What is the role of Film 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.
How can Film Birmingham help me find locations?
We are happy to create location packages based on your production’s script and provide an initial scout to show off the Birmingham’s best locations. Be sure to visit our location database to see some of what the regions has to offer. For assistance regarding customized file pulls, please contact us at 205-458-1394.
How can Birmingham assist in finding hotels and accommodations?
Check out our list of accommodations in the Crew and Resources database.
What is Film Birmingham’s Permitting Policy?
There is no registration or permit required for B-roll or private property filming. We do, however, always provide our liaison at City Hall with dates that a crew is in town, a little information about the project, and a range of locations where filming is expected. It’s only a heads-up to keep communications open.
What are the requirements for use of special effects and explosives?
This is a case-by-case basis and requires a meeting with the municipality with which the scene is being shot. When you have your locations finalized, Film Birmingham can help facilitate a meeting between the production company and the local municipality.
What are the local law enforcement requirements?
This is a case-by-case basis and depends on whether you are filming on public or private property. It requires a meeting with the municipality with which your scenes are being shot. When you have your locations finalized, Film Birmingham can help facilitate a meeting between the production company and the local municipality.
Is the Birmingham International Airport Film Friendly?
Yes! All requests for filming at the Birmingham International Airport (BHM) may be vetted directly through the airport.
What are local union requirements and who are the local representatives?
Alabama is a right to work state, so you can hire whomever you want. The employee does not have to be a member of any union; however, if you are under a union contract, you still have to pay all employees, regardless of membership, per the contract. Birmingham IA is under 479 Jurisdiction. Birmingham Teamsters are 612.
If I don’t qualify for the film incentive, can your office still help me?
Even if your project does not qualify for the film incentives, Film Birmingham will provide support for films with any size budget.
If I plan to shoot in the Birmingham region, do I need to register with the film commission?
You are not required to check in with Film Birmingham, but we strongly encourage you to contact our office before you begin filming. We can offer information and assistance with your project, and facilitate communication between your productions, local municipalities, and the community.
How do I film at one of the locations featured on Reel Scout?
Film Birmingham does not manage any properties. Our locations database showcases the varying looks our region offers to productions who are considering filming in the Savannah Area. Most locations listed are private properties and some may choose not list their information publicly. If the owner permits us, we can give out contact information to inquiring productions.
Where can I turn in my application for the Alabama Film Incentives?
You can fill out the application for Alabama Film Incentives by clicking this link.
