Minneapolis stays film-friendly
More than 100 permits issues so far in 2005
On location at Seventh Street South and Marquette Avenue for the shooting of the Warner Brothers production of "Class Action" starring Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson and Frances McDormand.
As of June 30, 2005, Minneapolis had issued 103 permits for film and television production keeping it on track with the 200 or so permits that have been issued in each of the past several years.
Minneapolis is a "film-friendly" city, according to Film Coordinator Matthew James, due to its salability as a top, if somewhat unpredictable, snow location; a large pool of production specialists, such as editors and camera operators; and free, easily accessible permits, which are required for shooting in public places.
Like many cities, Minneapolis has seen an influx of reality programming, hosting shows such as "Ambush Makeover," "Rock Star," "While You We’re Out," "Trading Spaces," and "Made."
This year’s 103 permitted projects have a combined production budget of $5.6 million, bolstering the city’s economy through job creation and increased retail and hospitality sales.
Recent Minneapolis film projects:
- Warner Brothers Production "Class Action"
- BBC Production "While You Were Out" airing locally on The Learning Channel
- Comedy Central’s "The Daily Show"
- The CBS reality series "Rock Star"
- Commercial campaigns for Best Buy, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, General Motors, Target Corporation and U.S. Bankcorp.
The City of Minneapolis promotes and fosters film, video, production, recording and new media by providing film permits and referral assistance to production companies.
For more information, read the " Minneapolis Plan for Arts and Culture " (PDF, 47 pages).
Permits issued in Minneapolis in the last five years: in 2000, 199 film permits with combined budgets of $6 million; in 2001, 259 film permits with combined budgets of $10.2 million; in 2002, 205 film permits with combined budgets of $6.2 million; in 2003, 212 film permits with combined budgets of $6.7 million; and in 2004, 190 film permits with combined budgets of $9.2 million.
July 5, 2005
Published Jul. 5, 2005