Film Permit Application
About the event
Terms & Conditions
Permit Application
- A permit is required to film on or impact public property.
Submit the application to the Department of Community Relations at least 7 days before filming. - Include all required information, and attend a mandatory pre-production meeting.
- Provide a certificate of insurance with the following minimum coverage:General Liability: $1,000,000
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation: $1,000,000
Insurance and Liability
Sign an agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the city, its officers, and employees.
Filming Locations
Activities must align with the approved permit. Unauthorized activities may result in permit revocation or fines.
Notification Requirements
- Notify affected businesses and residents at least 7 days in advance. Include location, duration, and details (lights, noise, special effects).
- Submit a notification list to the Department of Community Relations 7 days before filming.
Traffic and Street Closures
- Obtain prior approval for traffic disruptions.
- Hire city police officers for traffic control.
- Request through this link: https://odm.officertrak.com/Southport-NC-PD
- Submit requests for street closures 7 days in advance.
Special Effects
- Explosives, pyrotechnics, and similar effects require written approval from the fire chief.
- Noise ordinance exceptions must be approved by the police chief.
Parking and Equipment
- Do not block more than 50% of on-street parking or obstruct driveways without authorization.
- Keep 10 feet of clearance around driveways and fire hydrants.
Lighting
Avoid disturbing neighboring residences or traffic with film lighting unless approved.
Set Cleanup
- Restore all locations to their original condition daily.
- Remove all sets and equipment within 7 days post-filming.
- Items remaining on site on non-film days is a separate fee
Base Camps
- Locate base camps in commercial areas unless approved otherwise.
- Control noise during early morning and late-night hours.
Environmental and Vegetation Protections
- Obtain permits for vegetation trimming in public rights-of-way.
- Prevent encroachment into environmentally sensitive areas.
Private Property
Secure property owner consent before filming on private land.
Noise and Special Effects Hours
Loud effects are restricted to 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (Sun–Thu) and 8:00 AM–11:00 PM (Fri–Sat).
Cemeteries
Cemetery filming must be pre-approved. Excavations are prohibited.
Garbage Assistance
Assist with garbage can relocation during street closures.
Use of City Names and Symbols
Obtain written authorization to use “Southport,” the city seal, or flags.
Fees and Expenses
Pay fees as outlined in the city’s fee schedule. Partial days are billed as full days.
Contact Availability
The location manager must be available and reachable throughout filming.
Alley Parking
Parking in alleys requires written permission.
Annual Review
The city will review the ordinance annually. Items above are subject to change.
Prices
| Film Permit Fee (Cost is accrued per day) | $250.00 | This fee certifies that we have received your application. This does not mean the application has been approved. You will receive a separate email indicating approval of the application. You will be invoiced after production concludes for all other costs incured. |
Questions on the registration
User information
- First name
- Last name
- Gender
- Birthday
- Address
Business information
- Business name
- Legal business name
- Contact name
- Address
- Phone
- Website (Optional)
- Logo (Optional)
Additional information
- Please upload a copy of your hold harmless agreement
- Production Company
- Mailing address
- Physical address
- Location Manager
- Location manager email
- Location manager phone
- Other contact name
- Other contact email
- Other contact phone
- Did you review a copy of Southport’s Film ordinance and fee schedule?
- Production Type
- If other, please explain here:
- Name of production
- Will your production include any credits or acknowledgments for the city of Southport?
- I affirm that if there are any props, items, etc. at the end of filming that production no longer needs/wants, we will offer the first right of refusal to the Community Relations Department
- Anticipated date(s) of production:
- Date(s), Location(s), and Time(s) of production in city limits:
- Number of cast
- Number of crew
- Number of extras
- Base camp name and address:
- Catering site address:
- Will you be cooking on site?
- Parking Area for Crew:
- Parking Area for Extras:
- Holding Area:
- If another staging area, please indicate here:
- Do you need to leave equipment on site during non-film days?
- Do you require road closures?
- Please describe road closures in detail:
- Please upload a copy of the notification letter, and addresses for street closures
- Upload a map indicating road closures
- Please select any of the following city property in which you plan to film:
- If you selected one of the above, please indicate in detail, location, date and time of planned use.
- City property use:
- If you selected one of the above, please indicate in detail, item, date and time of planned use.
- City personnel use:
- If you selected one of the above, please indicate in detail, personnel, date and time of planned use.
- All other use:
- If you selected one of the above, please indicate in detail, type, location, date and time of planned use.
- Indicate any scenes planned that may be offensive to minority, ethnic, or religious groups. Please also indicate scenes planned that may include inflammatory banners, pickets, placards, etc.:
- Please describe any anticipated alterations to public or private property readily visible from public areas:
- Additional Comments or requests, including special requests:
