You're filming on location when the permit fee skyrockets. How do you navigate this unexpected challenge?

The ideal is to have Plan B and Plan C prepared BEFORE you start production. When I produced my award winning film “The Library of Secrets”, starring Oscar winning actor Ben Kingsley, I had 2 back up shooting plans. Permit fee rise is just one of several risk factors in a production. Always work out what could go wrong and plan before hand as much as possible.

Shoot the scene Green screen and replaced with location plates. Otherwise re-write the scene to take place on a "Free permit" location.

Navigating an unexpected spike in permit fees while filming on location requires quick and strategic thinking. First, immediately inform your team about the situation and brainstorm alternative solutions. Contact the permitting office to negotiate or inquire about potential discounts, sharing a personal anecdote of past successful negotiations to build rapport. Consider relocating to a more affordable nearby location and ensure it meets your filming needs. Look for creative ways to reallocate your budget, cutting costs in less critical areas. If time permits, launch a quick fundraising effort or seek additional sponsors. You can effectively manage the unexpected challenge by staying calm, communicating clearly, and exploring all options.

When faced with a sudden increase in permit fees while filming on location, it’s crucial to stay calm and approach the situation strategically. First, assess the immediate impact on your budget and timeline. Next, reach out to the permit-issuing authority to understand the reason behind the hike and negotiate for a possible reduction or flexible payment options. If negotiations don’t yield favorable results, consider adjusting your budget by reallocating funds or seeking additional funding from stakeholders. Communicate the situation and your plan to address it with your team and stakeholders to maintain transparency and trust. Exploring alternative locations or adjusting the shooting schedule can also help mitigate the impact.

Government permit fees are usually among lower-cost line items. Many permits vary depending on the shoot's requirements. Location costs add up when you are required to hire extra personnel for traffic, fire, Andy Gumps, etc. Consider other locations that are also available that can serve the story and may also save costs. Most importantly, they should deploy cash to serve the film best.

Permit fees don't skyrocket. But apparently that answer is too short, so I will repeat once more, permit fees don't skyrocket.

This isn’t a common practice at all, unless the location you are working with has suggested otherwise before payment. Permit fees should not change if you have already paid.

Frankly 'Stopping the P.M. going into Cardiac Arrest is priority on there days if he'/she /is a mate' and you've just talked them off a Ledge' ! Offer reducing a few crew members who might actually be happy with an Early Day '.or send off some peeps to throw a makeshift set together with set dec carps n paint depending on whats needed locations can throw some 'brown and red" notes! at the locals to help the Cause . And if close to end of day and that Tele handler or Zoom boom can go back that's a decent savings .

Permits? Permits? We don't need no stinking permits! Permits? Permits? We don't need no stinking permits! Permits? Permits? We don't need no stinking permits!

I would not burn my relationships. The permit fee changed after we paid it. Permit fees do not change after paid. Maybe accounting categorizes the expense as a permit I will request an audit since when I signed to participate I brought my independent team and I signed for full creative control on it. I will deliver what I promised so please do not bring up pre production issues post facto since we already found the blueprint and delivered on time and we do not need that permit. We already delivered it with A/B and the 2nd unit.

One thing I’ve always found to be useful is to have people who will invest in you, your ability and your outcomes (finished products). People like to back success. And if they like what they see in you and your production / end films, music - or overall style and mode of operation, those people become important parts of your professional life. You should be able to raise additional ad-hoc finances… or get creative. Sone of the best CEO’s in the world didn’t have much other than a dream, high standards. All small business people hate to overcome overpacked daily. Create the solution or fail. No one likes to fail.

Videoproduktion ist ein bisschen wie das Leben und die Liebe. Insbesondere in kritischen Situationen werden die beteiligten Parteien/Menschen ihre Köpfe zusammenstecken um konstruktiv die bestmögliche Situation für den Moment auszuloten. Überlege: Was kann schon im Worst Case passieren wenn es schief geht? Können wir das Worst Case Szenario zumindest abfedern? Echte Liebe zeigt sich auch immer erst in Krisensituationen die scheinbar unlösbar sind. Aber wenn zwei oder mehr kluge Köpfe gemeinsam an einem Strang ziehen- wird es meistens doch wieder gut

Do not get discouraged by this, permit fees rarely change and if they did, you agreed to certain terms and expectations beforehand. Speak to a possible advisor or trusted person if you aren’t already on location.

Fire your location manager, because these fees should have been contractually locked in before you ever arrived at the location.