the same for golfers and nature enthusiasts who spend time exploring this city nicknamed The World’s Finest Golf Destination. If you are a filmmaker, you won’t have anything short of a breathtaking production experience in Scottsdale.
There are several reasons why producers want to do business in the different parts of the city of Scottsdale with their cast and crew. For starters, the city’s weather and abundant sunshine make production activities possible virtually all year-round. Plus, the unique blend of picturesque locations and top-class attractions here makes filming activities both exhilarating and adventurous. Whether it is outdoor settings with great views that excite you and fit your script requirements or your interest is in finding serene spaces within indoor areas, rest assured that Scottsdale will cater to your exact filming needs.
As a reputable filming location that has been in use since the 1940s, Scottsdale lives up to the hype. Some of the projects filmed here include Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), Just One of the Guys (1985), Wayne's World (1992), Tank Girl (1995), Raising Arizona (1987), Private Lessons (1981), Everything Must Go (2010), and Electra Glide in Blue (1973). So, feel free to visit Scottsdale with your team for any kind of production, be it feature films, documentaries, music videos, etc. Giggster will help you find the perfect location for filming in the city, so use it now!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Scottsdale?
Certain filming activities require a film permit in Scottsdale while others do not. Therefore it is important to know which applies to you as a filmmaker so that you’ll comply with the filming regulations in Scottsdale.
You will not require a permit before filming in Scottsdale if you will be filming under the following conditions:
You will be filming on private property in the city and your activities will not interfere with any public activities or the public space;
Your filming is entirely for news gathering purposes in the interest of the public, and the content you are filming is intended for use by law enforcement agencies, in criminal investigations, or judicial processes;
You will be filming in a certified studio in the city.
You will require a film permit in Scottsdale if you intend to make use of roads, alleys, public streets, rights-of-way, public property, or facility that is owned by the city for a commercial motion picture or television production.
The City of Scottsdale does not issue permits for the use of drones; however, every filmmaker who intends to use drones for filming must comply with certain published guidelines by the city and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Permit Management in Scottsdale
Office of the City Manager
Every filmmaker that plans to engage in commercial production in Scottsdale must apply to the Office of the City Manager for a film permit. The city reviews the application in conjunction with staff from agencies such as the fire and police departments, risk management office, traffic engineering officials, or any other applicable unit whose services or approvals would be required because of the nature of the production. Despite that, it is the filmmaker’s responsibility to reach out to applicable city agencies to secure the services of their officials for one purpose or the other during filming. For instance, as per Scottsdale’s filming guidelines, off-duty police officers are needed if production will require traffic control or security services.
The film permit application is online. While completing the application, a filmmaker must provide a production insurance certificate that complies with the city’s requirements. Other required information:
A description of the filming location
The dates and duration of filming
The nature of filming and the potential hazards of the filming activity
A list of the cast and crew
A description of the production vehicles and equipment
To obtain a permit to film in Scottsdale, a filmmaker must also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the city from losses that arise from production.
What Insurance Do I Need in Scottsdale?
While completing the application for a film permit in Scottsdale, you must provide a certificate of insurance. If you do not submit the insurance document, you will not be issued the film permit.
As per Scottsdale’s filming laws, the insurance certificate must have a combined single limit of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence of bodily injury and property damage. Moreover, you must also provide evidence of workers’ compensation insurance that complies with statutory requirements. In addition, the city of Scottsdale must be listed as an additional insured on the certificate of insurance.
Under certain conditions, the city may determine that the filmmaker must provide higher insurance coverage than the $1,000,000 general liability because of the inherent production risks. If that is the case, the filmmaker will be duly notified, and they must then provide whatever the city deems fit as the required insurance cover.
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 Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is a haven of premium locations for film shoots and has for a long time doubled as several cities within and outside the US. The city’s neighborhoods each offer uniquely brilliant settings that producers can customize to suit what they desire.
Step into Old Town (also known as Downtown Scottsdale) and explore the various streets and old-fashioned stores that beautifully line them. Here, filmmakers will find art galleries, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The three districts that make up the Scottsdale Art District are located here in Downtown, which makes it easy to leverage the rich western, Native American, and contemporary art landscapes for production activities.
Scottsdale is also popular for the historical properties that abound within its city limits, many of which are either listed on the Scottsdale Historic Register or the National Register of Historic Places. Most buildings of interest to production teams even predate filmmaking in the city. Examples include Frank Tilus House (1875), The Little Red Schoolhouse (1909), Louise Lincoln Kerr House (1925), George Ellis House (1925), and The Valley Field Riding and Polo Club of Scottsdale (1924).
Who talks about the prominence of Scottsdale as a filming location without mentioning the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? This urban preserve sitting on over 30,000 acres of nature’s beauty has no equal when looking to film in a setting that screams the great outdoors. If you fancy shots of actors hiking on nature trails or riding on horseback, there’s no better place than McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Scottsdale is home to fascinating museums and higher education institutions that serve as interesting filming spaces as well when required.
Special Requirements in Scottsdale
Scottsdale City Parks
Any filmmaker that wishes to film in Scottsdale City Park must contact the City Park Management for information about the filming requirements and booking information. Even though drones are generally allowed in Scottsdale Parks, they are prohibited in the following areas: Mescal Park, Stonegate Park, Westworld, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Pinnacle Peak Park, Cactus Aquatic Center, Chaparral Aquatic Center, Eldorado Aquatic Center, and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center.
Scottsdale Airport
A filmmaker must apply for a Temporary Activity Permit at least ten business days before the intended date of filming in a Scottsdale Airport facility. The permit application fee is $50, and there is a $50 per hour activity fee. Supporting documents for the application are as follows:
A detailed site plan;
A certificate of insurance that names the City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Airport as an additional insured and the certificate holder:
$2,000,000 aggregate general liability
$1,000,000 general liability per occurrence
$2,000,000 auto liability
Approval from the landlord or owner of the property where filming will take place.
Arizona Department of Transport Roadway
For any filming activity to take place on an Arizona Department of Transport (ADOT) roadway in Scottsdale, a filmmaker must first obtain a film permit. The same applies to filming on any ADOT property or right-of-way. Moreover, the filmmaker must obtain a Scottsdale film permit before filming on ADOT property.
When applying for an ADOT film permit, a filmmaker must complete a permit application at least ten days before the planned filming date, submit an insurance certificate, and provide a traffic control plan. The insurance requirements are as follows and must be accompanied by applicable endorsements:
Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 annual aggregate;
$1,000,000 combined single limit of Commercial Auto Liability;
Statutory Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability of at least $1,000,000;
Aviation Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
Valley Metro
To obtain permission to film on Valley Metro property in Scottsdale, a filmmaker must first complete a Scope of Work and await a response from a Valley Metro representative (which usually takes two business days).
During the review of the Scope of Work, the filming cost will be determined, and the filmmaker will be notified. However, this does not include a $100 non-refundable processing fee that the filmmaker must pay. Student filmmakers are allowed to film at no cost if they can provide evidence of enrollment in an accredited institution. If support personnel is required, commercial and student filmmakers must cover the cost of their services.
If the filming request is approved, the filmmaker will be required to complete the location agreement and provide a certificate of insurance with the following coverage:
General liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
Auto liability of at least $1,000,000
Workers’ Compensation according to statutory requirements
Employers’ liability of at least $1,000,000
Maricopa County Parks
A filmmaker needs a Special Use Permit (SUP) for any form of commercial production in Maricopa County Parks. There is a $100 non-refundable permit application fee for the SUP as well as facility rental fees and Park Impact fees, such as when production affects the free flow of traffic.
As for insurance, any event in a Maricopa County Park requires a General Aggregate Limit of at least $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 per occurrence. Any filmmaker who intends to use any of the county parks must provide the insurance certificates at least thirty days before the scheduled event and list the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department as well as the park where filming will take place as additional insured.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Production filming is allowed in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve; however, any filmmaker must first apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit before engaging in such activities. The first step is to complete the special use permit request form, ensuring it is as detailed as possible. The Preserve Director manages the permitting process, while the rates and fees are determined by the City Council.
What Does it Cost to Film in Scottsdale?
In Scottsdale, there is no fee charged for a film permit issued to a filmmaker. However, every filmmaker must agree to reimburse the city for any cost that is incurred during production. These costs may come from the use of city equipment or the service of city employees such as fire or police personnel etc. Filmmakers are often required to post a refundable cash bond as a form of security deposit for potential city costs from production.
Additional Fees
Scottsdale offers budget-friendly locations for filmmakers. But if your film project requires city services, facilities, or other resources, be prepared to pay additional fees and apply for the necessary permits.
These fees and charges are subject to change, so you must research to remain up-to-date and submit permits in advance, as it could take up to 45 business days to process permits in some agencies or jurisdictions.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Scottsdale?
Lots of unincorporated Maricopa County lands surround the city of Scottsdale. Besides that, the city is bordered to the west by Phoenix and Paradise Valley. Tempe and Mesa lie south of Scottsdale, while Fountain Hills and Tonto National Forest lie to the east of the city.
Phoenix
If you wish to film in the city of Phoenix and will need a permit for your production, you must apply for a Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit from the Phoenix Film Office. The permit allows you to shoot films, TV shows, ads, music videos, and other productions for commercial use.
The permitting process in Phoenix takes place in three steps:
Complete an intent to film application
Provide a certificate of insurance
Pay the non-refundable permit fee ($100)
The Phoenix Film Office requires every permittee to complete the permit application at least one week before the intended date of filming. As for the certificate of insurance and the $100 permit fee, the filmmaker must provide these at least two business days before the date of commencement of filming. The insurance certificate must have a general liability cover of at least $1,000,000 and list the City of Phoenix as an additional insured. If filming on an airport tarmac, the insurance limit is at least $5,000,000.
Mesa
The Mesa Film Office manages film permit applications for production in the city of Mesa. According to the filming regulations in Mesa, all permittees must submit their application for a film permit at least fifteen working days before the proposed date of filming. There is no film permit fee in Mesa.
However, the insurance requirements are stated below: Commercial general liability $1,000,000 per occurrence ($3,000,000 for aquatics) $2,000,000 aggregate Commercial Auto liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability of $1,000,000 per accident Aviation liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate
A filmmaker must notify the members of the neighborhood in the vicinity of the filming location if the filming activity will impact their neighborhood. Moreover, any production company that wishes to film on private property in Mesa must obtain permission from the property owner before doing so.
Tonto National Forest
For a film permit application in Tonto National Forest to be considered, a filmmaker must submit it at least thirty days before the intended filming date. That way, the filmmaker can obtain a Special Use Permit.
Other documents that must accompany the application include: Certificates of insurance that will be valid for the entire duration of filming General liability, each occurrence - $300,000 Property damage (each occurrence) - $25,000 Death or injury (to one person) - $100,000 Death and injury (to more than one person) - $300,000. Tonto National Forest must be listed as an additional insured Area maps of the filming locations A filming notification form An estimated fee worksheet
The exact cost for the production is determined by the nature of the project as well as the size of the crew and duration of filming. The fees that will add up to the costs include cost recovery fees, occupancy and use fees, and other associated costs such as a performance bond. Nonprofits can apply for a reduction in the costs of filming on Tonto National Forest grounds.
Outreach in Scottsdale
In Scottsdale, it is good practice for filmmakers to reach out to the members of the neighborhood where they intend to film before production starts. This outreach prepares the residents and businesses in the vicinity of the filming location for the proposed activity. That way, they know how it may affect them, and the steps to take in case they need to support the production.
Neighborhood notification is often done via the distribution of letters to the concerned people in the host community. As a filmmaker, even though Scottsdale’s filming laws don’t exactly mandate outreach, it is recommended as part of the preparation for filming.
Community Management in Scottsdale
Community management is key before, during, and after production in Scottsdale, and professional filmmakers know how to work and interact with the host community during these stages. They do this by conducting proper outreach and ensuring there’s a way for community members to reach them to provide feedback and share concerns. Furthermore, they take care to keep every part of the neighborhood where they stay or work clean.
Conclusion
Scottsdale stands out as a remarkable city with lots of benefits for film production. As one of the cities in Maricopa County that is well known for its beautiful weather and sunshine, it attracts tourists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts all year round. Filmmakers aren’t left out either, as they frequently visit with their production team for diverse projects on city grounds. The bubbling arts and culture scene, historic areas and buildings, and desert and natural areas, among others, also add to the reasons why top players in the production industry never miss a chance to shoot films here.
To obtain a permit to film in Scottsdale, a production team must submit an online application detailing the production plans and information and include a certificate of insurance with required liability coverage to the city. Thereafter, the application is reviewed by respective city agencies to determine if the project is in line with the city’s requirements.