Here are some of the commonly asked questions that the Film Bureau receives about production in New Hampshire. “Filming,” in this context, refers to any motion picture, television, commercial, or professional photo/video activity.
CREW & SERVICES
Where can I find crew and services for my project?
How can I get listed in the Crew & Services Directory?
PERMITS
Do I need a permit to film in New Hampshire?
How do I film at a state park?
How do I close a road for a project?
How do I film on the State House grounds?
How do I film in the White Mountain National Forest?
What kind of filming permits do I need in New Hampshire cities and towns?
Can I use a drone to film a project in New Hampshire?
How do I obtain a permit for pyrotechnics for a project?
Who do I contact if I think our filming might impact wildlife?
Will the State of New Hampshire sign my location agreement or release form?
LOCATIONS
Do you have a library of locations available for film, television, and photo projects?
Can I have my property listed as a potential filming location?
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Are there laws specific to youth employment and the entertainment industry in New Hampshire?
What are the restrictions for youth employment in New Hampshire?
ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE
Where do I find more information about New Hampshire?
Are there additional contacts in New Hampshire that can assist my project?
CREW & SERVICES
Where can I find crew and services for my project?
The Film Bureau maintains a directory of industry professionals and service providers. You can search our directory here: https://nh.reel-scout.com/crew_login.aspx
How can I get listed in the Crew & Services Directory?
New Hampshire crew and support services can register for a free account in the directory here: https://nh.reel-scout.com/crew_registration.aspx
PERMITS
Do I need a permit to film in New Hampshire?
There are no general filming permits in New Hampshire. Meaning, if you have arranged to film on private property, you do not need any additional permits to film. If you need to film on public property, you may need additional documentation. We encourage you to contact us prior to your start date.
How do I film at a state park?
The Division of Parks and Recreation requires a Special Use Permit for filming, photography or recording activities intended for commercial use and conducted by commercial or professional filming, photography and recording studios, companies and businesses (PART 7403.01 (h), Parks Administrative Rules: www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/res7400.html). A $100 administrative fee and certificate of insurance is required at the time of application. There is an additional $100 fee for expedited applications (within 10 business days of filming). For an application, contact [email protected]. For more information on NH state parks at: www.nhstateparks.org.
How do I close a road for a project?
If the road is local (without a route number), you will only need to coordinate the closure with the impacted city or town. If the road has a route number, you will need to submit an Application for a Parade Permit or Other Activity on State Highway System with the Department of Transportation AND coordinate with the city/town. There is no cost to submit the application. Download the application at: www.nh.gov/dot/org/operations/traffic/documents/parade.doc
How do I film on the State House grounds?
Submit a State House Grounds Special Event Application with the Department of Administrative Services (https://das.nh.gov/gens/DOC-GS02.pdf) no later than 5 business days prior to the event. There is no cost to submit the application. Please note that any activity on the sidewalk on the east side of the arch facing Main Street or the sidewalks along Capitol and Park Streets will need to be coordinated with the City of Concord. State House interior requests must be directed to and approved by both the offices of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.
How do I film in the White Mountain National Forest?
If the filming is on the summit of Mt. Washington, you will need a Special Use Permit from the Division of Parks for Mt. Washington State Park (see State Parks permits above). Otherwise, you will need a permit from the USDA Forest Service/White Mountain National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/main/whitemountain/passes-permits/event-commercial). Please note that the Mt. Washington Auto Road, should you need to access, is privately managed. Information at www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com.
What kind of filming permits do I need in New Hampshire cities and towns?
Every city/town handles filming requests differently and we recommend that you contact us to find out which local department or administrator would be the best contact for permit inquiries.
Can I use a drone to film a project in New Hampshire?
The Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, Rail and Transit has information on the use of drones in New Hampshire. Visit their site at www.nh.gov/dot/org/aerorailtransit/aeronautics/drones.htm.
How do I obtain a permit for pyrotechnics for a project?
Pyrotechnics information can be found at the Department of Safety, Fireworks Safety and Enforcement Unit website at www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/special-operations/fireworks/index.html.
Who do I contact if I think our filming might impact wildlife?
Any filming that could have a potential to impact wildlife should be coordinated through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Their Public Affairs Division can be reached at 603-271-3211. More at https://wildlife.state.nh.us.
Will the State of New Hampshire sign my location agreement or release form?
The State considers an approved, issued Special Use Permit to be your legal authority to use state-managed locations and images in your project in perpetuity. The special use permit takes the place, in most instances, of a production company's location agreement or release form. Any contractual agreements beyond the special use permits stated above will need to go through an approval process that will include the impacted agency, the Attorney General's Office, and the Executive Council. Contract agreements with an agency will also require the production company to register with the Secretary of State's Office as a company able to transact business in New Hampshire.
LOCATIONS
Do you have a library of locations available for film, television, and photo projects?
Yes, we are currently populating our online locations library, which you can access here: https://nh.reel-scout.com/loc_results.aspx You can also contact us about finding a specific location for your project.
Can I have my property listed as a potential filming location?
Yes. Just send us an email at [email protected] and we will reply with details.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Are there laws specific to youth employment and the entertainment industry in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire’s laws regarding general youth employment apply to film and digital media projects, as well.
What are the restrictions for youth employment in New Hampshire?
You can read the full text of NH’s Youth Employment Law at www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXIII/276-A/276-A-4.htm. Please note that “casual work” is defined as employment that is no more than 3 calendar days for any one employer. You can contact the New Hampshire Department of Labor at 603-271-3176.
ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE
Where do I find more information about New Hampshire?
You’ll find everything you need to know about visiting New Hampshire on our website at www.visitnh.gov. However, here are a few links on our site that may be of interest as you plan your project here:
Are there additional contacts in New Hampshire that can assist my project?
Here are some useful contacts:
Do you have a question that wasn’t addressed here?
Please contact the Film Bureau for assistance:
271-2220
[email protected]