Taft Municipal Code Ch. 18 Film Production

For the purpose of this Chapter the following words and phrases shall have the meanings as set forth in this Section:

CHARITABLE FILMS: Commercials, motion pictures, television, videotapes, or still photography produced by a nonprofit organization, which qualifies under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code as a charitable organization. No person, directly or indirectly, shall receive a profit from the marketing and production of the film or from showing the films, tapes or photos.

MOTION PICTURE: All activity associated with staging or shooting commercial motion pictures, television shows or programs, and commercials.

NEWS MEDIA: The filming or videotaping for the purpose of spontaneous, unplanned television news broadcast by reporters, photographers or cameramen. (Ord. 658-98, 4-21-1998)

(A) Permits: No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of making commercial motion pictures or television pictures or commercial still photography without first applying for and receiving a permit.

(B) Exemptions:

1. News Media: The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to or affect reporters, photographers or cameramen in the employ of a newspaper, news service, or similar entity engaged in on-the-spot broadcasting of news events concerning those persons, scenes or occurrences which are in the news and of general public interest.

2. Private Videos: The filming or videotaping of motion pictures solely for private, family use. (Ord. 658-98, 4-21-1998)

(A) Rules: The City Manager or his/her designee is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations governing the form, time and location of any film activity set forth within the City. He/she shall also provide for the issuance of permits. The rules and regulations shall be based upon the following criteria:

• 1. The health and safety of all persons;
• 2. Avoidance of undue disruption of all persons within the affected area;
• 3. The safety of property within the City; and
• 4. Traffic congestion at particular locations within the City. (Ord. 658-98, 4-21-1998)

(A) Issuing Authority: The issuing authority shall be the City Manager or his/her designee.

(B) Applications: The following information shall be included in the application:

1. The name of the owner, the address and telephone number of the place at which the activity is to be conducted;

• 2. The specific location of such address or place;
• 3. The inclusive hours and dates such activity will transpire;
• 4. A general statement of the character or nature of the proposed filming activity;

5. The name of the production company and the name, address and telephone number of the person or persons in charge of such filming activity;

• 6. The exact number of personnel to be involved;
• 7. Use of any animals or pyrotechnics;
• 8. The exact amount/type of vehicles/equipment to be involved; and
• 9. A list of special needs from City departments.

(C) Filming Permit/Application Fee: Forty dollars ($40.00). This may be waived for charitable films.

(D) Business License Fee: Seventy five dollars ($75.00) which includes a review fee of thirty five dollars ($35.00). This may be waived for charitable films.

(E) Reimbursement For Personnel: The production company shall reimburse the City for any personnel/equipment provided to the company (i.e., police, fire, traffic control) for the purpose of assisting the production.

(F) Cleanup/Restoration Deposit: To ensure cleanup and restoration of the site, an applicant may be required to post a refundable deposit at the time application is submitted. Upon completion of filming and inspection of the site by the City, the deposit may be returned to the applicant.

(G) Change Of Date: Upon the request of the applicant, the issuing authority shall have the power, upon a showing of good cause, to change the date for which the permit has been issued, provided established limitations are complied with in respect to time and location. (Ord. 658-98, 4-21-1998)

(A) Commercial General Liability Insurance: One million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. The City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers shall be named as additional insured. The production company's insurance shall be primary as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City shall be excess of the production company and shall not contribute with it. The coverage shall not be canceled except after thirty (30) days' written notice to the City. A general liability endorsement as provided by the City shall be submitted prior to issuance of a permit under this Chapter.

(B) Workers' Compensation Insurance: An applicant shall conform to all applicable Federal and State requirements for workers' compensation insurance for all persons operating under a permit.

(C) Hold Harmless Agreement: An applicant shall execute a hold harmless agreement as provided by the City prior to the issuance of a permit under this Chapter. (Ord. 658-98, 4-21-1998)