Film Mesa

Film permit IS required if:

• It is a commercial project (including but not limited to: feature films, commercials (including web and social media), TV shows, still photo shoots for advertising purposes, music videos, documentaries and industrial/corporate projects).
• You would like to use a city owned facility (including but not limited to: any Mesa park, Mesa Arts Center, Falcon Field Airport, Mesa Cemetery, Arizona Museum of Natural History, idea Museum) UNLESS the facility indicates otherwise.
• You will need to impede/block pedestrian traffic for any period of time.
• You will be filming in an area where there is vehicular traffic (street/alley/lane) and either the camera or subject need to be in that area, OR if you need to block any portion of a street/alley/lane for any film purpose.
• You will be using a tripod, dolly or dolly track on sidewalks or streets.
• You will have cables or wires running over a public right-of-way.
• You will be using a gas powered generator.
• You will be filming in or near vehicles or aircraft.
• You will have any special effects, props or fireworks.
• You will be filming anytime between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• You will have 10 or more vehicles parking in a public right-of-way.
• You will be filming anything that appears to look like a crime or is crime related.
• You will have any equipment in public right-of-way (portable restrooms, etc.).
• You will be using a drone for filming. Please note that drones are prohibited in all Mesa parks.

Film permit IS NOT needed if:

• Capturing people, scenes, occurrences or events for news gathering purposes, for use in criminal investigations by law enforcement agencies, or for use in any judicial proceedings.
• Non-commercial personal photography such as, but not limited to, wedding, family, anniversary and senior portraits do not require so long as the impact is minimal.
• Filming general B-Roll and that does not include any of the items listed above for when a film permit required.

The following entities must be named as “Additional Insured” as it relates to your film event:

The City of Mesa, Employees, Officers, Volunteers, Agents and Elected Officials

Address for Certificates is:
CITY OF MESA
City Attorney’s Office
PO Box 1466
Mesa, Arizona 85211-1466

Use of Mesa Parks or Facilities

Approval from the appropriate department or facility manager must be given. Please contact 480-644-5035 or film@mesaaz.gov for help in finding the appropriate contact for the requested location. Depending on the site there may be rental fees and additional requirements.

Use of Private Property

PRIOR approval must be given by property owner if using any private property.

Sidewalk, street, lane or alley restrictions or closures

Planned restrictions/closures with your film event will require that you contract with a local barricade company and arrange for their services. The barricade company will produce a barricade plan and submit the plan via DIMES for review/approval. Once received and approved by the Transportation department we will put it together with the Film Permit package for processing to the Mesa Police Department – Traffic Section/Enforcement.

Police Officers

Restrictions/closures and films using any type of weapon as a prop will require staffing by Mesa officers. Visit the Off Duty Employment information page to complete a request form and/or contact the coordinator. If Mesa Police isn’t given enough advance notice (minimum 14 days prior to film event) and they cannot staff your film event, your Film Permit will not be approved.

Pyrotechnics/Special Effects/Flames

Any pyrotechnic or special effects will also require a separate license from the Mesa licensing office and/or Fire department. See Fireworks permit application and Fire Permits & Fees (fees will apply).

Notice to Neighborhoods

Filming activity that has the potential of producing any impact to a neighborhood (i.e., traffic disruptions, large crews, etc.) will also require notification to neighbors.

• Shots, including exterior shots, showing Mesa’s name, logo or other identifiable symbols associated with the Mesa or a Mesa-owned facility cannot be used without approval from the Mesa Film Office.
• Public property shall, at all times, be made accessible to emergency personnel.
• The permit holder shall be responsible for restoring any area used pursuant to a permit to the same condition it was in prior to use by the permit holder.
• Vehicles must remain in the parking area, no driving on sidewalks or turf.
• The permit holder shall confine activities to the locations and time schedule approved by the city.
• Filming of minors (under 18) without prior written authorization from the minors’ guardians is prohibited.
• Filming shall be limited to the purposes set forth in the approved Scope of Work, which becomes part of the permit. Should Producer/Director and/or permit holder wish to exhibit for another purpose, license, assign or exploit such films, photographs, or records, Producer/Director and/or permit holder must obtain prior permission from the city.

Drone use

• Drone Use guidelines from the Arizona Commerce Authority - Film Office
• Drones in Mesa parks are prohibited per City Code Title 6, Chapter 10, Section 4 (N)

• Park Rules & Regulations

• Arizona Commerce Authority - Film Office
  •  Arizona Production Directory - Search the database for crew, talent or support services you might need.
    • Register as Crew
    •  Register as Talent
    •  Register as a Support Service (businesses)
  • Rebates & Discounts
  • Register property, props or vehicles that can be used by filmmakers

Register with Filmed in Arizona - Want to see your project listed? Complete the online form, That's A Wrap, for a chance to have your film or digital media project featured in Filmed in Arizona or via social media.

Arizona Film & Digital Media Coalition

Arizona Production Association

Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Visit Mesa