Student Filming Guidelines for City of Savannah

Permit ProcedureThe City of Savannah is now accepting online permit applications for student films through eproval. Eproval is a cloud based, digital permitting solution. Early application is highly recommended. Please submit all forms a minimum of five working days before any filming activity is to take place. Submitting an application does not qualify as an issued permit and does not guarantee approval.

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:
  • Special Effects – explosions, fire, smoke, haze/fog, or pyrotechnics Stunts or any simulated violence weapons or firearms (real or fake) AnimalsStreet or Sidewalk Closure – this includes any impediment of pedestrian foot traffic (i.e. locking up your shot so that pedestrians can’t cross frame), running cables across a public space such as a sidewalk/park/square, or staging of equipment on a sidewalk or street. Once approved, this request will require cones or barricades from your school or 3rd party vendor. Parking for equipment vehicles – this includes generators Intermittent Traffic Control – this requires police (see below for officer rate sheet) Locking a Location – this protects students from another event/production booking the same space
Fee StructureThe 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.
Savannah Police DepartmentTo 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 DepartmentAny 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 NotificationType 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.
ContactNioni 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