ABQ FILM PRODUCTIONS FAQs
What are the Filming Guidelines & Code of Conduct?
The Filming Guidelines & Code of Conduct are standards and expectations that productions must adhere to when producing content in Albuquerque city limits. The Filming Guidelines & Code of Conduct help to ensure safety and well-being of the community, our residents, and the productions. They must be read and signed by each production and returned to the Albuquerque Film Office before filming can begin.
Why do I need a permit to film in Albuquerque?
Permits are required for production on all City property (streets, sidewalks, facilities, lots, and structures) and sensitive areas such as historical sites.
How do I submit a permit?
Go to “How to obtain a permit” for step-by-step instructions about film permitting in the City of Albuquerque.
My production crew is small. Do I still need a permit?
Yes. Filming activity on City property will require a permit regardless of the size or type of production. However, if you are a crew of six or fewer and using only a camera and tripod on set, you may be eligible for a Blanket Permit. Please call or email the Albuquerque Film Office for more information.
Do I need production insurance to get a film permit?
Yes. Visit “Permits & Insurance” for all information about required insurance for permitting.
How many days in advance should I apply for permits?
Permits are required for production on all City property – streets, sidewalks, lots, facilities, and structures. ermits and other necessary documents must be submitted 72 business hours before any filming activities occur, including move-in, move-out of filming location, basecamp, crew parking, equipment set up/removal, crew arrival, filming, and rehearsal. (The 72 hour-window does not include holidays or weekends. A permit including any kind of closure or intermittent traffic control (ITC) on Central Avenue must be submitted 7 business days in advance, not including holidays or weekends.
When do I need to create a neighborhood notification letter?
Productions are responsible for communicating with businesses and residents in and around the filming, base camp, and crew parking locations. Letters of notification are the primary source of information for businesses and residents and are required for all permitted filming activities in the Albuquerque city limits. The Albuquerque Film Office strongly recommends that letters of notification be distributed to surrounding homes and/or businesses even if a film permit is not required.
Are there permits or regulations for drone filming?
The Albuquerque Film Office does not issue drone permits. All drone activity for filming must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.. For more information, visit www.faa.gov.
What should I do if I have to add a last-minute change to my permit?
If you need to make a change due to weather, sickness, or other unforeseen event, contact the Albuquerque Film Office as soon as possible. Last-minute changes, specifically those involving road closures or intermittent traffic control (ITC), are not guaranteed.
ABQ FILM COMMUNITY FAQs
Can a production company film at any time, night or day?
Normal hours for filming are between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. If a film production company wishes to film outside of these hours, they must follow special notification guidelines with the neighborhood, and obtain a noise permit from the City of Albuquerque Department of Environmental Health.
What is a film permit?
The City of Albuquerque offers productions a one-stop film permitting process, where representatives from various City departments review and approve film permits. City departments involved include the Albuquerque Film Office, Environmental Health, Police, Fire, Transit, Solid Waste, Municipal Development, and some others depending on the nature of the filming.
What is "base camp"?
All vehicles that are not essential to the actual filming are located in a base camp. Base camps house crew parking (which can be a significant number of cars), honeywagons (portable bathrooms), star trailers, and a catering tent. Most base camps are in parking lots, keeping a lot of vehicles off neighborhood streets.
Is it OK for a truck to block a driveway?
Not unless it has been agreed upon by the property owner, who will then receive a location fee or usage fee.
Is it OK for a truck to block a fire hydrant?
No.
Is it OK for crew to stand in my front yard?
Not unless it has been previously agreed upon by the property owner, who will then receive a location or usage fee.
Can I watch the filming?
Yes. However, respect the set, do not take photos or video, be very quiet, and keep a respectable distance.
I have some questions about what's going on. Who can I talk to?
Please direct your questions to the production assistant or security personnel who are around the parameter of the set.
Why is the shoot day so long?
A lot of crew and equipment are involved in setting up shots. A normal work day is 12 – 14 hours. It makes economic sense to get as much shot in one day as possible.
How do I list my property as a film location?
You can list your property on the New Mexico State Film Office’s Locations Database at www.nmfilm.com.
You can also list your property on the Albuquerque Film Office Locations Database.
How much will a production pay to use my property?
It can depend on a multitude of variables, including the property, the production, the degree of alteration, and the quantity of time.
What should I expect when a production films on my property?
You will work with the Locations Department to come to an agreement on all matters of the contract. Sometimes a production will want to make alterations to your property, such as painting or rearranging. It is standard practice for the production to remediate any alterations to your property.
How can I tell if a production is legitimate?
If you are contacted by a production about using your property for filming and would like to make sure it is a legitimate company, you can contact the Albuquerque Film Office at (505) 768-3289 or the New Mexico Film Office at (505) 476-5600.
Do businesses, neighborhoods, and neighborhood associations get notified about filming nearby?
Productions are responsible for communicating with businesses and residents in and around the filming. Letters of notification are the primary source of information for businesses and residents and are required for all filming activities in the Albuquerque City limits. The Albuquerque Film Office recommends that letters of notification be distributed to surrounding homes and/or businesses even if a film permit is not required.The Albuquerque Film Office forwards the affected City Councilors and neighborhood associations a copy of the Letter of Notification.
How soon is a production required to notify the neighborhood before filming?
Notification letters must be distributed by the production at least 48 hours in advance of filming.
What happens when a production conducts Intermittent Traffic Control (ITC)?
With the help of a police officer or certified flag, a production may hold traffic for up to 5 minutes at a time.
What happens when a production involves a road closure?
Road closures are manned at all times by law enforcement to allow for emergency vehicle access and access for local residents. A detour will be in place for all other vehicles.
What do I do if a production is negatively impacting my business?
Please contact the production’s assistant location manager or location manager listed on the film notice. Productions should be willing to work with business owners within reason. If the issue is not resolved, contact the Albuquerque Film Office at (505) 768-3289.
How can I list my business’ services for film/TV productions?
You can list your business in the New Mexico State Film Office’s Industry Directory at www.nmfilm.com
ABQ FILM BACKGROUND TALENT FAQs
What is an extra?
An extra (also called background actor, background talent) is someone who performs in a production in a non-speaking role, usually in the background. Extras help make scenes look and feel more authentic.
What are casting companies looking for when they need extras?
Casting companies look for all kinds of people to work as extras. Depending on the movie/TV scene, a production will call for specific personalities, appearances, and characteristics.
Will I be paid for the day?
Yes, usually background is a paid job.The pay varies with each production.
How long is a typical day's work?
The movie industry works very long hours. A 10- to 14-hour work day is not uncommon.
What if I can't be available all day?
Casting companies usually ask that you are available all day. If you are unable to meet that requirement or you need to cancel, be sure to contact the casting company immediately.
What is a cattle call?
A cattle call refers to a mass casting call where hundreds of people are seen for possible roles in a single afternoon for a very brief amount of time.
How do I find out about when a movie needs extras?
There are several casting companies around town where you can register to be notified.
Does it cost money to be listed with an extras casting director?
No, there should be no cost to be listed. The casting director may take a portion of your wages if you are selected.
What is a head shot?
A head shot is a photo taken from your shoulders up. You can either have your head shot taken professionally, or you can do it yourself.
What is it like on a movie set?
It can be exciting, but there is substantial time spent waiting around. It is a good idea to take a book or other quiet distraction.