Minnesota Filmmaker's Code of Professional Responsibility

Association of Film Commissions International
(as adopted by the Minnesota Film Board)

Welcome Production Company
Minnesota is pleased that you have chosen to do business in our state. As a guest we assume you will treat our locations, as well as the public, with courtesy. We must all work toward maintaining a good relationship with local communities. If not, it will not only make your job more difficult, you will jeopardize the working relationship of all future production companies filming in this region. Please adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Proper Location Notification

When filming in a neighborhood or business district, proper notification is to be provided to each merchant or neighbor who is directly affected by the company (this includes parking, base camps, and meal areas). The filming notice should include:

name of company
name of the production
kind of production (e.g. feature film, television movie, tv pilot, commercial, etc.)
type of activity and duration ( i.e., times, dates & number of days, including prep & strike)
company contact (first AD, Unit Production Manager, Location Manager, phone number)
contact name and number at the Minnesota Film Board
include any required notification from the municipality

Note: The Film Board's ON LOCATION IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD brochure should be attached to the filming notification which is distributed to the neighborhood.

2. Production Vehicles

shall not enter the area before the time stipulated in the permit
park one by one
turn off engines as soon as possible
shall observe designated parking areas
shall not park production vehicles in, or block driveways without the express permission of the municipal jurisdiction or the driveway owner
shall leave at designated time.

3. Vehicles/Towing

Moving or towing of the public's vehicles is prohibited without the express permission of the municipal jurisdiction or the owner of the vehicle.

4. Cast and Crew Meals

shall be confined to the area designated in the location agreement or permit
all trash must be disposed of properly upon completion of the meal
remember to use the proper receptacles for disposal of all napkins, plates and coffee cups that you may use in the general course of the working day

5. Boundaries

Do not trespass onto other neighbors' or merchants' property.
Remain within the boundaries of the property that has been permitted for filming.

6. Vegetation

Removing, trimming and/or cutting of vegetation or trees is prohibited unless approved by the permit authority or property owner.

7. Signage

All signs erected or removed for filming purposes will be removed or replaced upon completion of the use of that location unless otherwise stipulated by the location agreement or permit.
Remove all signs posted to direct the company to the location.

8. Noise

Every member of the cast and crew shall keep noise levels as low as possible and will refrain from the use of lewd or improper language within earshot of the general public.

9. Identification

Every member of the crew shall wear a production pass (badge) when issued.
Do not wear clothing that lacks common sense and good taste. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times unless otherwise directed.

10. Posters

Crew members shall not display signs, posters or pictures on vehicles that do not reflect common sense or good taste (i.e., pin-up posters...)

11. Set Visit

The cast and crew shall not bring guests or pets to the location, unless expressly authorized in advance by the Company.

12. Trash

All catering, craft service, construction, strike and personal trash must be removed from the location.

13. Smoking

Observe designated smoking areas and always extinguish cigarettes in butt cans.

14. Time Provisions

The Company will comply at all time with the provisions of the filming permit.

The Minnesota Film Board appreciates your cooperation and assistance in upholding Minnesota's Filmmaker's Code of Professional Responsibility.

Recycle, Reuse

Left over props? food? clothing? Give it away to organizations who need it.

United Way
612-335-5000
they will direct you to the right organizations

Make Old Things New
612-338-3664
Clothing, furniture, food

Ark of Hennepin County
612-927-9966
Clothing, furniture

Sharing & Caring Hands
612-338-4640
Clothing, furniture, food

Good Will
612-646-2591, ext. 193
Props, clothing, furniture

The ReUse Center
612-724-2608
Building materials of all kinds

Or one of the many 501(c)3 Media Arts Organizations of Minnesota for use in their offices or for fund raisers (auctions etc.). Contact the Minnesota Film Board for list.
612-332-6493, Kelly Pratt Raymond

Note: a gift to any of these groups is a tax deductible donation.