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

You deserve to know about upcoming filming before production trucks roll into your neighborhood. FilmLA oversees two programs to make sure you receive advance notice:

Neighborhood Notification: FilmLA offers a Neighborhood Notification service, delivering timely Notices of Filming to nearby homes and businesses in person and by email. This service is paid for by film production companies. Notices of Filming include proposed filming dates and times, a description of the scene, parking requirements, and phone numbers should you have concerns. FilmLA strives to distribute Notices of Filming as soon as film permit details are finalized. Usually, that means we are able to provide all affected neighbors with two days’ advance notice. Electronic notification is also available in select areas.
Community Filming Survey: In advance of more complicated shoots, FilmLA will require production companies or their representatives to go door-to-door to survey neighbors near the film location. The survey is a tool used by FilmLA and public authorities to uncover area concerns with filming, so permit adjustments can be made. Participation in these surveys is optional, but strongly recommended to reduce inconvenience to you and your neighbors.

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.

Because some filming activities are more impactful, local authorities will generally approve them only after the satisfactory completion of a Community Filming Survey.

Late Hours: A survey is required for all activity performed outside of standard filming hours, whether for filming or setup.

Road Closures: A survey is required for all bi-directional or single direction closure of public roads for filming purposes.

Extended Production Parking: A survey may be needed if an exceptional amount of posted production vehicle parking is needed for a safe and successful shoot.

Extended Duration: A survey may be required for filming lasting more than five days at one location, or in the areas where filming frequency is a concern.

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.

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