Student Filming: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do student filming rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Forest Preserves of Cook County offer reduced filming permit fees for verified student film projects from accredited Illinois colleges, including Columbia College Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul, and SAIC. Students still need insurance and a school letter; FPDCC commercial-use rules otherwise apply.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Forest Preserves of Cook County offer reduced filming permit fees for verified student film projects from accredited Illinois colleges, including Columbia College Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul, and SAIC. Students still need insurance and a school letter; FPDCC commercial-use rules otherwise apply.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Student rate | $50–$150 per day FPDCC | $50–$150 per day FPDCC |
| Documents needed | School letter and insurance | School letter and insurance |
| Insurance amount | $1M general liability | $1M general liability |
| Eligibility | Non-commercial use only | Non-commercial use only |
| Schools covered | Accredited IL colleges | Accredited IL colleges |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
How does a Columbia College student get a Forest Preserve film permit?
Submit the FPDCC permit application with a Columbia College of Chicago faculty letter identifying the course and advisor, plus a certificate of insurance through Columbia's policy naming FPDCC as additional insured. Allow at least 14 days for processing.
Can a student film be sold to a streaming service later?
Selling or licensing a project commercially after using the FPDCC student rate triggers a fee true-up to the commercial rate. Notify FPDCC's permit office and pay the difference to remain in good standing for future student permits.
Do high school students get the same rate?
FPDCC reviews high school requests case by case. Accredited high school film and journalism programs often qualify if they provide the same school letter, insurance certificate, and faculty supervision documentation as college applicants.
Des Plaines FAQ
How does a Columbia College student get a Forest Preserve film permit?
Submit the FPDCC permit application with a Columbia College of Chicago faculty letter identifying the course and advisor, plus a certificate of insurance through Columbia's policy naming FPDCC as additional insured. Allow at least 14 days for processing.
Can a student film be sold to a streaming service later?
Selling or licensing a project commercially after using the FPDCC student rate triggers a fee true-up to the commercial rate. Notify FPDCC's permit office and pay the difference to remain in good standing for future student permits.
Do high school students get the same rate?
FPDCC reviews high school requests case by case. Accredited high school film and journalism programs often qualify if they provide the same school letter, insurance certificate, and faculty supervision documentation as college applicants.
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