5 FILM, VIDEO, PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
PHILOSOPHY
In recognition of potential socioeconomic contributions,
Cary welcomes film, video, and photography
productions in our community. As with other civic,
educational, and business efforts, we pledge the highest
quality customer service to individual producers and
production companies and to existing residents and
businesses that may be impacted.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Cary will strive to create an environment that fosters
success for film, video, and photography productions.
Safety, health, welfare, property rights, and the
environment will be protected.
Impacts to existing residents and businesses will be
minimized and mitigated.
Costs to Cary resulting from production and not offset
by a clearly demonstrated economic benefit will be
recovered from the production entity.
PRODUCING IN CARY
Conduct
Members of your production shall follow the Code of
Conduct.
Hours
Most production activities are allowed in residential and
commercial areas daily between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
and during regular hours of operation in the case of
parks, trails, and greenways. These activities include but
may not be limited to the arrival and departure of cast,
crew, supplies, equipment, and actual filming/taping/
photographing. However, some activities — typically
those that generate significant noise — may have more
restrictive allowable times. These include but may not be
limited to the use of heavy equipment, amplified sound,
generators, and air compressors. In some instances,
and where advance written approval is obtained from
affected property owners, Cary may grant an extension
(see Extended Hour Form).
Noise
All sounds resulting from the production will at all times
comply with Cary's Noise Ordinance. If complaints are
received, you shall work quickly and in good faith with
us and affected residents to develop and implement
strategies to address residents' concerns.
Lighting
Artificial lighting shall be oriented away from
neighboring residences and should not interfere with the
safe movement of traffic and pedestrians.
Restoration of Property
You shall fully restore all public property to its original
condition within 10 business days. Additionally,
production members shall keep Cary neat and clean
by ensuring all trash, garbage, containers, food, debris,
lumber, props, sets, vehicles, and all other materials
from the production are removed from the location and
properly recycled/disposed of or relocated within 24
hours of the completion of activity at that location.
Permits and Licensing
You are not required to possess a business privilege
license, but county and state regulations still apply. Cary
permits that might be necessary, such as a noise permit
or temporary use permit, may apply to moderate- and
high-impact productions. More information about Cary's
temporary use permits can be found online. Finally,
no Cary licenses or permits shall override the need or
substitute for your need to secure necessary permissions
from relevant state/federal agencies and property
owners, and you shall be responsible for obtaining all
such required approvals.
