Filming in Your Neighborhood

Is a film company planning to film a movie, TV show or TV commercial in your neighborhood?

Greater Los Angeles is the film, television and commercial production capital of the world, and the region is rightly celebrated for its creative workforce and unique collection of filming locations.

But these locations are often found in neighborhoods where Angelenos live and work. That’s why we believe all filming should be conducted with professionalism, courtesy and respect.

FilmLA helps coordinate film permits and works closely with public authorities to make sure filming in your community is legal and safe.

We invite you to contact us . FilmLA is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filming On-Location

Filming Rules and Regulations

Rules applying to on-location filming are similar across all City and County jurisdictions served by FilmLA. A standard process applies to Obtain a Film Permit. Specific requirements unique to each jurisdiction can be found on our Area Requirements page, including Area Special Conditions that apply specifically to filming in certain neighborhoods.

Local authorities will generally approve film permits within the following guidelines. These guidelines can be exceeded (see Conditional Film Activities) after circulating a Community Filming Survey to collect feedback about the proposed shoot.

Standard Hours: In residential areas, Standard filming hours during Monday to Friday are from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Firearms & Special Effects: The brandishing or discharge of prop weapons and pyrotechnic effects does not require a survey during standard filming hours, however it does require a broadened Notification radius and a police officer to be present during filming.

Stunts & Precision Driving:  This activity does not require a survey during standard filming hours, unless public streets must be closed to accommodate this activity safely.

Aerial Filming Activity: The use of helicopters, drones, or other aircraft for filming purposes does not require a survey during standard filming hours, however it may require a Uniformed Fire Safety Officer (UFSO) or traffic officer to be present, for safety reasons.

Intermittent Traffic Control: Vehicle traffic can be held for up to two minutes with the aid of uniformed traffic officers. Film crews are not permitted to direct traffic.

Production Vehicle Parking: Filmmakers may reserve posted, “no parking” areas for use by commercial production vehicles. Production vehicles may only be parked along the curb on one side of the street, however public parking on both sides of the street may be restricted for safety and clearance.

Upcoming Community Events

FilmLA proudly supports events that bring the film industry and local communities closer together. For several years, we have also sponsored a Summer Movies in the Park series in conjunction with City and County partners. As they occur, we'll routinely post some upcoming events that may interest you below. If you’d like to discuss bringing a FilmLA sponsored event to your area, please get in touch.