us fixers

Filming in the United States

Fixer in the United States

If you are looking for a fixer in the US, you have come to the right place! We have a lot of experience filming in the US, all across the 50 states and Washington, DC. We can help you with information about your travel documents, and obtain your film permits and equipment at a discount. US Fixers will help you warm up to the locals, prepare for the weather, and tell you all the official and unofficial information to obtain tax rebates.

Visa for the United States

Filming in the US, crew traveling on passports from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can enter for stays of up to 90 days. You need valid ESTA prior to travel. You can easily review the requirements for your country of origin. For example, Canadians can enter visa-free. Working media must enter under a Media Visa. Contact your local US embassy or representative for more information or let us know your details and we can help you obtain the right travel documents.

Film Permits in the United States

Obtaining film permits in the United States is a well-organized process. Each local area has its own permitting rules including several different documents being required.

Filming architecture is not copyrighted in the US so filming is not subject to the same artists’ rights issues as architecture in Europe.

As your fixer in the US, we must tell you that drone filming is not allowed above national parks, military bases, within 5 miles of major airports or 3 miles of big stadiums during major sporting events.

Special equipment renting info

The United States has a great depth of suppliers offering all equipment imaginable. Highly specialized equipment is found in Los Angeles and New York.

If you want to bring in film equipment, the US is an ATA carnet country. To bring it from a non-member country, you will need to hire a licensed US Customs Broker to put together a Temporary Importation Entry package. However, our film fixer can negotiate your flexible packages at large discounts in any state.

Cultural facts

Speaking about film permits in the US, here are a couple of unwritten rules when filming here: Do not forget to make direct eye contact and hold a tight grip when shaking hands – Americans consider it rude and arrogant when shaking hands without looking at each other’s eyes. Do not get out of your vehicle if you are pulled over by the police. It can be seen as aggressive. And do not forget the most important: never insult pizza in front of an American.

Weather when filming in the United States

State-wide averages of annual temperatures range from a high of 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit (21.5 degrees Celsius) in Florida to a low of 26.6 °F (-3.0 °C) in Alaska. For the entire United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, the year averages 52.7 °F (11.5 °C). You can see the average annual temperature for each state, to know what to pack when filming in the USA. The hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastal regions lasts from June to November.

Tax rebate in the United States

Rest assured each fixer in the US will use their local network to help you. Texas offers 5-20% tax credit for residents, Washington – 20-35%. Arizona offers some 15% tax credit for productions, California is at 20-25%, Massachusetts – 25% for all crew, Georgia – 20-30% for all crew, New York – 25-30%. Florida currently has no incentives in place. Illinois will offer up to 30% tax credit, with extra 15% if you hire locals from economically-disadvantaged areas.

Filming in the United States

From obtaining your film permits to wrap-up, a fixer in the US will orchestrate your every need. We can help you travel and get accommodated here, in film-friendly hotels at corporate rates or we can find you a serviced apartment for longer stays. You will not have to figure out your flights or the documentation necessary for your travel alone.

We can help you with all the administrative stuff, in order to have you focus on the creative part of your production. Leave the film permits to us and we will have it ready and filed to be close at hand during shooting by the time you arrive. Ask us about the amounts in tax rebates that we save customers like yourself.

Get in touch

hello@usfixers.com