Filmmaker Resources - Film Birmingham

Welcome to Birmingham

Film Birmingham is an initiative of Create Birmingham and serves as the film office for the Greater Birmingham region. We act as the primary liaison between film production and city agencies. Our primary mission is to create job opportunities, generate revenues, elevate regional visibility, and advocate economic development within the Greater Birmingham region. The office can assist productions with the permitting process, connect you with local Crew and Resources, and facilitate communication between productions, our municipalities, and the community.

PRODUCTION REGISTRATION

Please complete and submit the Production Registration form. All specific data collected will be deemed private and will not be shared without consent of the production. Before submitting your Project Registration, please make sure you have read the Film Birmingham Production Guidelines. The information is used for reporting purposes only. You may be contacted by Film Birmingham regarding your registration. From there, you will be directed to the appropriate municipality permitting office(s) if needed. This registration is for Professional Productions only. A film permit is NOT required while exercising First Amendment rights including filming of rallies, protests, demonstrations and news reporting

PRODUCTION GUIDELINES

Film Birmingham thanks you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in accordance with these guidelines. Film Birmingham looks forward to working with you to make your production experience a positive one. The adherence to these guidelines will accrue to the benefit of all filmmakers, will protect the quality of life of our citizens, and ensure the success of the film industry in the coming years. Your signature on your Production Registration Form acknowledges that you have read and agree to comply with the requirements and ordinances set forth in Birmingham’s Production Guide.

PERMITTING & PROCEDURES

INCENTIVES

The state film office retains the sole discretion to determine which projects are selected and the amount of incentives available to each selected project. While there is not a per-project incentive cap, Alabama only awards the incentive on the first $20 million of qualifying production expenditures. Subject to the $20 million limitation, all payroll paid to Alabama residents earn 35%, while all other qualified production expenditures earn 25%, including the first $500,000 of each nonresident below-the-line (direct hire or loan out) and the first $1 million of each nonresident above-the-line (direct hire or loan out).

DRONE REGULATIONS

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are an increasingly popular tool in the production industry. As the use of UAS is so new, the regulations pertaining to them are continually evolving. UAS are sometimes also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Drones. The FAA requires that UAS owners register their UAS prior to operation. This rule pertains to UAS weighing more than 250 grams and less than 55 pounds. The FAA also asks that UAS activities stay under 400 feet. This is to make sure the UAS don’t fly at the same operating altitudes as full-sized aircraft.