Nevada law says you must register your production with the Nevada Film Office (NFO), and since it's FREE and saves you guesswork, time, effort and phone calls, be sure you do that first! The NFO offers a clearinghouse of information, assistance, resources, materials, and the best guidance possible to connect you to the appropriate person, place or thing to meet your production needs the first time. If you're doing a feature film, television program, documentary, music video or practically any other type of media production, call the NFO toll-free at 877-NEV-FILM (877-638-3456) and we'll send your free production directory and other useful materials in advance, so you're off to the best possible start.

In Nevada, as in most places throughout the United States, you need proof of liability insurance, first and foremost. If your own insurer in your home location is "authorized to do business in Nevada," they can issue you a liability rider/binder Certificate of Insurance naming all the entities here as "additional insureds," which will generally meet that insurance requirement. Worker's Comp, also referred to as "SIIS" and injury insurance, is greatly simplified compared to years past. Your current carrier can extend your company's existing coverage to those you hire in Nevada if, again, the carrier is authorized to do business in our state. Employers Insurance Group handles workers comp in Nevada, and you should go directly online to: http://www.ecicwc.com/ or call them at 1-888-682-6671 for the particulars about obtaining Worker's Comp here. Questions on state law concerning this insurance can be addressed online in Nevada's worker compensation section at: http://dirweb.state.nv.us/wcs/ObtainingWC.pdf

In Southern Nevada, a City of Las Vegas or Clark County permit covers many of the inquiries received by the NFO. "The Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard from Sahara Avenue south) is a world-famous, nationally designated scenic byway and primarily under the jurisdiction of Clark County, as well as many other southern Nevada locations. For Clark County permit info, visit their website at: http://www.co.clark.nv.us/business_license/Filmpermits.htm

Las Vegas Boulevard north of Sahara is the domain of the City of Las Vegas. The "Fremont Street Experience" is an extraordinary pedestrian esplanade beneath a quarter-mile canopy of overhead lights that display multimedia "shows" throughout the evening, and it is also under the authority of the City while managed by a private entity (see "Contacts" for more info). For permits within the City of Las Vegas, go to: http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Files/FilmPermit.pdf

You'll find the permitting process for the City and County explained in detail on their websites, including downloadable PDF forms and links including sign-off procedures. Insurance is always required as mentioned above, and more information about that can also be found on the website. Other permits from other entities -- from Boulder City or Henderson, to the Nevada DOT -- may also be necessary, depending on where exactly you plan to shoot. Call us toll-free at (877)NEV-FILM (877-638-3456), and the NFO will help you identify which jurisdictions apply to your production.

Know the answers to these questions: Will there be simulated gunfire or weapons in view? Will you impede traffic or pedestrians in any way? If so, it will be essential to include Law Enforcement -- usually Metro -- in the process. Any squibs or other pyrotechnics? The Fire Department will be in the loop. Find other extensive information with phone numbers and websites in our "Contacts List" section, and of course, don't hesitate to call us for answers, too!

PROCESSING PERMITS

Timing is everything: general city and county permit processing time needed AFTER they receive your completed paperwork is at least three (3)working days, if your production is simple and straightforward (no stunts, pyro, special effects, traffic tie-ups, etc.). The bigger the project and more complicated the elements, the more working days' lead time you must allow, excluding weekends and holidays.

If you're going to be on environmentally sensitive lands (BLM, Federal locations, parks & wilderness areas, etc.) you should have your completed paperwork in their hands for processing a minimum of ten (10) working days ahead of the shoot date. The more sensitive the land, the longer the permit will take, and some BLM/Federal locations can require up to six months including environmental studies! So, plan ahead and choose wisely.

Some permits can be faxed while others require original signatures. When in doubt, allow more time and make a phone call to ask. If you will not have your own locations person coordinating your scheduled shoot, we recommend you hire a local individual who can provide complete permit running and location services. See the categories "Location Services" and "Permits" in our directory for resources and information.

FEES

Many permits in Nevada are FREE on general public property that is not environmentally sensitive. Fees for wilderness and recreation areas, state parks and other locations of that type are based on the size of the crew, number of vehicles, type of use intended, expected impact and other variables. For specific or detailed questions regarding certain permits, see the extended

"Contacts List" in this directory and feel free to call the numbers shown for various agencies directly.

PRIVATE PROPERTY AND SIDEWALKS

When shooting on "The Strip" in Las Vegas, you will need to be aware of which sidewalks are the private property of hotels they border. Clark County can advise you on an updated basis which sidewalks are public, as properties do change ownership periodically and right-of-way or public use dedication of sidewalks can occur. Remember: although public sidewalks and public property would be covered by the appropriate permit, a government permit does not give you the right to shoot on private property. You must receive permission from the property owner(s) and provide them the details of your shoot.