Film Indy FAQs
Do I need a general Film Indy permit to film in Indianapolis?
What do I need to do to shut down a street, block parking spots, or block a sidewalk?
In addition to applying for a right of way permit to shut down a street, what else will I need?
How far in advance of filming do I need to submit the online right-of-way city permit?
I am not understanding the online application. Who can help?
How do I go about hiring an off-duty police officer?
Is there a fee to film general b-roll around the city or on Monument Circle?
Can I fly my drone above Monument Circle?
Can I film on the steps of Monument Circle?
Can I just hold traffic for a short period of time while we grab some interviews on Monument Circle?
What if I don’t have insurance? Can I still close a street?
I want to do some stunts for a small commercial shoot a little outside of downtown, is this ok?
My drone pilot is not an FAA pilot but they fly drones all of the time, is this ok?
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
Does the state of Indiana have a dedicated film initiative? BACK TO TOP
Yes, Indiana Economic Development Corporation operates a film and media tax credit, location guide, production crew directory, and more. Further information can be found at IndianaCreates.com