HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILM IN LAS VEGAS? COMPLETE BUDGET GUIDE
Filming in Las Vegas costs as little as $0 in permit fees for simple public-space shoots, up to tens of thousands per day for casino interiors. Costs vary widely based on location type, crew size, and production scope.
PERMIT FEES (VERIFIED 2024)
- City of Las Vegas film permit: FREE (confirmed by LasVegasNevada.gov)
- Clark County film permit: $45 processing fee (confirmed by ClarkCountyNV.gov)
- Red Rock Canyon (BLM): $150-$400/day depending on crew size
- Nevada State Parks (e.g. Valley of Fire): $50-$2,100/day based on vehicle/crew count (Class A-F)
- Lake Mead (NPS): $150 application fee + daily use fee
- North Las Vegas permit: $40/month non-refundable
LOCATION RENTAL FEES
- General filming locations (Peerspace/Tagvenue): $65-$200/hour average ($150/hr avg per Tagvenue 2024)
- Film studios in Las Vegas: $94-$100/hour average (Peerspace 2024 data)
- Residential property (private owner): $500-$2,500/day (negotiated directly)
- Casino exterior (hotel private sidewalks): $500-$5,000+/day (varies per property)
- Casino interior: $5,000-$50,000+/day (contact property directly)
- Fremont Street Experience: Negotiated per project (contact FSE directly)
CREW RATES (VERIFIED 2024 - NON-UNION LAS VEGAS)
- Director of Photography: $700-$1,000/day (non-union; source: dukerdoom.tv 2024-25 rate sheet)
- Production Designer: $500-$700/day
- Videographer/Camera Operator: $475-$800/day
- PSA/Corporate videographer: $795/day
- Additional crew members: $45-$125/hour
Note: Union (IATSE) rates are higher and apply to SAG-signatory productions.
PRODUCTION BUDGET EXAMPLES (APPROXIMATE)
- Solo content creator / student shoot: $0-$500 total
- Small indie short film (1-2 days, public locations): $500-$3,000
- Commercial shoot (1 day, private location + crew): $5,000-$20,000
- Music video (Strip exterior + desert location): $3,000-$30,000
- TV episode or documentary (multiple locations, 5+ days): $50,000-$200,000+
- Feature film (studio + location days in Vegas): $500,000-$5,000,000+
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does a Las Vegas film permit cost?
City of Las Vegas permits are FREE. Clark County charges $45. State parks range from $50-$2,100/day based on crew size.
Is filming in Las Vegas cheaper than Los Angeles?
Generally yes. City permits are free (vs. LA fees of $780+). Crew non-union day rates are comparable but Nevada has no state income tax, reducing total crew compensation costs.
GET IN TOUCH WITH FILMLV
Need help budgeting your Las Vegas production? FilmLV is here to assist with permits, location scouting, and connecting you with local crew. Contact FilmLV today for personalized production support.