Filming in France: permits & releases
Filming in France offers endless opportunities, but navigating the necessary permits and releases can be a challenge. Our team provides expert assistance to ensure your production runs smoothly, from securing location permits to handling release forms. Let us guide you through the process for a hassle-free experience.
Still having questions unanswered ?
See below if these frequently asked questions can help you.
Simplified filming permits & release management
All questions around permits and releases
Why filming in France?
The question should be “why not filming in France ?”… Because there is such a wide range of locations.
From mountains to sea, from small villages to major cities, from deserted landscape to large forests, we have it all. And all that at affordable rates if not free.
Did you know that shooting in the street of Paris on certain conditions will not cost you anything ?
Add the current low rate of the Euro, and you have another good reason to come to France.
When should I contact Alex-in France ?
The sooner, the better.
It will give us much more options to work with. Keep in mind that some permits may take up to 4 weeks to obtain.
But we can understand last minute requests and we will do our best to make your project happen.
What is a fixer, anyway ?
In the Collins dictionary it mentions : “the sort of person who solves problems and gets things done”.
It comes from a term used in journalism : a local person who facilitate the work of a foreign reporter with logistics and translation.
In our business, it is the person who will take care of everything you need. From finding locations and securing them to providing you with a crew, organizing the logistics of your shoot and much more.
Can I apply for a blanket permit in Paris?
This is not possible.
Each location requires a specific permit. You have to list every street and the time and day of shooting as well.
Do I need an insurance?
Yes you do.
We can provide you with an insurance at some costs, but of course if your insurance policy covers France, then you should use it.
It needs to cover civil liability, financial loss risks, damage to goods or equipment and additional fees…
What is the ATA carnet and do I need it for my production?
Some participating countries : Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, USA etc…
Do I need a special authorization when filming a building?
If you wish to film a particularly original edifice and the architect is still alive or dead for less than 70 years, you will need his/her agreement and pay for copyrights
What is the Tax Rebate for International Productions(TRIP)?
To qualify, you must pass a cultural test and shoot at least 5 days in France for live-action production.
More info at : https://www.cnc.fr/web/en/tax-rebate/the-tax-rebate-for-international-productions-trip_190742
Do I need a visa to film in France?
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ai-je-besoin-d-un-visa
Expert assistance for location permits in France
Our tips, for more information...
Permits for filming in France
When on private domain, it’s of course another story. And again depending on your project, you could get a table at a café for an interview, for free in exchange for some publicity.
filming the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of France and Paris all over the planet.
The image of the Eiffel Tower by day is in the public domain and has no copyrights. On the other hand, the lighting, the sparkling lights, the lighthouse light and any other lighting event is protected and requires a pre authorization to use the image of the monument.
Note that fees will depend on different criteria (use of the image, media it will be used for, how long etc…).
It is also possible to film from the Eiffel Tower at some cost in order to get a unique view of Paris.
Filming with drones
There are 3 categories of flying (open, specific and certified).
For Open : Your drone cannot be heavier than 25kgs with a maximum of 120 meters high and no flying over groups of people. You have to be a registered user, and do not require an authorization if flying by day in an open space and authorized flying zone. For any other reason : flying without seeing your drone, by night, over a populated area, over 120 meters high etc… You will need to request an authorization from the DSAC, at least 30 days prior to your scheduled flight.
hiring crew in France
Independent contractors will invoice the employer including their taxes. The most majority of technicians are “intermittent”, a status for the entertainment business, allowing them to be compensated for the unemployment period. A bit similar to the unions in the US, but as the health care is provided to all in France, it also gives them a salary to those who work a minimum number of hours a year.
If you need to hire local talents or technicians, we can be your base for paying them as you would need a French structure.
Comprehensive support for your filming needs in France
Every project has its own specificities and we will be happy to assist you and collaborate with you on it.
