Film in Prescott
Prescott is the best up and coming film destination with fast and easy permitting, unique locations within minutes of downtown, professional services including one single point of contact, excellent dining, catering and lodging options, quality Prescott vendors, direct flights from Denver and LAX, the best year-round weather in Arizona, and so much more.
The City of Prescott, AZ Film Office serves as a central hub for facilitating film production within the city and its surrounding areas. It provides support and resources to filmmakers, location scouts, and production companies interested in utilizing Prescott as a backdrop for their projects.
The Film Office offers assistance with permitting, location scouting, and coordination with local authorities to ensure a smooth filming process. It also serves as a liaison between filmmakers and local businesses, residents, and government agencies to foster positive relationships and minimize disruptions during production.
Additionally, the Film Office promotes Prescott as a desirable filming destination, highlighting its diverse landscapes, historic architecture, and unique cultural heritage. By showcasing the city’s assets and amenities, it aims to attract more film projects and stimulate economic growth within the community.
The film industry’s presence in Prescott generates a significant economic impact, estimated at around $200,000 in 2023. This impact ripples through various sectors of the local economy, from hospitality and tourism to retail and services. As filmmakers flock to Prescott to capture its scenic beauty and unique atmosphere, they inject funds into the community through location rentals, accommodations, catering services, equipment rentals, and more. This influx of spending not only supports local businesses but also creates job opportunities and stimulates growth. Beyond the immediate financial gains, the exposure gained from film productions can attract further visitors and investment, contributing to Prescott’s long-term prosperity. Thus, the film industry’s contribution represents not just a monetary figure but also a testament to the city’s appeal as a cinematic backdrop and a driver of economic vitality.
Overall, the City of Prescott, AZ Film Office plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the local film industry while showcasing the beauty and charm of Prescott to a broader audience. If you are ready to begin filming, begin by filling out our application and registering your project with the state of Arizona.
Planning to use a drone for filming in Prescott? Review the UAS guidance below for important regulations and operational requirements.
Questions about the filming in Prescott, or would you like to be contacted by the Film Commissioner? Please use the following form or contact information below:
Thank you for your interest in the City of Prescott as a location for your production. Prescott offers a variety of locations and looks, from high desert and forested lakes to winding country roads, a traditional downtown courthouse square, and historic buildings. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions to help guide your planning process.
A Certificate of Insurance with an Endorsement Page is issued by an insurance company that shows insurance coverage exists, as well as types and limits. ALL projects are required to provide this document, no exceptions. Contact your insurer with any questions.
Special restrictions apply to this location. Please contact the Film Office for details.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Please see the download section of our website to view FAA’s requirements for UAS operations.
Yes, you can fly into Prescott Regional Airport on United Express. The airport code is PRC.
See what those who have filmed in Prescott have to say about their experience.
“First off, a big shout out to the Prescott Parks & Rec team for allowing us the use of Grace Sparkes Community Center for filming Who’s Afraid of the Dark? As a Producer, having the cooperation of the City, Parks Dept., Police Dept., etc. is vital to having a smooth film shoot. Working with City officials allows access to much needed resources and locations that allows us to show the best that Prescott has to offer. With an already existing film history, we here at No Brainz Productions look forward to working with everyone here as the film industry rediscovers America’s Hometown once again.”
– Greg Paul
No Brainz Productions
“Filming [Dark Side of Night] in Prescott was everything we hoped it would be. Originally chosen as a location due to its small-town charm, infrastructure and proximity to the mountains and Prescott National Forest. The local film office was very helpful in securing locations including, Yavapai County Courthouse, Goldwater Lake, and several residences in Prescott. The local Prescott Police Department also assisted when needed as well as the Prescott National Forest office. Everything we needed was in Prescott, hotels, restaurants, stores for supplies and friendly people willing to help. Make Prescott your film’s hometown! We are glad we did.”
– Barbara Bisanz & Randal Smith
Dark Side of Night
Spinning Reels Productions
“Our weekly half hour series [Wildlife Views] is produced and shot at locations all over the state of Arizona. One of the best things about shooting in Prescott is the relative ease and speed of their film permitting process. Also, no matter how large or small your film production is, whether it be a film or television series or television spots, you are always able to reach the Film Commissioner and get one on one attention for all of your needs and questions. It’s always a pleasure to shoot productions in the City of Prescott.”
– Diana Rodriguez-Beaugrand
Video Production Manager
Arizona Game and Fish Department
– Denton Hanna
Location Manager
Phoenix, AZ
“[The Abigail Mysteries] was originally set in a fictitious town but when all the fine people of Prescott helped us out (such as Sam Rice and Helen Haxton-Stephenson from Yavapai College) we changed the location to actually be Prescott. We filmed at various locations around town: First Congregational Church Prescott, Marino’s Mob Burgers, Prescott Tire Pros, The Porch Coffee Shop, Sharlot Hall Museum, and two private residences. City of Prescott helped us with our production office and being liaison to the city and business owners so we could film on the streets around town and at the businesses we used. Yavapai College Film and Media Arts Dept helped us with gear, and we used a handful of students as interns on the film that all got credits.”
– Dave Hickey
The Abigail Mysteries
Nicely TV