GPFO Production Survival Guide - Greater Philadelphia Film Office

LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENTThe Department of Licenses and Inspections issues most licenses, except marriage licenses, required by thecity. It also conducts inspections, except those related to health, and is responsible for enforcing Philadelphia’sbuilding, zoning, housing, electrical, plumbing and fire codes.A production company planning to film in Philadelphia will need to obtain a Business Privilege License,required for any business, including trades and professions operated for profit.A license or permit is also needed if a production will include: staging a parade, dance or ball; erecting tents;erecting, altering, repairing or demolishing any building or major structure, including electrical work; and/or theuse of explosives, fireworks or firearms.The initial application of any license or permit is made at the Department of Licenses and Inspections,Municipal Services Building, Concourse Level, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.. The Department will thendetermine what, if any, other department permits or signatures are needed before they can issue the license.The applicant will need to obtain the designated permits and approvals. The Film Office may be able to act asa liaison for a production company to obtain the necessary papers, with some exceptions.Persons requesting license and permit services may call 311 or the Deputy Commissioner for Operations at(215) 686-2404 or fax at (215) 686-2403.MANAGING DIRECTOR’S OFFICEThe Office of the Managing Director, a Cabinet-level office that directly supervises and oversees all of the Cityoperating departments, i.e., Police, Fire, Streets, Licenses andInspections, Public Property, Recreation, Fairmount Park, etc., has significantly broadened its mission toensure that City services and programs are delivered effectively and efficiently. The MDO has traditionallyaccomplished this by providing oversight, support and assistance and by serving as a catalyst to encouragecooperation and collaboration on interdepartmental as well as external initiatives, the production of films,commercials and special events.For major film projects, the Managing Director’s Office may determine the basis and the amount of the depositrequired. At the conclusion of the production, the MDO will prepare a final bill for any and all City servicesrendered with the exclusion of PPD. The PPD is the only department that will direct-bill for its services.Primary Contact: Jazelle M. Jones, Director of Operations, 1401 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1430, Philadelphia, PA19102; Office: (215) 686-3496; Fax: (215) 686-3479;Email: jazelle.jones@phila.govPHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLSThe Film Office works with the School District of Philadelphia and other school districtsto arrange for the use of elementary, middle and high schools in the Philadelphia area.All inquiries should be directed to the Film Office.Philadelphia’s approximately 260 public schools are in all types of neighborhoods, ranging from commercial totree-lined residential neighborhoods. More than 155 schools have been listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places. They range in style from Colonial Revival to Art Deco. There are also many modern buildingsin the school district’s inventory.Philadelphia public schools can be used for filming if the proposed project does not seriously interrupt theschool’s schedule, if the production pays for actual costs incurred by the school district and if the companycomplies with simple legal requirements. TheFilm Office will assist you in making your request. Complete floor plans, which include electrical and plumbinginformation, are available for all schoolsin Philadelphia.