In a move that is welcomed by local film schools, FilmL.A. is making plans to offer students limited access to its Online Permit System (OPS).
By mid-September, student filmmakers working on graduate-level thesis projects will be able to use OPS instead of applying for their permits in person at FilmL.A.’s downtown office.
The change is significant because this is the first time student filmmakers have been able to use OPS since the system was introduced in March, 2008. Prior to this point, student use of OPS was completely disallowed because its use conflicted with the in-person pre-permit conference required of all student permit applicants.
Using OPS to apply for permits carries a number of advantages for applicants. With OPS, permit seekers can file new applications and save templates for future applications, receive instant confirmation as permit applications are received and track permit coordination progress in real-time.
“We’re excited to be in a position to offer OPS access to this new select group of users,” said Susan Angrisano, FilmL.A.’s Vice President of Permit Administration. “By now they’re already familiar with the permit process, so they’re ready to experience OPS and the convenience it creates for our customers.”
Eligible students should soon receive notice of the change from the administrators of their respective film schools. Students who’d prefer to get the notice and eligibility requirements directly from FilmL.A. should follow FilmL.A. on Twitter or sign up for our Production Alerts.