Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the New Orleans Film Commission?
The New Orleans Office of Film & Video (OFV) is the primary liaison between film and television productions and the City of New Orleans. The OFV is responsible for marketing and attracting film and television related business for the purpose of economic development, for assisting productions with the permitting process and in connecting with local Crew and Resources, and for facilitating good communication between productions and the local community to strike a balance between film activity and quality of life.
How can the New Orleans Film Commission help you to find locations?
A representative (but certainly not comprehensive) sample of our locations can be found in the Locations Database under Search Locations. A list of Location Scouts and their contact information can be found here. For more specific assistance regarding customized locations scouting, please contact the Office of Film and Video at 504.658.4341.
How can the New Orleans Film Commission assist in finding hotels and accommodations?
Check our listing of accommodations in the Crew and Resources database under Food & Lodging.
What is the New Orleans Film Commission's Permitting Policy?
Film activity in Orleans Parish is coordinated through the New Orleans Office of Film and Video on a permission basis. Currently the City of New Orleans does not generate a blanket film permit and as a result no general permit fee is charged. However, all prospective shooting in Orleans Parish must be vetted through the Office of Film and Video.
It is strongly recommended you contact the office to begin planning your work in the city as early as possible. Office staff is available to consult and assist even in the initial stages of project development. Certain requests and activities such as pyrotechnic effects, street closures, parking requests, or filming in the historic French Quarter may require permitting through city agencies other than the Office of Film and Video. The Office of Film and Video will act as your project's personal liaison and will provide one-on-one consulting to determine what permits and agencies you will need to make your project a success.
All projects seeking to film in Orleans Parish must initially submit an Application for Filming. This form will help the Office of Film and Video identify your project's basic needs and appropriate contact person/s.
The City of New Orleans must be additionally insured and a Certificate of Insurance must be submitted prior to filming, and include the following language:
The City of New Orleans, its agents, and all of its departments
1340 Poydras Ave, Suite 1000
New Orleans La 70112
You will be asked to submit a Location Disclosure Form to the Office of Film and Video to allow us to fully determine your permitting needs. Please do not hesitate to call or email the office with questions regarding your project and the Location Form.
Prior to principal photography, the Office of Film and Video will host a New Orleans City Hall Production Meeting for all feature films and large-scale productions. Unlike other major metropolitan cities your production will have the opportunity to engage in a one-on-one consulting session with City of New Orleans Agencies to troubleshoot any logistical issues before the camera and your budget dollars begin to roll! At this meeting Location Managers will present No Parking and Street Closure Requests and Community Notification Procedures will be discussed. Time and time again productions have commented that the expertise of the knowledgeable locals shared at these meetings have proven invaluable.
Some work will require permits from other respective City of New Orleans agencies or departments.
Examples include but are not limited to: Pyrotechnics, Street Closures/Parking Requests, Use of City-Owned Property such as Jackson Square and other public parks, etc.
What are the requirements pertaining to Traffic Assistance?
Coming soon...
What are the requirements for use of special effects and explosives?
A detailed proposal is required for the use of any Special Effects or Explosives including (but certainly not limited to) fire effects, water effects, explosions, gunshots, car crashes, stunts, driving shots, etc. Proposals will be thoroughly examined by the Office of Film & Video, the NOPD, the NOFD, and any other necessary or affected parties.
What are the local law enforcement requirements?
Filming may require the support of the NOPD, NOFD, and other law enforcement agencies. Proposed activity may be vetted through the Office of Film & Video, and specific requirements will be directly addressed. This activity includes, but is not limited to, street closures, pyrotechnics, driving shots, and stunts.
Is the New Orleans International Airport Film Friendly?
All requests for filming at the New Orleans International Airport (MSY) may be vetted through Gina Giarelli at ginag@flymsy.com or 504.464.3547.
What are local union requirements and who are the local representatives?
Louisiana Act 1976 , No. 97 includes the provision that "no person shall be required, as a condition of employment, to become or remain a member of any labor organization, or to pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind to a labor organization."
For union information please visit I.A.T.S.E. Local 478 I.A.T.S.E. Local 478 is a union of experienced motion picture and television production professionals based in New Orleans, which covers all of Louisiana and the Gulf South.
I.A.T.S.E. Local 478
Address: 432 North Anthony St. Suite 305, New Orleans, LA 70119
President: Phil Locicero
Phone: 504-486-2192
FAX: 504-483-9961
E-mail: info@iatse478.org
Business Agent: Mike McHugh
Phone: 504-486-2192
FAX: 504-483-9961
E-mail: mmchugh478@bellsouth.net
Teamsters Local 270
Address: 2207 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117
Business Agent: Stephen Sorrell, Jr.
Phone: 504-945-3152 Ext. 221
FAX: 504-945-0003
E-mail: ssorrell270@bellsouth.net
International Cinematographers Guild Local 600
Address: 7463 Conroy-Windermere Rd., Ste. A, Orlando, FL 32835
Southeastern Business Representative: John Hilsman
Phone: 407-295-5577
FAX: 407-295-5335
E-mail: jhilsman@mindspring.com
What if I have other questions that aren't answered here?
Please direct inquiries concerning Frequently Asked Questions to kagunnell@cityofno.com or call 504.658.4341.
