Film Indy FAQs

Do I need a general Film Indy permit to film in Indianapolis? BACK TO TOP

Yes. Every production in Indianapolis, whether on private or public grounds, needs to fill out general Film Indy application at FilmIndy.com/filming. You will be issued a general Indy permit to have accessible while filming in the city.

What do I need to do to shut down a street, block parking spots, or block a sidewalk? BACK TO TOP

Any producer who needs to shut down a street, block parking spots or block a sidewalk to film, must submit an online application through Business and Neighborhood Services. The online application can be found here. You will need to register an account.

In addition to applying for a right of way permit to shut down a street, what else will I need? BACK TO TOP

In conjunction with completing the right of way online permit, the production team will need written details of the suggested detour route and a map of the detour route. For a full road closure, a two week notice prior to the closure is required.

How far in advance of filming do I need to submit the online right-of-way city permit? BACK TO TOP

All permits must be submitted five business days prior to filming.

I am not understanding the online application. Who can help? BACK TO TOP

Please email ROW@indy.gov for additional assistance. Please cc: film@filmindy.com.

How do I go about hiring an off-duty police officer? BACK TO TOP

Please email film@filmindy.com to receive a list of off-duty police officers for hire.

Is there a fee to film general b-roll around the city or on Monument Circle? BACK TO TOP

No there is not a fee. However, to avoid your production being shut down, you must be on file with the Film Office and have processed your request through the official film application at www.filmindy.com/filming.

Can I fly my drone above Monument Circle? BACK TO TOP

No.

Can I film on the steps of Monument Circle? BACK TO TOP

Yes, as long as you do not spend more than 15 minutes on and around the circle filming, you do not need additional permission for access.

Can I just hold traffic for a short period of time while we grab some interviews on Monument Circle? BACK TO TOP

No. You can never stop or block traffic anywhere in the city of Indianapolis without the assistance of IMPD and approval from the Business and Neighborhood Services department.

What if I don’t have insurance? Can I still close a street? BACK TO TOP

No. You must have insurance to close a street or sidewalk in the city of Indianapolis.

I want to do some stunts for a small commercial shoot a little outside of downtown, is this ok? BACK TO TOP

No. You cannot do any stunt driving in the city of Indianapolis without the assistance of the IMPD.

My drone pilot is not an FAA pilot but they fly drones all of the time, is this ok? BACK TO TOP

No. You must have a certified FAA pilot operating your drone if you want to film in Marion County. If you need recommendations for a local FAA drone operator, please email film@filmindy.com.

What are the city fees for filming? BACK TO TOP

There are no fees for general broll filming in the city.

Right of Way permitting through the City of Indianapolis will be subject to these fees:

SIDEWALK USAGE $36/day
DOWNTOWN
Partial Road Closure (Non-Thoroughfare) $52/day
Partial Road Closure (Thoroughfare) $84/day
Total Road Closure (Non-Thoroughfare) $84/day
Total Road Closure (Thoroughfare) $116/day
OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN
Partial Road Closure (Non-Thoroughfare) $52/day
Partial Road Closure (Thoroughfare) $84/day
Total Road Closure (Non-Thoroughfare) $52/day
Total Road Closure (Thoroughfare) $84/day

General City Application fees for Right of Way permits include a $32 application fee and an $85 review fee.

Pricing for parking meters is also available. For more information, email Film@FilmIndy.com