Atlanta
Atlanta's Office of Film and Entertainment, the $1,000,000 insurance requirement, and fast turnaround for permits on public property.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment
Cost: Permit fees follow the city's published film fee schedule and vary by activity and location
Processing: Often processed within a few business days, sometimes as fast as 24 hours
A permit is required to film or photograph on City of Atlanta public property. You must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability and list the City of Atlanta on the certificate of insurance; the permit will not release until the certificate is approved. Personal photography that does not occupy public space generally needs no permit.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements
Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
Private property and studio lots set their own rules.
Practical notes
- Atlanta is one of the busiest production cities in the US, so popular public locations book up; apply early.
- Many film-friendly locations sit on private studio lots or county land outside the city, which permit separately.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: