Film Locations Glossary
Film office
What is a film office?
Also called film commission.
A film office is the public body that promotes filming in a jurisdiction and, in many places, issues or coordinates the permits for it.
Beyond permitting, offices maintain location libraries, broker introductions to landowners and municipalities, and administer or advise on the local incentive. They are the first call on a new territory, because they know which streets can actually be closed and who has to agree.
Example
A production new to a state calls the film office first. Within a week it has the permit process, the streets that can realistically be closed, three location leads, and the name of the person at the city who signs off closures.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
The first call on any new territory, and often the issuing or coordinating body for permits.
Common mistake
Treating the film office as a permit window. It knows which streets can realistically be closed, who signs off, and which landowners say yes, which is worth more than the permit form.
Related questions
- What does a film office do?
- Promotes filming in its jurisdiction, issues or coordinates permits, maintains location libraries, and administers or advises on the local incentive.
- Should you contact the film office before scouting?
- Yes. It shortens the search, flags what is impossible before anyone drives it, and identifies the authorities whose approval the schedule will depend on.