Helpful Tips for Filming in Las Vegas

From Anora to The Hangover, filming in Las Vegas has become commonplace for filmmakers. Southern Nevada offers a dizzying variety of backdrops, from the iconic Strip to the otherworldly looks of Red Rock Canyon. Need a mountainous forest setting? Mount Charleston has you covered. But while Vegas may have a reputation for being “easier to film in than LA,” that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all.

Filming in Las Vegas comes with unique challenges—permits, regulations, and location restrictions can all throw a wrench in your production. Whether you’re shooting a commercial, feature film, or music video, here are some practical (and battle-tested) tips to keep your production running smoothly.

Filming in Las Vegas Casinos – Know the Rules

“Wait… You need a what? Your script calls for a casino?”

I have to start with one of the most common (and misguided) requests I hear from clients: filming in casinos. It sounds simple, yeah? I mean, there are so many of them! The reality is, however, that filming inside a casino is one of the toughest challenges of filming in Las Vegas. Casinos operate under strict gaming regulations, and filming on the casino floor is nearly impossible. Security concerns, legal restrictions, and potential financial losses make most properties reluctant to allow film crews inside.

A few years ago, I worked with a client who had the budget of a tech oligarch. They wanted to shoot a scene inside a major Strip casino. Despite their deep pockets, they got a hard no. Why? Casinos actually lose money when productions take up space. Blocking off even a tiny section of the gaming floor means lost revenue, and casinos aren’t exactly desperate for exposure.

Other Considerations for Casino Filming

• Casinos lose money when they shut down operations. Unlike traditional businesses, casinos run 24/7. Any disruption can mean a loss in gaming revenue, so they’re not eager to accommodate film shoots.
• Branding concerns are a big deal. Casinos are hyper-protective of their image. They often require full approval of how their property is portrayed—if they approve it at all.
• Alternative solutions exist. Instead of dealing with Strip resorts, consider filming at smaller, locally owned casinos. Some are more flexible. Or, go the Hollywood route: build a set or use virtual production techniques.
• If you absolutely need a real casino, prepare for a long battle. Expect extensive negotiations, sky-high location fees, and a mountain of red tape.

Filming in Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston – Permits & Challenges

Las Vegas isn’t just bad Elvis impersonators and 40-oz margaritas. Some of the best filming in Las Vegas is just outside the city. Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston offer extraordinary landscapes but don’t expect to just show up with a camera and start rolling.

I once worked on a commercial production that planned to film the stunning red cliffs of Red Rock Canyon at sunrise. They didn’t realize that they needed a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permit, which takes weeks to process. With a tight schedule, there was no time to wait. Instead, we found a nearby private property with similar rock formations and filmed there hassle-free.

Key Considerations for Filming in Red Rock and Mount Charleston

• BLM permits are required. These federal lands fall under the Bureau of Land Management, and licenses must be secured well in advance.
• Fees can add up. The cost of a BLM permit varies based on crew size, production scale, and environmental impact. If a ranger needs to oversee the shoot, expect additional fees.
• Environmental rules matter. Red Rock and Mount Charleston are protected areas. Drone use, pyrotechnics, and large-scale set construction may be restricted. Always check the latest guidelines.
• Plan ahead. Start the permitting process early, and make sure your budget accounts for any additional costs. These days, you better give yourself an extra couple of weeks.

The Sidewalk Might Not Be Public Property

Here’s a fun fact about filming in Las Vegas: that sidewalk you’re eyeing? It may not belong to the city or county.

A few years back, I worked on a multinational brand commercial. The client wanted to film right in front of a major Strip resort. We did some quick research and discovered the sidewalk wasn’t public property—it was privately owned by the casino. Translation? We needed their permission. And guess what? They denied it. We had to scramble to find a new location that gave them the look they wanted without stepping on any legal landmines.

The Lesson? Always Check Who Owns the Land

Many sidewalks, bridges, and pedestrian walkways on the Strip are actually owned by the adjacent casino, not Clark County. Before setting your heart on a location, do your homework. The Nevada Film Office is a great resource for checking property ownership.

Off-Strip Filming – Easier, But May Still Require Permits

The Strip might be iconic, but it’s not the only game in town. Filming in Las Vegas can be much easier if you consider off-strip locations—industrial areas, suburban neighborhoods, and commercial districts offer plenty of cinematic potential without as much red tape.

What You Need to Know About Off-Strip Filming

• Permits may still be required. Even though Nevada is film-friendly, commercial productions still need permits, especially for public spaces or filming situations that can cause public harm, alarm, or disruption. Think about a scene where people have guns. If it’s visible to the public, you need permits and cops.
• Private properties = fewer headaches. Many Vegas warehouses, offices, and small businesses rent out their spaces for film shoots. In these cases, you only need permission from the property owner and proof of liability insurance.
• Find a local studio. Shameless plug here, but our studio, Indie Film Factory, is an excellent alternative for filming in a controlled and safe environment. Best of all, we offer great prices! Okay, I digress.
• Traffic control and stunts need extra approvals. Road closures, pyrotechnics, and action sequences? You’ll need additional permits—and possibly law enforcement on-site.

Understanding Local Jurisdictions while Filming in Las Vegas

A common mistake filmmakers make when planning filming in Las Vegas is assuming the entire city operates under one set of rules. Nope. The Vegas area has multiple jurisdictions, each with its own permitting process:

• City of Las Vegas – Covers downtown and surrounding areas.
• Clark County – Manages the Las Vegas Strip and unincorporated areas.
• Henderson – A separate city with its own permitting office.
• North Las Vegas – Just north of downtown Las Vegas, NLV is a independent jurisdiction with a different set of rules and forms to fill out.

Before applying for permits, figure out which jurisdiction governs your desired filming location. Each has its own regulations, fees, and approval timelines.

Working with the Nevada Film Office before Filming in Las Vegas

One of the best resources for filming in Las Vegas is the Nevada Film Office. They help productions navigate local regulations, secure permits, and connect you with crew resources from thier directory. Plus they can help you with locations. They even have a data base on thier website. Benefits of working with them include:

• Location scouting assistance.
• Guidance on permits and local requirements.
• Connections to crew and vendors.
• Info on tax incentives and film grants.

Contacting the NFO in pre-production can save time and prevent headaches.

Planning & Protecting Your Las Vegas Filming Location

Planning ahead is key regardless of where you’re filming in Las Vegas. Here’s how to keep things smooth:

• Do your research. Understand permits, costs, and restrictions before locking in a location.
• Prepare a solid proposal. If requesting permission from a private business, be clear about your shoot’s details—timing, crew size, equipment, and potential disruptions.
• Leave no trace. Whether filming indoors or outdoors, respect the location. Damaging property or leaving a mess can lead to fines—or worse, getting blacklisted.

At the end of the day, you just need to plan ahead. Find a local location manager who knows the lay of the land and has relationships with the properties you need. Respect local regulations and have the right insurance and safety controls to make it a success. Don’t ruin it for everyone. Treat whatever location you film at with respect and leave it better than you found it. If you ruin it, we will come after you! 

That’s all I have for today. I hope it helps you navigate the challenges of filming in Las Vegas and bring the next Oscar-worthy vision to life!

Peace out!

-Kelly