We thank you for choosing the City of Morgantown for your film or video project! We have a multifaceted city with many diverse neighborhoods that can serve a variety of scene settings for your project. We've been the setting for several prominent films in the past, and we're happy to expand that repertoire with yours.
In August 2012, Morgantown City Council passed an ordinance requiring any groups filming within City Limits and on public property to apply for a permit in order to ensure that production goes as smoothly as possible for anyone who wishes to film in our City. We do ask that you follow proper procedure to get your project permitted for work here within city limits. Please fill out the application form (found below) and return it to the Public Communications Office at least 30 days prior to the start date to ensure that City Officials have ample time to review and approve this permit. It is the responsibility of project organizers, directors, and/or producers to take this into consideration and submit your forms in a timely manner. You may also be called to review your application. The City is willing to work with producers to achieve a best situation for both you and the residents and businesses involved.
Any last minute changes can be submitted up to 48 business hours before shooting starts to the Public Communications Manager. The City Manager's office must sign off on these changes.
Please read Steps 4 and 5 in the application closely. It is the responsibility of project organizers, directors, and/or producers to know and understand these rules. An infraction of any of these rules could be categorized as either a criminal, arrestable offense or an infractionary ticketable offense by either the Morgantown Police Department or the Morgantown Fire Marshal's office.
Mini Projects
If you are a resident or WVU student who would like to do a project that is not for financial gain, is for a class project, or promotes your neighborhood, et cetera, you can fill out a Mini Project Film Application. This application is for smaller projects, like if you want to film parades on a regular basis, or if you're looking to shoot a campaign video. This shorter, more concise form is for those who want to shoot but do not need roads blocked, parking restricted, permits for pyrotechnics, permission to use weapons, or require the use of city equipment.
If you have any questions during your time working with the City of Morgantown, please contact the Public Communications Office at (304) 284-7426 or the City Manager's Office at (304) 284-7405.
Thanks for your interest, and we look forward to working with you!
Filming Resources
Motion Photography Production Ordinance
Motion Photography Production Application
Code of Conduct
Mini Project Application - can open and submit online, or print and bring into the office
Mini Project Code of Conduct Agreement - must be submitted with application
Mini Project Application & Code of Conduct (.pdf to download)
If you submit your Mini Project form online, immediately contact cityofmorgantown@gmail.com or 304 284 7426 to find out when you can pick up your permit. Mini Project permits can be approved in 24 hours.
Movies in Morgantown
- The Mosque in Morgantown (2009)
- OPEN APPLICATION: The Legion (#12-0002) (.pdf includes permit, updates, and related releases.)
Television Shows in Morgantown
- From Wikipedia, "Show Choir": "The cable television network MTV announced in October 2006 that it would tape an eight-episode reality TV series, Show Choir, following Morgantown, West Virginia's Morgantown High School show choir. The show was scheduled to premiere Spring 2007. It has yet to air, and no plans have been announced to reschedule that program."
- One episode of "Buckwild" features the group partaking in late night festivities on High Street in late 2012.
Add your project to our list – send us a note in the "Quick Contact" Section to the right!