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FAQs
Shooting in Metro Orlando:
For Locals:
Q: What is the Metro
Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission?
A: Briefly, the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission
is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership program of the
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) empowered to
attract, facilitate, troubleshoot and permit filming in the Metro
Orlando region. For more information about the EDC, click here.

Q:
What services does the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment
Commission provide? A: The Film Commission acts as a
central information source for on-location productions and provides
the following services:
-
Location Assistance: our on-site library contains over
10,000 photos or visit a sampling of our photos online.
- One-Stop
Permitting: streamlined permitting process for jurisdictions in
Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of
Orlando.
- Orlando Filmbook: a
comprehensive guide for all your production needs with categorized
listings of people and companies that provide goods and services to
the industry.

Q: What
incentives are available to productions? A. The State of
Florida offers an up-front sales tax exemption for qualified
productions, while the City of Orlando offers a television network
cash incentive. Visit our Incentives page to find
out more.

Q: Do I need a permit
to shoot in Orlando? A. Permits are required for most types
of production projects. The Film Commission offers a streamlined
permit process for all city and county jurisdictions in the Metro
Orlando region. These cities and counties all have their own permit
requirements and the Film Commission is your best source for
information. Visit our Permitting page to find out
more.

Q: How much does a
production permit cost? A. The Film Commission does not
charge for their permitting services, although there are some
communities that do have fees associated with shooting.
Additionally, there may be other services needed from government
agencies that require a fee, such as off-duty officers. Visit our
Permitting page to
find out more.

Q: How long does it
take to get a permit?
A. Most jurisdictions require a minimum of five days to process a
permit, which is stated in their motion photography production
ordinance. Remember that a number of sign-offs from different
departments are required which takes time. Visit our Permitting page to find out
more.

Q: Does Orlando have a
large enough crew-base to support my project? A. Orlando has
an extremely sophisticated and talented crew base that is large
enough to crew three film projects simultaneously. A list of
Orlando crew is available through the Orlando Filmbook Online. Crew
lists from past television and feature projects filmed are also
available to producers upon request by e-mailing Jennifer@filmorlando.com.

Q: What's the weather like
in Orlando? A. Orlando's moderate climate offers the ability
for year-round production and has the unique advantage of remaining
green all year with lush foliage including oaks, magnolias, pine
and azaleas. Visit our Weather page to find out
more.

Q: How can I get a copy
of the Orlando Filmbook? A. The Orlando
Filmbook, a comprehensive guide to the production industry in
Metro Orlando, is available free-of-charge to inquiring production
companies/producers/etc. who are looking to bring production to our
region. All you have to do is fill out the Filmbook request
form or call 407.422.7159.

Q: Where
can I find stock footage of Orlando? A. The Film Commission
does not have stock footage, but you can check the Filmbook Online
for local stock footage suppliers. For stills or video footage, you
can also try the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors
Bureau, Inc. at 407.363.5800 or the news departments at the local
network affiliates.

Q: Can the Film Commission
help me find a job?
A. No. The Film Commission is not an employment agency. However, at
the request of specific projects, we do post any employment
opportunities on our website. Visit our Industry Jobs Board page to find
out more. Also, many projects look to hire local crew members. The
best way to guarantee that you are being considered for local work,
is to make sure you are listed in the Orlando Filmbook.
Visit our Get Listed page to find
out more.

Q: How do I find out
what productions are currently shooting in Orlando?
A. Orlando is home to various production projects at any given
time. Some projects have a quick turn-around, especially
commercials. Unfortunately, information can only be shared after
the company gives us permission, which most are reluctant to do.
While some of the projects may already be fully crewed, many are
looking to hire local crew members. The best way to guarantee that
you are being considered for local work, is to make sure you are
listed in the Orlando Filmbook. Visit our Get Listed page to find out how to apply
for a listing.

Q: I'm a local
independent filmmaker. Can the Film Commission help get my movie
made?
A. While the Film Commission is not involved in the actual
production, financing or distribution of films, we can provide
assistance with location scouting, permitting, production resources
and contact information to help your project get underway. Once
your project is complete, we can also assist in public relations
opportunities. A good resource is the website for Independent
Feature Project: The Source for Independent Filmmakers at www.ifp.org.

Q: I've
written a great screenplay. Can you help me get it to a literary
agent or producer?
A. The Film Commission does not market scripts to agents or
producers. We recommend that you secure a literary agent, who can
assist you with more information. As a first step, visit the
website for the Writers Guild of America at www.wga.org.

Q: How do I get
started in the production industry?
A. Establish contacts and network! There are several networking
opportunities within the Orlando production community of which you
should take advantage. Visit our Resources page to find out more. Internships are
always a good idea. Internships with professors, local TV stations,
or local production companies can certainly lead to a career in the
industry. Working for school credit will provide you with the kind
of information that is not available in the classroom.

Q: I am an actor looking for
work. How do I find out which projects are casting in
Orlando? A. The Film Commission does not work directly with
talent, although the local talent pool is an important incentive
and attractive element for anyone shooting in Orlando. Orlando
features many talent agencies and casting directors that list in
the Orlando Filmbook
Online. Orlando also has a branch of the Screen Actor's Guild, who could provide more
information on casting opportunities. If a project has an open
casting call, we will list it in our Casting Notices page of our
website whenever the production company makes that information
available.

Q: How can I be an
extra?
A: The Film Commission posts any extra/talent opportunities for
current productions on our website whenever the production company
makes that information available. Visit our Casting Notices page to find
out more.

Q: My child is beautiful and
talented. How can I get him/her in the business? A: Begin by
contacting a talent agent, who can help guide you and your child
through the required steps of becoming an actor. Orlando features
many talent agencies that list in the Orlando Filmbook Online. The
Orlando branch of the Screen Actor's Guild also has a list of reputable
talent agents. Your child should begin to get training in the arts
whether in school or outside the classroom, such as the Orlando Youth Theatre and Academy.

Q: My car is a
classic/one-of-a-kind. How can I get it in the business? A:
Visit the Picture Cars category of our Orlando Filmbook Online for a
complete listing of companies in the Metro Orlando region. You
should contact them directly for further information on
representation.

Q: My pet is cute and talented.
How can I get my him/her in the business?
A: Visit the Animal Trainer/Handler/Wrangler category of our
Orlando Filmbook Online
for a complete listing of trainers in the Metro Orlando region. You
should contact them directly for further information on
representation.

Q: Does the Film
Commission provide opportunities for internships? A: The
Film Commission offers unpaid internships to college students
seeking academic credit. Student internships may be available on a
quarterly basis year-round, coinciding with your school's semester
or quarter. E-mail info@filmorlando.com for more
information.

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