Film Permit
For more information on Port Wentworth Film Projects, contact the Permitting Office at 912-964-4379. 

Savannah is a 2013 American historical family drama film directed, produced and written by Annette Haywood-Carter. It is based on the true story and the book Ward Allen: Savannah River Market Hunter by John Eugene Cay Jr. The film stars Jim Caviezel, Jaimie Alexander, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jack McBrayer and Sam Shepard and was narrated by a 95-year-old Christmas Moultrie (Ejiofor) as he recalls his friendship long ago with Ward Allen (Caviezel) in Savannah back in the early 20th century. The movie was released by Ketchup Entertainment on August 23, 2013 in the United States. Click here to view Feature Films, Television Productions, Commercials and other movies that were filmed in Savannah, Georgia. 

The City of Port Wentworth recognizes the economic impact the film industry provides and the tourism it generates for our local jurisdiction. For this reason, Port Wentworth welcomes film productions to do business in our City as we are eager to accommodate your needs.

Port Wentworth offers a great mix of authentic and unique locations for filming: from quiet neighborhoods to busy city streets, southern-style homes and beautiful views of the Savannah River and its wildlife. If small town feel is what you're looking for, you’ll find it all right here in Port Wentworth!

Take the first step in filming your next feature film, television show, music video or other project in Port Wentworth by clicking here to complete the Port Wentworth Film Permit Application.

  • With more film projects coming to the area, a permitting process becomes necessary to address certain inconveniences to the public that may result. Port Wentworth’s straightforward procedures will ensure that proper standards are met, the public is notified of any impacts and production companies can maintain their schedule.

    Professionals or students wishing to engage in commercial film production activity, on public or private property, must first be granted approval from the City Administrator or Mayor and Council, if one (1) or more of the following conditions is met: 

    • the production seeks permission to conduct certain activities prohibited under local law
    • the production requires state or federal permitting or approval
    • the production calls for city services and/or
    • the production requires public parking

    Additional permits may be required from other government agencies such as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 

    A permit application is required for any production filming on public property. Permits are available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Port Wentworth City Hall, 7224 GA Highway 21, Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407. 

    Applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and shall not conflict with annual city events or activities already approved. No more than one production in the same location will be permitted due to limited infrastructure and city resources. Failure of the production company or student filmmaker to comply with the City of Port Wentworth filming guidelines and conditions set forth on the permit, or the use of any location not specified in the permit, shall give Port Wentworth grounds to revoke the permit or take restrictive actions as necessary. Submission of a permit application does not guarantee approval. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

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  • All professionals or students interested in filming in Port Wentworth should fill out the Port Wentworth Film Permit Application. This easy-to-follow, one-page application captures basic information, such as the location for your production. Prior to submitting the application, all professional productions (Students do not need to complete the Savannah Regional Film Commission Project Registration Form) must first complete a:

    1. Project Registration Form for the Savannah Regional Film Commission by clicking here and draft a 
    2. Business/Resident Notification Letter addressed to the businesses/residents potentially affected by the production. 

    See Notification of Affected Businesses and Residents, for more information. 

    Film projects MUST be submitted no less than five days in advance of the desired production and MUST meet all needed requirements before a permit can be approved. Film projects do not grant access to any private property. 

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  • Production companies requesting to film on public property within the City of Port Wentworth must submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) as evidence of General Liability coverage in the amount not less than $2,000,000, naming the City of Port Wentworth as an additional insured. Evidence of a COI MUST be submitted before a permit can be effective.

    Insurance Certificates should be addressed as follows: 

    City of Port Wentworth
    c/o Waverly P. Jones
    7224 GA Highway 21
    Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407

    A COI may be submitted electronically by an insurance agent/broker via email to pjones@cityofportwentworth.com. 

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  • The production company or student filmmaker is responsible for notifying all businesses and residents affected by the filming activity as per Port Wentworth guidelines. Notification shall take place following the City's review of the application and no less than five business days prior to the planned activity.

    Download a Sample Business/Resident Notification Letter here.

    Failure to notify is a violation of the filming guidelines set forth by the City of Port Wentworth and may result in revocation of your permit and/or halt your production. 

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  • Student filmmakers must abide by the City of Port Wentworth guidelines and meet all needed requirements before a permit can be approved. This includes completion of the Port Wentworth Film Application no less than 5 days in advance of the desired production and a Business/Resident Notification Letter addressed to businesses/residents potentially affected by the production in the event it is needed. See Notification of Affected Businesses and Residents, for more information.

    Insurance & Fees  
    Some schools provide insurance coverage for student filmmakers, while others do not. If your school does not, you may be required to procure coverage. A fee may also be charged for certain services such as police, Internal Traffic Control (ITC), parking, etc. Please contact the Permitting Office at 912-964-4379 for direct answers. 

    Private Property  
    The use of private property requires the permission of both the property owner and tenant (if applicable) through a signed location release letter. Film permits do not grant access to private property.

    Student productions MUST have a hard copy version of their signed permit at all times while on location.  

    For a complete listing of guidelines set forth by the Savannah Regional Film Commission, click here. 

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  • The City of Port Wentworth has an establish noise ordinance to help regulate the making, creation, or maintenance of excessive unnecessary, unnatural, or unusually loud noises which are a detriment to the public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare, and prosperity of the residents of the City. 

    Therefore, no film activity, which involves the use of explosives, pyrotechnics, fire, smoke making machines or other special effects of this kind, may be undertaken unless specifically permitted and approved by the appointed County Fire Marshal.

    To learn more about the Office of the Fire Marshal, visit www.savannahga.gov.  

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  • The Savannah Regional Film Commission, is the central point of contact for entertainment production in our region. The Savannah Regional Film Commission is a partnership between the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), the City of Savannah and Chatham County.

    What We Do...

    • Serve as a liaison between productions and area municipalities, government agencies and local businesses, crew and the community
    • Recruit productions by marketing and selling at industry events 
    • Photograph locations and send requested location packages 
    • Promote the Savannah Entertainment Incentives 
    • Site visits to productions while filming 
    • Scout locations with clients 
    • Community Outreach and Education
    • Work in partnership with the Georgia Film Office 
    • Update and maintain the Reel-Scout Location, Crew and Support Services Databases 
    • Website Management and Social Media 
    • Community notifications of local film news
    • Organize and host special events (film screenings, production meetings, workshops, etc.) 
    • Recruit production infrastructure 

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  • Georgia is a Camera Ready state. Film and TV professionals can visit the Georgia Film and TV Production's web page for more information or contact the Georgia Camera Ready Community at 404-962-4052 for your pre and post production needs. 

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