Title
Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit Fee (Ordinance G-7324) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to amend Ordinance G-3871 to adjust the Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit (FDMP) fee to a category-based rate ranging up to $350. The proposed fee increase is anticipated to generate an additional $8,000 in annual revenue in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix Film Office is authorized by the City Manager to issue the FDMP to production companies to film on any public property, facility, or right-of-way belonging to the City of Phoenix, and for the release of City claims to the products of such activities. Since the current permitting system was instituted in July 1998, the Phoenix Film Office has issued over 3,100 individual permits to local, domestic, or internal production companies.
The FDMP was initially established at $50 by Ordinance G-1403 on October 8, 1974. Subsequently, on June 28, 1995, Ordinance G-3871 amended the fee to $100. This fee structure has remained unchanged for nearly three decades, despite significant changes in the film industry and municipal operations during this period. Given those reasons, a fee increase is now necessary to ensure the continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Phoenix Film Office.
The proposed fee increase aims to align the Phoenix Film Office with current industry standards and ensure Phoenix services remain competitive while covering some administrative and operational costs for the office. The restructuring of the permit fees includes the following:
- Introduction of an application fee to offset potential losses incurred when projects do not proceed to filming after initial preparations.
- Implementation of a nominal permit fee for student productions, balancing administrative costs and still maintaining accessibility for educational projects.
- Establishment of a rush fee for projects submitted less than three business days before the first shoot date and a material change fee for large element changes.
- Transition from annual permits to per-project basis.
These adjustments aim to ensure the sustainability of the Phoenix Film Office services while maintaining Phoenix's attractiveness as a filming destination. Please refer to Attachment A for a detailed breakdown and comprehensive explanation of all proposed charges.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
- On October 8, 1974, the City Council passed Ordinance G-1403 establishing the Phoenix Film Office and setting the FDMP fee at $50.
- On June 28, 1995, the City Council passed Ordinance G-3871 amending the FDMP fee to $100.
Public Outreach
- Posted 60-Day Notice on www.Phoenix.gov/Fees on September 18, 2024.
- Posted on www.filmphoenix.com on the Film & Digital Permit webpage on September 18, 2024.
- Presented during the Phoenix Film Office “Friends of the Film Office” meeting on June 27, 2024 and received support from all attendees.
- Included with the Arizona Production Association newsletter in October 2024 reaching over 1,600 local, domestic, and international subscribers.
- Included with Arizona Film and Digital Media Coalition newsletter in November 2024 reaching over 1,100 local, domestic, and international subscribers.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.