Filming in France : permits and releases
OUR FAQ
Still having questions unanswered ?
See below if these frequently asked questions can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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?
If you are not based in the EU, you will need to provide your carnet at customs when entering and exiting France.
It is a simplified temporary import and export document (film equipment for instance) between an EU member and non-EU member.
Some participating countries : Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, USA etc…
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?
A street permit may not be enough as you might need the authorization of the building’s architect.
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
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)?
If you have a project to shoot a feature film, animated, or a fiction in France, the tax rebates amount to 30% of your production with a maximum of €30 million (including : salaries for local and EU crew, expenditures for technical goods and services, logistics and depreciation expenses.) A minimum of €250K (or 50% of the production budget) must be spent on French qualifying expenditures.
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
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?
It depends on a few criteria. What country are you from , if you’re staying less or more than 90 days etc… You can use this tool to figure it out :
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ai-je-besoin-d-un-visa
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ai-je-besoin-d-un-visa
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Permits for filming in France
Filming in France is like everywhere else, it will require a permit.
If you wish to film in the street on public domain, you will need an authorization from the city. That may take anywhere between 5 days and a couple of weeks depending on the complexity of the request. Most public permits are free, depending on your needs.
Some are easy to obtain, if you have a small crew with small equipment.
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.
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
Since 2021, the legislation is now European and not just French in terms of using a drone. There is no difference between amateurism and professionalism.
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.
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
There are two main systems in France for industry workers : independent workers and “intermittents du spectacle”.
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.
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.
Do you need a French fixer ?
There is no silly question when it comes to preparing your shoot in France.
Every project has its own specificities and we will be happy to assist you and collaborate with you on it.
Every project has its own specificities and we will be happy to assist you and collaborate with you on it.
