Law Department

The Law Department is responsible for the negotiation, preparation and approval of all leases, licenses, contracts, agreements, bonds, etc. in which the City of Philadelphia is a party.

An agreement with the City is required for any filming in or on, or use of, City streets or City owned or occupied property. The agreement, which may permit the use of City streets, or property and/or grant the right to construct at a specific site, must be executed prior to shooting. The agreement will require insurance. The types and limits of insurance coverage will be determined on a project by project basis by the City’s Division of Risk Management. The agreement will also require that the production company indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless from any claims or liabilities which may arise during shooting.

For large productions, such as feature films and television series when filming will take place at a variety of locations over an extended period of time, the production company must submit a proposed filming schedule to the Film Office for approval at least 48 hours in advance of the commencement of any filming. The production company must also submit to the Film Office for approval any change in location at least 24 hours in advance of such filming.