City Guide Filming in Springfield, IL
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $50 application fee (non-refundable)
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Workers’ Compensation: As per state requirements
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired”
- Watercraft Liability: $1 million
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the production team
Discounts
About Springfield
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, has a history that goes back to the dawn of the 19th century when the area was first settled. Today, the city lies close to the Sangamon River and even has a man-made lake within its confines to serve as a source of fresh water for its residents — Lake Springfield. Here, you can experience all four seasons with distinct climatic settings, the winters are cold and snowy, and the summers are hot. But the most iconic aspect of the city is its history, and by history, we’re referring to one of its residents who called this place his home from 1837 to 1861 until he had to move to the White House, having won the US presidential elections. This person is President Abraham Lincoln.
Some of the most prominent local attractions are also historical sites associated with the iconic president who led the USA to victory in the American Civil War. These landmarks include the Tomb of Lincoln at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
And how can a city like this stay away from the limelight of film production teams? The answer is it hasn’t. The city, about an hour and a half north of St. Louis, Missouri, has been the site of many film productions over the years. Production teams for Bad Teacher, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, Call Northside 777, The Gettysburg Address, The Awakening Land, The Cinema Snob Movie, Another Cinema Snob Movie, and Misconceptions have worked here rather successfully — the list of titles associated with the city goes on, but we think this hits the mark well enough.
Let’s do a quick roundup of the filming guidelines in Springfield first before you pack your stuff and head to town, so you have a better understanding of how to get your permit and who to reach out to for certain matters.
Of all the parties associated with your efforts, there is one that you can put your complete faith in — Giggster. We offer detailed listings of the best, most sought-after filming venues in Springfield and elsewhere for you to choose from, based on your preferences, without ever having to walk the pavement to scout for the perfect filming destination!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Springfield?
Yes, before you can start working in public and also close certain passageways for the public, you need the necessary permits first. The filming guidelines in Springfield give some exceptions to this rule as well. Here are some cases when you don’t need a filming permit for your activities:
Filming for a social media post
Not requiring any assistance from the local departments for your film project
Filming within privately owned premises
Plus, other than a general filming permit, you may also need the following:
Pyrotechnics permit
A pyrotechnics permit is needed when any fire-based special effects, such as gunfire or explosions, are involved in your filming project; you need the local fire department’s approval for this permit.
Animal control permit
An animal control permit is needed when a dog, horse, cat, or any other animal that needs to be properly restrained in case it causes damage to someone, is to be made part of the film production.
Aircraft usage permit
An aircraft usage permit is needed when you need to fly an aircraft/helicopter for your film production activities; the local aviation authority issues the permit, and you must submit $5 million in liability insurance as well.
Drone filming permit
A drone filming permit is given after the submission of $2 million in liability coverage and allows you to operate camera drones in public for your film production activities.
Permit Management in Springfield
Springfield Department of Planning and Economic Development
You’ll have to reach out to the Department of Planning and Economic Development to get filming permits in Springfield. If you want to meet the department contact person physically, you can do so at 107 Municipal Center East, Springfield, IL 62757, or you can call 217 789 2377. It is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed with all of this, and if that is the case with you, you should first contact the Illinois Film Office, which operates on the state level. Although the Illinois Film Office does not offer permits of its own, it does equip filmmakers with all the resources and information they need to operate in the state and can also help you get your filming permit without hassle.
The best part is yet to come, though! You may already be a bit concerned about how much you can realistically spend on your filming project in Illinois, and it may be too much to handle on its own without the added burden of taxes. But this is where the Illinois Film Office offers much-needed financial relief in the form of a 30% tax credit for all your film-related expenses in the state of Illinois.
Other than these two departments/organizations, there is one more permit-issuing authority that becomes relevant when you're planning to film in historic sites associated with Abraham Lincoln. The National Parks Service manages those premises and is thus the only party authorized to issue permits for them.
What Insurance Do I Need in Springfield?
Acquiring the required production insurance coverage is one of the most important prerequisites to filming anywhere in the USA, including in Springfield. This is because accidents can happen even when we least expect them and leave victims with a ton of economic and non-economic damages that the production company’s insurance coverage must pay for. Accidents don’t necessarily only happen when races, chases, stunts, or explosions are involved. They can happen from equipment malfunction, a wet floor, a trip, and fall, or anything else of the sort.
If your film has risky elements, the chances of getting involved in an accident are much higher, as even the slightest miscalculation or negligence can send a stunt person straight to the hospital. So, in such cases, the city may require you to expand your insurance coverage to be able to tackle any possible outcomes of the filming project. Now, let's take a look at the baseline production insurance requirements in Springfield for your reference:
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 Springfield?
You’re probably eager to know why it is worth your time to comb through the filming laws in Springfield. Apart from the multiple levels of assistance and support that you’ll get in return (from the local departments), the city also offers the finest, most premium filming locations for your project. Historic landmarks associated with Abraham Lincoln are the most notable filming destinations, but other than these, there are numerous parks, a huge lake, a nearby river, and much more.
But maybe you want a privately owned interior, perhaps equipped for film production. If so, then the Culture Art Studio, Modern Industrial Film Studio, Creative Multi-Production Set, and the Mid-Century Modern Creative Production Studio will be perfect for your film production efforts.
When you need something more versatile, the Contemporary Photo Studio & Meeting Space, Contemporary Natural Light Studio and Event Space, and the Flexible Film and Photography Studio will be more up your alley. Maybe space is a concern, and if that is the case, then you need to check out the Huge Production Warehouse, which can be set up in any theme you like.
The Urban Decay Atrium offers a completely different feel – it shows decay and ghastliness, which can fit well if your script is themed as such. For a more lively and vivid experience, the Elegant Studio Bar and Event Space or the White Storefront Space are ideal. You can also explore residential settings available for rent, restaurants, outdoor venues, rooftop bars, diners, and so much more.
Giggster will help you find all the finest filming venue options in the area and beyond; just scroll through our listings, and you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for!
Special Requirements in Springfield
Filming In Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The National Parks Service manages the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and thus they will issue filming permits to anyone looking to film here. To get your permit, you’ll have to:
Reach out to the National Parks Service directly
See if your filming activity requires a permit
Click the link above to go to the relevant page
Download the application form
Print the form, fill it in, and then submit it to the NPS
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50
Filming In Local School Districts
Local school districts include the Springfield School District 186 and Sangamon Area Special Ed District. Individual schools where you might want to film are Springfield High School and Springfield Ball Charter School. To film on the premises of any of these, you must:
Contact the school administration and arrange for an in-person meeting.
Present your film proposal highlighting the expected filming activities and overall theme of the script.
Arrange the schedule as per the availability of the school premises
Discuss any fee that the school management may charge for allowing you to film on their property.
Filming In Sangamon River
If you wish to use a kayak, boat, or any other water vessel while filming in the Sangamon River, you'll have to get $1 million worth of watercraft liability coverage.
Filming In Lake Springfield
The watercraft liability coverage requirement applies likewise to filming at Lake Springfield if you're using a watercraft in your filming activities.
Filming In City Parks
The city houses no less than 30 parks and nature preserves which are all managed by the Springfield Park District – these green areas include Southwind Park, Washington Park, Union Square Park, Carpenter Park, and others. If you want to film here, you’ll have to:
Reach out to the Springfield Park District staff
Discuss the availability of the park (and whether you can get exclusive access)
Discuss the fees/charges applicable in your case
Ask if you’ll have to hire someone from the staff to monitor the filming activities (get a quote if so)
Notify the affected residents in advance
Filming In Nearby State Parks
Nearby state parks, such as the Walnut Point State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and Prophetstown State Park, are managed by the Illinois State Parks Department. To film here, you’ll have to reach out to the department directly and discuss their terms and conditions for giving you a permit. You’ll also have to debrief yourself on the park rules and agree to abide by them when filming there.
Filming With Camera Drones
You can operate camera drones to shoot some segments of your filming project outdoors if you have the required permit for that. But camera drones are light, compact, and highly maneuverable, making them very effective as spy tools. Nearby people may put forward genuine privacy concerns (and do keep in mind that you are not allowed to film someone without their consent), so you have to ensure safe and responsible usage of the camera drone. Also, when you apply for a UAS permit, you’ll need to provide $2 million in drone liability coverage first, comply with all FAA regulations, and respect any no-drone-fly-zones set by the city.
Noise Regulations To Follow When Filming
The noise regulations in Springfield disallow the use of any noisy instruments in public, such as loudspeakers, amplifiers, and radios, especially during nighttime and in residential spaces. The only exception is when you’ve been authorized to do so, but even then, you must not exceed the decibel limit given to you by the city. Otherwise, it will be considered noise pollution, and it will be in violation of the law.
Filming Beyond The Regular Hours
Normally, film production teams are allowed to film between 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but if you wish to exceed this time limit, then you must first conduct a local survey and secure an overall positive response from the community. After that, you can request the permitting authorities to adjust your allotted timeframe accordingly.
What Does it Cost to Film in Springfield?
The filming regulations in Springfield allow all departments/parties involved to charge fees/dues for any services rendered, including the issuance of a permit to film. However, most of these fees are not fixed but instead vary from case to case.
Additional Fees
Plus, other than the permit-associated fees, you'll also need quotes for additional services you may need, such as:
Geographical Jurisdiction of Springfield?
Hosting the county seat of Sangamon County, Springfield is both a major metropolis and the capital city in the state of Illinois; it occupies a total area of 65.764 square miles, which is the extent to which the filming laws in Springfield apply. Major water bodies in the area include both the Sangamon River and Lake Springfield. The city’s boundaries are well-defined and demarcated precisely. Its neighboring settlements define its boundary — Andrew and Sherman are up north; Spaulding, Riverton, Clear Lake, and Rochester are to the east; Chatham is down south; Curran, Riddle Hill, and Bardfordton are to the west.
Outreach in Springfield
The Springfield filming laws don’t usually require film productions to conduct local surveys unless directed so by the Department of Planning and Economic Development. Normally, you only have to post letters notifying the locals (within the affected area), including both residents and business owners, at least 48 hours before the scheduled filming. Your letters should list your contact information, filming schedule, details of any street closure, and any other relevant information. Be sure to get the draft first approved by the planning department before posting the letters.
Community Management in Springfield
Most people would confidently describe Springfield as one of the best places to live in the state of Illinois, and you’ve also seen that the filming regulations in Springfield are not all too arduous. The people are nice and warmly welcome tourists. They’re used to them due to the numerous tourist attractions for anyone looking for a glimpse into the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Film productions have also worked here for years without much trouble, and you should expect a similarly warm reception.
Conclusion
Springfield boasts major tourist attractions, both in the form of iconic locations and culture — the corn dog and horseshoe sandwich are both culinary inventions accredited to Springfield, although the claim for the former is contested. Memories of the most iconic and memorable president of the United States are also dotted all over town, such as his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Other than this, local green areas are also a delight for the eyes and the soul, especially Carpenter Park and Washington Park. All in all, the city of Springfield is the perfect filming destination for anyone looking to add a historic flair to their project and to incorporate the natural beauty and the impressive infrastructure of the city into their film project. The local authorities are eager to assist filmmakers in doing their magic in town. You can also benefit greatly from the tax incentives for filmmakers operating in Illinois – just be sure to stick to the filming guidelines in Springfield.
And to make things even better, Giggster can help you pick top-tier filming venues that go with your script’s needs without having to scout for hours — scroll through our listings and pick whatever works the best for you!