Filming Information

We are delighted that you would like to film in the City of Providence. The Department of Art, Culture and Tourism coordinates with a collective of City Department representatives, along with production companies, to facilitate the logistics of filming in Providence.

What You Need To Film In Providence:

Welcome and thank you for your interest in Providence. Please be aware that your final film registration can take up to 10 business days or longer depending on the logistics and needs of your shoot.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

  • The City of Providence reserves the right to make changes to any submitted and approved plan at any time.
  • The City of Providence reserves the right to cancel any event at any time without notice.

Before completing the required forms for filming in Providence, all production companies must contact Allie Barry.

Mandatory Forms – Please follow all the steps below

There is no fee to shoot a film in Providence. However, each piece of the application is vitally important, and you will need to carefully read each section.

To shoot in Providence you need to:

  1. COMPLETE – THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE FILM REGISTRATION
  2. AQUIRE a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
    1. A film requires proof of liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars
    2. The naming on the Certificate of Insurance:
      City of Providence
      25 Dorrance Street
      Providence RI, 02903
  3. REVIEW and SIGN the Signature page.
  4. EMAIL – items B and C (outlined above) to abarry@providenceri.gov.

Rhode Island Film & Television Office

It is mandatory that all production companies contact The Rhode Island Film & Television Office to obtain permission to film in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Film & Television Office serves as the initial point of contact for all productions and provides:

  • Permits to film in Rhode Island
  • Information about the State Tax Credit program
  • Listing of current and past film projects
  • Crew & Production Guide
  • Casting information

Public Notification

All production companies must notify merchants and residents about filming that will be taking place in their neighborhoods.

ACT: Sample Letters Leaflets

 

Additional Forms

1. Need to Close a Street?

Street Closing Guidelines

2. Police & Fire Department Detail

Police Department Detail Agreement & Rate Sheet

Fire Department Detail Agreement & Rate Sheet

3. Filming in a City Park?

  • All events taking place in a park require a permit
  • All applicants must call Parks Dept. prior to applying
  • (401) 785 – 9450 x240

Get a Park Permit

Film Registration

Thanks for choosing Providence for your film.

You MUST contact: Scott Saracen (Scott.Saracen@arts.ri.gov) at the State Film and Television office and complete the State’s film registration as well.

There is no fee to shoot in Providence for films; but before your shoot is approved, you will have to complete Providence registration documents.

If you require City services, specialized or park locations you will encounter fees.

These are the documents required to shoot in Providence:

  • A Certificate of Insurance
  • An executed Providence Film Registration
  • A completed State Film permit
Please make sure that the 3 above documents are submitted for approval.

This represents the minimum; your shoot may require more paperwork.

Timing for execution and approvals depends on the needs of your shoot and your efficiency in submitting documents.

If you have any questions please reach out to Allison Barry; abarry@providenceri.gov