Filmmaking in Vermont

Researched and written by Lauren Folden

Without any major film production tax credits, Vermont is not an obvious choice for filming. It does, however, provide a host of lovely pastoral scenes and pretty little towns that have not changed much for the past few decades, in addition to its thriving arts community. Burlington, Vermont’s most populous city is known for its old-fashioned Church Street market, with narrow streets and brick facades. Other Vermont specialties include rustic covered bridges and country lanes flanked with maple trees. It may be the only New England state without an Atlantic coastline, but is still has plenty of natural beauty, especially in the snow blanketed months when the state’s famous slopes are covered with skiers. Those seeking to capture this folkloric beauty should look no further than Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, or the Catamount Trail, which crosses the entire state. As many local film-makers can attest, it is a small state with big potential.

Site Location

Vermont is famous for its outdoor recreation so there is a large assortment of ski resorts in addition to trails like the well known Catamount Trail. Vermont’s cities are small, but Burlington has excellent lakeside properties and a postcard-perfect colonial courthouse, complete with a white steeple. This state would also be good for industrial locations due to its longtime mining industry.

Permits

Vermont is mostly permit free. However, a permit is required for production work on state land or National Forest land. The minimum fee is $50. A letter that outlines the locations needed and production plans should be addressed to: Director, State Lands Division, Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation, 103 S. Main St., Waterbury, VT 05676, 802-241-3664; Public Affairs Officer, National Forest Service, Rutland, VT 05701, 802-747-6700 ext.6709.

Police Assistance

Police assistance should be acquired locally through a county sheriff’s office. For a list of county sheriffs’ offices and their contact information see the link below:
http://www.vermontfilm.com/filmingvt/resources.html

Tax Credits

There is a tax exemption on goods purchased or rented for use in a film. But the item in question must appear within the film. Another minor exemption includes a hotel tax exemption for a stay of 31 or more days.

Related Reading

Interview with Vermont Filmmaker John O'Brien

A Profile of Reel Independents, a new series by Vermont Public Television to profile Vermont filmmakers, 12/00

Interview with Filmmakers Sienna McLean and Peter Logreco of "This New Life: Refugees and the Changing Face of Vermont.", 5/02

Profile of the Vermont Arts Council Funding, 10/02

Why I'd Rather Stay in Vermont: David Giancola

Profile of the Vermont Women's Festival, 03/04