Permit Information

No permits are required to film within the borders of Tennessee except within state, county and city owned facilities including buildings, park and recreation areas.

Film Permits

In general, the following circumstances require a city and/or county film permit accompanied with the required certificate of insurance:

  • A shoot which requires assistance either by:
    • the local city or county Police, Sheriff, Fire or Parks and Recreations Departments.
    • University Officials.
  • A shoot which requires the intermittent halting of traffic or the closing of a lane or road.
  • A shoot which occurs on any city or county owned property.

For Permit information, please call the East Tennessee Television & Film Commission at (865) 246-2633 or email mbarnes@knoxvillechamber.com.

Labor and Union Information

Tennessee is a right to work state; union, non-union and mixed crews have all filmed on location in the state. The film community is represented by many union and non-union technicians and craftspeople.

Child Labor

Under the Child Labor Act of 1976 section 50-5-107, part 7, all minors are exempt from Child Labor Law provisions when working as a musician or entertainer.

For further information contact the Tennessee Department of Labor, Child Labor Division, at (615) 741-2858.

Insurance

All Federal, State, and community agencies/organizations within Tennessee require production companies to provide a certificate of insurance prior to filming within their jurisdiction. The production company must maintain minimum liability coverage of $1 million, naming the agency/organization and its employees as additional insured's. A hold harmless clause is also required.

Workman's Compensation

Out-of-state production companies are subject to Tennessee Workman's Compensation laws and must maintain a Tennessee Workman's Compensation Insurance plan covering all Tennessee crews.

For further information contact the Tennessee Department of Labor, Workman's Compensation Division at (615)-532-4812.