City Guide Filming in Topeka, KS
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: $50
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: Organized by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission
- Incentives:
- Exemption from hotel occupancy tax for 28-day-stays (or higher)
Discounts
About Topeka
Nestled in the center of Shawnee County, Topeka is the capital of Kansas and sits along the Kansas River, which has, for well over a century, inundated its grounds. Founded originally in 1854 as a free-state town, the city was mostly agrarian — the name itself means "place where we dig potatoes" in the Kansa-Osage language, native to the region. The city experiences a humid continental climate whereby the summers are humid and hot while the winters are dry and cold and is about an hour and a half from Kansas City.
More than a century has gone by, and the city today has been completely overhauled, every aspect of it. Today, the cityscape is dotted with tall buildings, massive edifices, and not flat farmlands, as had once been the case. However, historic structures persist, such as the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, commemorating the 1954 ruling that declared any form of racial segregation (even if on equal terms) in schools unconstitutional in the USA. Other notable attractions include the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, originally founded in 1957, and the Topeka Civic Theatre, which maintains its status as a center of arts and excellence.
Many producers and filmmakers aiming for their spot on Hollywood’s Hall of Fame have featured the city with all its majesty in movie titles like No Holds Barred, They've Taken Our Children: The Chowchilla Kidnapping, American Crime, Cross of Fire, The Most Hated Family in America, After the Wizard, Stalking Laura, Kansas, Truman, America's Most Hated Family in Crisis, and Suspension.
The only thing left for you to do is to go through our brief overview of the basic filming guidelines in Topeka, make all the required reservations and preparations, and then head straight to the city to film your next project! You don't have to scout for premium filming locations in Topeka when you get there. Giggster will set you up with the best and most exclusive filming locales for your project in no time!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Topeka?
Film production activities in Topeka require a film permit if the activities are taking place on city property or if any services are required from the local departments. The filming guidelines in Topeka are clear on this, and you can always reach out to the local film commission office at (785) 296-4927 for more information. General filming permits are not usually deemed necessary when you’re filming on private property, in that case, you only need to sign an agreement with the property owner. Besides the general filming permit.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit is issued by the local fire prevention department. It allows you to use fire-based special effects, explosions, fireworks, and such elements in your film production activities.
Animal Control Permit
this permit is issued by the local animal control department and allows you to get animals like dogs involved in your film production activities under guided supervision and complete control to avoid any bodily liability claim or property damage.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this permit is issued by the local aviation department if your film production involves the use of aircraft and helicopters; additional liability insurance coverage is also compulsory.
Drone Filming Permit
this permit is needed when your film production staff needs to use a UAS or camera drone for filming; you must also provide additional liability insurance coverage and make sure that FAA regulations are followed.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
students and not-for-profit filmmakers can take advantage of discounted rates for film permits.
Permit Management in Topeka
Kansas Film Commission
Filming permits in Topeka are issued by the Kansas Film Commission, a subsidiary of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. The Creative Arts Commission doesn’t issue any permits on its own but does offer incentives and support to filmmakers throughout the state.
The film permit requirements are minimal, except for the insurance coverage requirements. You can file your application online. Or you can contact the film commission office in Topeka at 1000 SW Jackson. Alternatively, you can call (785) 296-4927. You can also access the city’s online permit portal and send your application through this channel. As for the additional or special permits, you’ll have to contact the respective departments for permission and approval, such as the fire prevention department for pyrotechnics permits.
On top of the local permit issuing authority, you’ll also coordinate your film production efforts with the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which offers technical support and assistance to filmmakers throughout. This organization does not issue permits, but you can get all the resources you need for your film production efforts in Kansas from their website; plus, they can help you in the following ways:
They’ll liaise with any local, state-level, or national-level agency you’ll need them to.
They’ll help you scout filming locations and venues for your production efforts.
They’ll provide all the pre-production assistance and information you need before you start.
They’ll also help you get approvals for your permit applications (including the special permits).
They’ll offer support and technical assistance (as and when needed) throughout your production.
What Insurance Do I Need in Topeka?
The only hard regulation you’ll face when filming in Topeka is production insurance. Insurance coverage is a must-have for all film productions operating legally, pretty much anywhere in the USA. The underlying logic is simple – if something goes wrong, the production crew and any possible accident victim must be fairly compensated for their losses. Since the losses would have been incurred by the film production activities, the production will be liable for reimbursing the victims for their losses, not the local government. Thus production insurance is required as per the level of presumed risk of the film production – the higher the risk level, the higher the insurance coverage requirements. However, the baseline production insurance requirements in Topeka can help you understand what to expect.
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 Topeka?
Besides generally relaxed and easy-to-follow filming laws in Topeka, you also have plenty of filming locations. You have diverse choices, from purpose-built recording and photography studios to natural-looking interiors for rent (including residential spaces).
One example is the Enormous Event Space, which is over 3000 square feet and can accommodate a production crew of up to 360. The interior is spacious and well-lit, offering perfect contrast, and is fully furnished with all the essentials, making it an ideal spot for filmmakers. There is also parking at the back of the building for the crew.
Apart from such private event spaces and filming venues for rent, you also have some major attractions in the city that draw tourists and filmmakers alike. For instance, the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is an edifice to marvel at as it commemorates the 1954 decree rendering racial segregation unconstitutional in the USA.
The Evel Knievel Museum, with its vast array of displays and impressive architecture, is also a site that inspires wonder and awe. The same applies to the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Gage Park, which sees visitors in the thousands. Similarly, the Kansas State Capitol building is remarkable due to its architecture and assorted artistic pieces.
The Kansas Expocentre and Landon Arena also host some of the most impressive gatherings in the region. Speaking of impressive — the word does not even begin to describe the excellence of the Combat Air Museum at Forbes Field.
And if you'd rather be outside, taking a stroll with nature, Heartland Park Topeka might be the perfect choice for you. And as walks go, one can also move back in history – and the city has just the right spot for it: the Kansas Museum of History. Other impressive venues include the Topeka Zoo, the Cedar Crest, a hilltop mansion housing the state's Governor, and The Upstage Gallery. All of these have attracted local and outside admiration for decades.
The options may seem intimidating, but you do not have to decide hastily. Instead, take your time to figure out what works best for you, and then take your pick with Giggster!
Special Requirements in Topeka
Filming At The Topeka Unified School District
You can get conditional approval for filming on the premises of the Topeka Unified School District. For this, you’ll have to reach out to the school district administration and submit your proposal. Make sure to send your application at least a month in advance and also share proof of general liability insurance amounting to $1 million. After approval from the school, you'll be able to film on the premises but under the agreed-upon conditions.
Filming At Local Parks
The local Department of Parks and Recreation manages local green areas like Gage Park, Betty Phillips Park, and Shawnee South Community Park. You'll need to contact them for approval if you want exclusive access to these locations to film.
Filming At The Kansas River Kaw River State Park
Nearby Kansas River Kaw River State Park is managed and run by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. To film here, you'll have to submit your application to the department, alongside $1 million general liability insurance proof. You'll get conditional approval for filming (make sure never to violate any limitations/rules), plus you'll also have to hire a park official to monitor you.
Filming At Topeka Zoo
The Topeka Zoo is another iconic place to film your project, and once again, you’ll need special permission from the zoo management before you can film here. The approval will be conditional, meaning that you’ll have to follow a set of rules to be allowed to film here, such as no pyrotechnics and no excessive noises.
Filming With Camera Drones
If you’re planning to film via camera drones, just make sure that you follow the FAA regulations to a tee.
What Does it Cost to Film in Topeka?
All the fees and dues associated with your project will be decided by the respective departments. All concerned departments will send invoices for the services requested, and you’ll be obliged to pay in full. The filming regulations in Topeka have not set up fixed prices for these services and instead left it to the departments themselves to figure out the costs.
Additional Fees
You’ll also have to pay (either hourly or otherwise) for the following services rendered by the local departments:
You may think that the fees are piling up and pushing your expenses even higher, but you are also getting valuable help and assistance in return. Plus, breaking the rule can lead to disastrous consequences for your production activities — it’s best to play by the book.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Topeka?
Since the filming laws in Topeka only apply to the geographic limits of the city, you’d do well understanding the boundaries. The city of Topeka sits in northeast Kansas and is the point of origin of the I-335, which runs all the way to Emporia. To the north of the city are Elmont and Menoken, whereas the eastern boundary is marked by Granville, Tecumseh, and Watson. To the south, Berrytown, Wakarusa, and Auburn form the city’s boundary. Dover, Maple Hill, and Silver Lake form the western boundary.
Outreach in Topeka
You are legally obliged to notify all affected residents about your upcoming filming schedule in Topeka. This means that you’ll have to send notification letters to all residents at least two days in advance, but ideally, earlier than that. The notification letter must mention your schedule, contact information, anticipated activities, alternative routes for any streets closed, and anything else deemed pertinent. You might also have to share a copy of this letter with the permit issuing authority. Normally, you won't have to conduct a local survey, but if your film production involves elements that may be seen as excessively disturbing (such as a low-flying aircraft), then you will have to see if the community is on board with it first.
Community Management in Topeka
The people in Topeka have often been described as “midwestern-friendly.” They’ll show interest in you if you reach out and initiate an interesting conversation. Not only are the filming regulations in Topeka filmmaker-friendly, but the people are too. You'll find the local community to be fairly reasonable and cooperative. Plus, with the support of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, you don’t have much to worry about anyway. The only thing that you might want to avoid is noise pollution — it’s a big city, but no one wants to hear constant noise. Also, when using camera drones, be sure to respect everyone’s right to privacy.
Conclusion
Topeka is the perfect destination for your next film project, whether you are a newbie looking to work on your first project or an ace scouting for premium filming destinations. The overall climate of the city is tolerable, though it does vary greatly, and you’ll find the ambiance perfect for film production. Not only is the cityscape lined with vibrant and masterfully designed buildings, but you’ll also find a whole assortment of public attractions dotted all over the city. Historic landmarks, museums, parks, and public attractions are in the scores here, and they attract locals and tourists with their unparalleled charm and allure.
The filming guidelines in Topeka are also worth mentioning, as they are as easy as things get in the business. You don’t need to fulfill many requirements to obtain a filming permit, and if you’re filming on private property, you won’t need a permit at all (unless you require the services of city officials). You will, however, have to provide sufficient insurance coverage proof to be granted permission to film on public property, and this coverage can go up or down depending on the level of perceived risk associated with your production efforts. But other than that, you won’t have to face any regulations and can instead count on the city and the many departments for support and technical help if you need it.
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is another plus point for filming in the area – they give access to perks and privileges not seen in most of the other areas of the USA. Apart from offering guidance, pre-production help, liaising with local, state, and national departments, and technical assistance throughout the production efforts, they also offer incentives. The most notable incentive given to filmmakers is that they’re exempt from hotel occupancy tax if they stay there for 28 days or more.