Student Filming Guidelines for City of Savannah
| Permit Procedure | Fill out the City of Savannah Student Filming Permit Application no later than 5 business days before filming. All student productions must obtain a permit in order to gather on city-owned property if your cast and crew size exceeds six (6) people. Or you have any of the following needs:
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| Fee Structure | The City of Savannah charges a one-time non-refundable $25 Application Processing Fee per location. Additionally, there is a $30 Permit Fee per location for your completed permit. Non-consecutive dates for the same location will be charged an additional $30 permit fee. For example: If your project wants to film in Location 1: Forsyth Park, and Location 2: Chippewa Square, you will submit two $25 Application Processing Fees, and then once approved, be billed for two $30.00 Permit Fees, totaling $110.00. If your project wants to return to Location 1:Forsyth Park for additional filming, you will be billed for an additional $30.00 Permit Fee. All fees are non-refundable except in extraordinary circumstances. Fees are due prior to the issuance of permits. Payment can be made by money order made payable to the City of Savannah. “Film Permit Fee” should be identified on the “notes” line of the money order. |
| Savannah Police Department | To hire a police officer, please specify your police needs on your student permit application. Please check the Savannah PD Film Policy for rates. Additional fees may apply. Student Film – Regular Day – $40.00/hr Holiday – $45.00/hr Last Minute Job Notifications – Regular Day – + $5.00/hr Holiday – + $10.00/hr Cost Recovery – Administrative Fees $1.00/hour Cost Recovery – City Vehicle $6.00/hour *All rates are billed at a four (4) hour time minimum. *Officers shall not negotiate extra-duty lower pay rates with employers. *Cost Recovery rates apply to all extra duty jobs. If a production needs to cancel a scheduled officer, you must do so 24 hours prior to the officer’s scheduled time. If you need to cancel or reschedule due to weather, you must cancel 4 hours prior to the officer’s scheduled time. Note: City of Savannah Police Officers, Police Vehicles, Police K9, Mounted Patrol and Police Buildings are not available to use in films and photo shoots. |
| Savannah Fire Department | Any special effects that include explosives or fire will require a permit from Savannah Fire Department. Savannah Fire Permit Savannah Fire Permit Fee Schedule Fire Marshal $50/hour (4-hour minimum) Savannah Fire Marshal’s Office 912.644.5960 |
| Insurance and Notification | Type of Insurance Required: Commercial General Liability Minimum Limits (per occurrence): $1,000,000 Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be addressed as follows: The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah C/O Susan Broker P.O. Box 1027, Savannah, GA 31402 *Note: Evidence of Insurance must be submitted before a permit can be effective. Notification Your permit requires you to provide notification to the residents and businesses near the location. This must be completed at least 2 business days before the scheduled shoot day(s). All notification letters should be uploaded using this form. Hard copies of this letter must be printed and distributed on YELLOW paper at least 48 hours prior to filming activity. Please click here to see an example of a City of Savannah Student Film Notification Letter. Or download the Word Doc version to edit with your projects information. Failure to notify as described in the permit is a violation. |
| Contact | Nioni Broome Film Services Coordinator Special Events, Film & Tourism 912.351.3837 nioni.broome@savannahga.gov 1 Waring Drive **inside of Daffin Park** Savannah, Georgia 31404 |