FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Filming in Kansas City

The Kansas City Film Office receives a high volume of requests for information and assistance. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and resources. If you have a question that is not covered in this section or answered elsewhere on the website, please feel free to contact the office with your question. We do our best to answer inquiries within 48 business hours.

What does the KC Film Office do?

The KC Film Office is a certified Film Commission that promotes Kansas City as a premiere destination for film production. We work to attract film, television and commercial projects to Kansas City and proportionally increase the economic impact of the film industry on the region. We act as a liaison between productions, surrounding municipalities and the community as well as assist productions in navigating the City’s local incentive program.

Does the KC Film Office provide any funding to independent projects?

No. The KC Film Office does not offer funding nor are we involved in the financing of projects in any way. However, we are happy to assist in applying for Kansas City’s local film incentive.

Will you read my script and pass it on to producers/actors/directors?

The film office is happy to read the scripts of projects planning to film in Kansas City. We do not offer critique of your work but will read to assess what KC locations and resources might be a good fit. We do not submit scripts for consideration to producers as this is beyond the scope of services our office is able to provide.

“Where are permits for filming required?”

There are no permits issued by KC Film Office or the City of Kansas City to film in KC.

You will need filming permission agreement permits for the following:

  • Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Parkways and Fountains
  • City Market District
    • Contact Sue Patterson: 816-842-1271, spatterson @ thecitymarket.org
  • Country Club Plaza
    • Contact Skye LeSage: 816-960-6216 slesage @ taubman.com
  • Power and Light District
    • Contact Rachel Waller: 816-877-8319 rwaller @ cordish.com
  • KC Streetcar
  • Jackson County Parks
    • Contact Angie Jeffries: 816-503-4800, AJeffries @ Jacksongov.org
  • City of Mission Hills, KS
    • Contact Courtney Christensen: 913-362-9620, cchristensen @ missionhillsks.gov
  • Johnson County Parks
    • Contact Linda Johnson: 913-826-3438, Linda.Johnson @ jocogov.org
“Is having a permit to film the same as location permission?”

They are two different things. For example, you will need a filming agreement permit from Power & Light to film in that district and you will also need a specific restaurant/business’s permission to film in their business. There is no ‘Permit to Film’ for the City of Kansas City when filming in the city’s Power & Light District.

“How do I know if I need a street or traffic permit?”

Kansas City, Missouri

The KCMO Traffic Control Permits for filming in KCMO are required when you work within a right-of-way (a sidewalk closure, street closure, partial or full lane closure) or any activities that impact public use of the streets and right-of-way. It is also used for production vehicle parking permits (unless you have secured parking on private property).

Instructions and Application for KCMO Permits

Kansas City, Kansas

For City of Kansas City, Kansas street closures and traffic permits visit Kansas City, KS Permit Application

Contact Cassandra Taylor 913.573.5400 for questions or information.

Other Municipalities in the KC Metro Area

To request information on other municipalities contact film@visitkc.com

“What are area resources for third party traffic control planning?”
“When do I need to contact the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD)?”

We recommend contacting KCPD Media Relations to make them aware of your presence filming unless you are solely filming on private property. If you have ANY prop weapons, you MUST contact KCPD or the local municipality police department as well as KC Film Office – film @ visitkc.com

“I know I want to film in specific neighborhood. What’s next?”

We encourage you to honor the beautiful and authentic neighborhoods and areas you film in in the Greater Kansas City area. You’ll need to use the neighborhood notification form AND notify the neighborhood association you are filming in. Please email a copy of the neighborhood notification to the film office.

Your flier/letter must have the following information:

  • Production Identification (name or alias)
  • Accurate dates and times of filming
  • Blocks affected by the filming
  • Description of filming (include specifics – noise, lights, special effects, etc.)
  • Contact information for local production contact
  • Contact information for KC Film Office

Prior to distribution send a copy of your flier/letter to the KC Film Office.

Note: Additional meetings, consideration and/or outreach may be required for high-impact activity.

“How should I proceed when scouting locations?”

Residents and businesses are generally open to scouting when they understand that you are doing a job. We highly encourage scouts and location managers to notify the municipality’s police department of your activity as a “heads up”. It may be effective to contact the film office and request a letter of endorsement for scouting. We require that location scouts work with safety in mind – notifying the authorities to their presence, notifying business associations/neighborhood associations (KCMO Homes Assc.) and staying in communication with KC Film Office. Locations require proof of insurance.

Tips for Filming in KC –  Quick Sheet

NEIGHBORHOOD/BUSINESS NOTICE OF FILMING

We encourage you to honor the beautiful and authentic neighborhoods and areas you film in in the Greater Kansas City area. Here is a downloadable example template for Neighborhood/Business Notification.

Your flier/letter must have the following information:

  • Production Identification (name or alias)
  • Accurate dates and times of filming
  • Blocks affected by the filming
  • Description of filming (include specifics – noise, lights, special effects, etc.)
  • Contact information for local production contact
  • Contact information for KC Film Office

 

Prior to distribution send a copy of your flier/letter to Steph at the film office – film @ visitkc.com.

Note: Additional meetings, consideration and/or outreach may be required for high-impact activity.

“Are film permits required in the state of Missouri?”

There is no state permit to film nor are there permits to film in most Missouri cities. Most city, county and state-owned facilities and equipment may be borrowed or occasionally rented. Permits for filming in national parks, forests, recreational areas and monuments are generally required. Public and privately-owned locations will require permission and usually proof of insurance. Advance communication with the Kansas City Film Office is recommended to prevent time consuming delays and unnecessary expenses.

For more information about filming in the State of Missouri:
Missouri Film Office
mofilm@ded.mo.gov
(573) 526-3566

“Are there permits required in the state of Kansas?”
“Is there a guide for all of the Greater Kansas City municipalities?”
  • Yes. Please register your production to request a copy of the Greater KC Municipalities Guide giving you a point of contact in over 18 area municipalities on both the Missouri and Kansas sides.
“What are Kansas City’s labor laws?”

Child Labor Laws

Wage & Hour Laws

Insurance Regulations

Unemployment Insurance

Union Talent

  • SAG-AFTRA, Missouri Valley Localcovers Kansas and Missouri
  • Contacts Maureen O’Brien Maureen.obrien@sagaftra.org, JD Miller John.Miller@sagaftra.org

Union Labor

Missouri passed right-to-work legislation in 2017.

Some unions are represented in Missouri and should be contacted if you are seeking production services involving the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Pictures Technicians, Artist and Allied Crafts of the US and Canada.

IASTE Contact

  • Gordon Hayman, Business Rep. Local 493 Studio Mechanics
  • 314-621-4930, IATSE493@gmail.com

Teamsters Contact

  • Rich Piglowski, Teamsters Local 610
  • 314-209-0018 or 314-209-0042, rich@local610.org
“Who can I contact for transportation services?”

Airports:

Airport shuttles:

Cabs/Taxis:

Limo/Car/Transportation:

  • Kansas City Transportation Group – 816.471.1234
  • Leader Limo/Chauffer – 816.753.5323
  • Overland Chauffeured Services – 913.381.3504
  • Executive Limousines – 816.801-8500

Rentals:

“Where do I get a food/service license if I’m a caterer for a production?”
  • Environmental Health (food service licensing/permits): JacksonGov.Org/EH
“Who do I contact if I have an emergency?”

For general emergencies:

  • 911
  • KCMO Police – 816-234-5070
  • KCMO Fire Department – 816-784-9200
  • KCK Police – 913-596-3000
  • KCK Fire Department – 913-573-5550

For emergency roadside assistance:

  • *55 on your cell for Missouri Hwy Patrol
  • *47 on your cell for Kansas Hwy Patrol
  • *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike

For fire prevention:

  • Kansas City Fire Department, gov/fire
  • Fire Prevention Unit Contact M-F 816-784-9100

For road or weather conditions:

How can I promote my home or property as a location for projects?

The KC Film Office showcases many local businesses and residences open to filming in our Locations Database. If you wish to have your home or business included in our database, please email film@visitkc.com

“What’s the weather like in Kansas City?”

Early spring brings a period of frequent and rapid fluctuations in weather, with the last frost generally occurring in early April. The summer season is characterized by warm days and mild nights. The fall season is normally mild with a period known as “Indian Summer,” characterized by mild, sunny days and cool nights. The first freeze usually occurs in late October. Winters are not severely cold. Snowfalls of ten inches or more at one time are comparatively rare.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE PRECIPITATION:

Are there permits or regulations for drone filming?

There are no permits required for drone filming. However, there are FAA guidelines that all productions should be aware of:

  1. Operators should have a Part 107 Pilot Certification
  2. 2-person rule: Operator and Observer/Spotter
  3. You may not fly a drone over a stadium or sports events
  4. Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level (no faster than 100mph)
  5. Must have permission to film where you are as you would with any location
  6. A small UAS operator must always see and avoid manned aircraft. If there is a risk of collision, the UAS operator must be the first to maneuver away
  7. The operator must discontinue the flight when continuing would pose a hazard to other aircraft, people or property
  8. A small UAS operator must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions and the location of people to lessen risks if he or she loses control of the UAS
  9. A small UAS should not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight
  10. Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). A 5-mile radius is usually safe
  11. Before launching any drone within a 5 mile radius (that would include downtown KC) of the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport pilots must fill out the FAA Drone Zone application/registration.
Where can I find resources and information on Anti-Discrimination Laws in Missouri and Kansas?

When filming in the KC area, productions are expected to abide by all laws including anti-discrimination labor laws:

Missouri Human Rights Commission

Kansas Human Rights Commission

Producers Guild of America Anti-Sexual Harrassment Guidelines

Questions?

Contact the Film Office

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