NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT APPLICATION
Looking for the Nashville film permit application?
Film permitting for Nashville and Davidson County is coordinated through Metro Nashville's Office of Film and Special Events. Metro provides a Film Production Permit Application and Location Agreement for productions filming on Metro property.
START HERE:
DOWNLOAD THE CURRENT NASHVILLE FILM PRODUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION + LOCATION AGREEMENT
METRO NASHVILLE FILM + SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT OFFICE
Because forms, fees and requirements can change, we recommend downloading the current application directly from Metro Nashville each time you permit a new production rather than working from an older saved copy.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIRE?
Before filling out the application, gather the basic information for your production.
The current Metro Nashville application asks for information including:
Production company and contact information
Producer information
Local production contact
Project title
Production classification
Film dates
Film hours
Prep and wrap dates/hours, if applicable
Crew size
Number of Nashville-based crew
Talent and extras
Nashville-based talent
Filming locations
Whether locations include interior filming
Estimated production spending in Nashville
Production classifications on the application include feature films, television movies, television series/pilots, commercials, promos, documentaries, music videos, still photography, industrial/corporate projects, educational projects and other types of productions.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUBMIT WITH THE APPLICATION?
A completed application alone does not necessarily mean your production is ready to receive a permit.
Metro's current Film Production Permit Application and Location Agreement should be reviewed in full for the current submission requirements.
Depending on the production, you should be prepared to provide information and documentation relating to:
Film Production Permit Application + Location Agreement
Complete the current Metro form with accurate production and location information.
Certificate of Insurance
Productions should review Metro's current insurance requirements and make sure the required documentation is provided correctly.
Location Information
List the locations included in your permit and accurately describe the production's intended use.
Production Footprint
Be upfront about activity involving streets, sidewalks, production vehicles, equipment, traffic, parking and other uses of public property.
Additional Permits or Approvals
Some productions require more than the standard Metro film permit.
WHERE DO YOU SUBMIT THE NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT APPLICATION?
Metro Nashville's Office of Film and Special Events oversees the coordination and permitting process for filming in Nashville and Davidson County.
For the most current submission instructions and contact information, use Metro Nashville's official permit page:
METRO NASHVILLE FILM + SPECIAL EVENTS
Metro currently lists its Film Permits Office at 615-862-8782.
HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
Don't wait until your crew is on a plane to Nashville to start figuring out permitting.
Your permitting timeline should take into account not only the basic application, but also whether your production needs additional approvals for things such as:
Metro Parks
Street or lane restrictions
Sidewalk use
Traffic control
Police assistance
State roads
State-owned property
Multiple public locations
Specialized production activity
More complicated shoots should begin the permitting conversation as early as possible.
Always check the current application and Metro Film + Special Events page for current filing deadlines and requirements.
FILMING IN A NASHVILLE METRO PARK?
Metro Parks has a separate Film, Video and Photography Permit Application.
Metro Parks states that the application, agreement and Certificate of Insurance must be received before an application is processed and a permit issued. It also notes that film and video projects require a permit through Metro's Film Division.
That means filming in a Metro park can involve both the Metro film permitting process and the Metro Parks process.
METRO PARKS FILM, VIDEO + PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT APPLICATION
METRO PARKS FILM + VIDEO PERMIT INFORMATION
NEED A STREET, LANE OR SIDEWALK CLOSURE?
Don't assume the standard film application automatically gives your production control over a public street or sidewalk.
Metro's Film + Special Events Office provides separate resources for temporary street closures and other public-right-of-way requirements. Productions involving closures or Metro departments can require additional permits and coordination.
METRO NASHVILLE FILM + SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT RESOURCES
If your shot requires traffic control, police assistance, a driving sequence, equipment in the public right-of-way or restricted pedestrian access, discuss the full production plan with the Film and Special Events Office.
FILMING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY?
The Metro Film Production Permit Application is primarily relevant when Metro-controlled property or infrastructure is involved.
But don't look only at where the camera is located.
A shoot taking place at a privately owned home, restaurant, bar or commercial property can still create public-property permitting issues if the production uses:
Public streets for production activity
Sidewalks for equipment
Public alleys
Street parking for a significant production footprint
Traffic or pedestrian control
Other Metro-controlled areas
You'll also want appropriate permission from the private property owner and a written location agreement defining the production's use of the property.
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT: NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT CHECKLIST
Before sending your application, confirm:
Your filming locations are locked or sufficiently confirmed
You know who owns or controls each location
Shoot dates and hours are accurate
Prep and wrap requirements are included
Crew and talent estimates are accurate
Production vehicle needs are understood
Parking requirements have been considered
Street and sidewalk impacts have been identified
Traffic-control requirements have been identified
Your Certificate of Insurance meets current requirements
Any Metro Parks involvement has been identified
Any state-controlled property or roads have been identified
Any additional permits or agency approvals have been addressed
The goal is to permit the production you're actually planning, not a stripped-down version of it that creates surprises later.
OFFICIAL NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT LINKS
Nashville Film Production Permit Application + Location Agreement
Download the Official Metro Nashville Application
Metro Nashville Office of Film + Special Events
Metro Nashville Parks
Film, Video + Photography Permit Application
Tennessee Entertainment Commission
Tennessee Entertainment Commission
NEED HELP WITH A NASHVILLE FILM PERMIT?
White Wall Locations is based in Nashville and provides local permitting, location scouting, location management and production support for commercial film + photography productions.
For productions coming into Nashville, we can help identify which permits and agencies may apply to your locations, coordinate local permitting needs and flag location or logistical issues before shoot day.
Contact White Wall Locations for Nashville film permitting + local location support.
This page is provided as a general production resource. Permit forms, fees, procedures and requirements can change. Always confirm current requirements and obtain final approval directly from Metro Nashville and any other applicable government agency before filming.