Film Locations Glossary
Permit fee
What is a permit fee?
A permit fee is the charge levied by a permitting authority for processing and issuing a film permit, distinct from the monitor and officer costs that may come with it.
Fees vary enormously by jurisdiction, from nominal to substantial, and are often tiered by crew size, duration, or the level of public disruption. They are budgeted per location, per day, and are rarely refundable if the day is cancelled.
Example
One city charges a nominal processing fee; another charges per day, tiered by crew size, and again for each additional location on the same application. On a twelve-location schedule the difference is thousands.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Budgeted per location per day, and rarely refundable if the day is cancelled.
Common mistake
Budgeting one permit fee for a multi-location schedule. Many authorities charge per location, per day, tiered by crew size, and again for each rider.
Related questions
- How much does a film permit cost?
- It varies enormously by jurisdiction, from nominal to substantial, and is often tiered by crew size, duration, and the level of public disruption.
- Are permit fees refundable if a day is cancelled?
- Usually not, or only partly, which is one reason weather-dependent exteriors carry a cover plan rather than a cancellation plan.