Action Ready: Your Guide to St. George Film & TV Shooting Permits
Spotlight on Permits: Your First Step in St. George
If you’re planning a film or TV shoot in St. George, Utah, one of the very first things you’ll want to nail down is your permit. Whether you’re a big commercial production, an independent filmmaker, or a student documenting the desert landscape, local filming regulations require you to secure permission before the cameras roll. Permits here are managed by the helpful team at the St. George Special Events Office, and they’re designed to keep everything running smoothly — from public safety to traffic coordination.
St. George is known for its spectacular red rock filming locations and proximity to gems like Zion National Park. This stunning backdrop draws productions from commercials to Hollywood features, but it’s important to follow the city’s rules. Starting the process early — ideally 45 days before your shooting date — ensures you’ll have everything in place for your filming schedule coordination.
For an overview of local requirements, the St. George film permit guide is a great place to begin.
Permit Types Demystified
The permit you need depends on the nature of your shoot. Here are the main types issued in St. George:
- General Filming Permit – The most common, covering standard film and television production activities on public property.
- Drone Filming Permit – Required when using drones. This comes with extra insurance requirements and follows specific drone filming regulations.
- Animal Control Permit – Needed if your shoot involves animals, such as horses or dogs, particularly when there’s a risk of injury or property damage.
- Aircraft Usage Permit – Necessary for aerial shots using helicopters or planes, coordinated through local aviation authorities.
Each production permit is there to ensure safe, coordinated use of St. George’s public and environmental spaces, while allowing filmmakers to focus on their craft.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a filming permit in St. George might sound daunting, but the process is straightforward when broken down:
- Complete the Application Form – Download the official Washington County film permit application.
- Prepare Required Documents – This usually includes:
- A detailed shoot description and location list
- Proof of production insurance meeting city requirements
- Traffic control and public safety plans, if needed
- Submit Materials – Provide your packet to the St. George Special Events Office at least 45 days before filming.
- Pay Applicable Fees – Fees vary depending on crew size, shoot length, and location; they’re calculated on a per-day basis.
- Follow Up – Maintain communication with the film office to address any outstanding details or approvals.
Giving yourself plenty of lead time helps avoid unexpected delays, especially if your shoot may impact traffic or public access.
Special Rates & Expedited Requests
Not every production has the budget of a blockbuster. In St. George, student filmmakers and non-commercial projects may qualify for reduced rates after verifying their project type. This can be a welcome break for small teams capturing documentaries or artistic short films in the desert.
If you’re on a tight schedule, urgent permit requests can sometimes be fast-tracked. These expedited requests are handled case-by-case, so it’s worth reaching out directly to the film office to explain your situation.
Beyond City Limits: State and Federal Considerations
Filming in St. George puts you near breathtaking spots that fall outside city jurisdiction — such as state parks or federal lands. A city-issued permit won’t automatically cover shoots in these areas, so you’ll need to check additional requirements.
- State-Level Filming – The Utah Film Commission provides guidance on working in state-managed areas. They don’t issue permits directly but will connect you with the right local contacts.
- Federal Lands – If you’re planning scenes in nearby parks like Zion National Park, contact the relevant federal office for its own permit process.
- Transit and Infrastructure – For anything impacting public transportation, review the Utah Transit Authority filming requirements.
For a broader look at Utah-wide permitting, the Utah film permit guidelines outline statewide filming regulations, traffic coordination tips, and insurance needs.
Wrap-Up Credits: Ensuring a Smooth Shoot
Securing the right permits in St. George isn’t just about legal compliance — it’s about setting your production up for success. By working closely with the St. George Special Events Office, planning well in advance, and being mindful of both local and surrounding jurisdiction requirements, you can film among the red rocks and desert vistas without a hitch.
Whether you’re shooting a commercial, television episode, or an intimate indie project, treating the permit application process as part of your pre-production will save you stress later on. And when your crew is on location, you’ll know that all your bases — from insurance to environmental care — are covered, letting you focus on capturing the cinematic magic that St. George has to offer.
