Know Your Application Deadline!
Before applying for a permit, please be sure you meet the minimum time required for application processing. Minimum permit processing time varies by jurisdiction and can be researched in the Filming Requirements section of the FilmLA Knowledge Base.
Get a
Film Permit
Do I Need a Film Permit?
Laws regarding film permit requirements are established by the jurisdictions that FilmLA serves. Please contact FilmLA if you have questions about whether a permit is required for your specific project. Generally speaking, non-commercial filming (personal use) does not require a film permit.
See the following news articles for guidance:
Steps to Get a Permit
Step 1: Gather Intel
So, you’ve scouted several potential locations, picked out your favorites, and made sure they’re in FilmLA’s service area. Before you sign a Location Agreement or make any verbal commitments, please give us a call to discuss the location and your intended filming plans.
FilmLA provides FREE Production Planning aid to make filming in Los Angeles easier. We’ll answer your questions, flag potential challenges, and guide you through requirements so you can save time and money. Learn more about what our Solution Services team can do for your production.
At this stage, it’s critical that you be sure you meet the minimum time required for application processing. Minimum permit processing time varies by jurisdiction — details can be found in the Area Requirements of our Knowledge Base.
Visit Our Knowledge Base for Information on:
- Filming Requirements for specific areas and jurisdictions, including permit processing time, standard deadlines, and special conditions for certain neighborhoods.
- General Information about film permits, payments, insurance and more.
Contact Solution Services
Our Solutions Services team is available M-F, 8am – 6pm to assist you.
Email: info@filmla.com
Call: 213-977-8600
Step 2: Purchase Insurance
You will be required to furnish proof of liability insurance before FilmLA can coordinate and release your film permit or still photo permit. Insurance requirements vary depending on the areas you intend to film and the activities you plan to conduct on location.
FilmLA does not advise you to purchase insurance until you discuss your filming plans with a FilmLA insurance specialist.
For your convenience, we provide a list of frequently used, local insurance providers.
Worker’s compensation is required by the State of California (CA Labor Code Section 3357), and we do not have the authority to waive the requirement. Even productions with only one employee or using only 1099 workers require coverage.
Please call our office and ask for the insurance department if you need help or more information.
For more information on area-specific insurance requirements, visit our Knowledge Base.
Step 3: Submit Application via MyFilmLA
Once you’ve researched your locations and secured insurance, you’re ready to submit your permit application. Submitting your application is easy using MyFilmLA, especially with our step-by-step guides to walk you through the process. Your application will remain in draft state making location requests unactionable by FilmLA until payment is made.
After submission, your application will undergo initial vetting by FilmLA’s Pemit Application Logistics Team to ensure dates, times, activities, and areas of use are allowed within the corresponding jurisdictional approver deadlines.
The Permit Applications Team will reach out to you from permitapps@filmla.com if more information or changes are needed. Please ensure this address is added to your safe sender email list.
After the initial review is complete, your project will be processed by a FilmLA Insurance Specialist and one of our knowledgeable Production Coordinators. our Coordinator will be your point person for the remainder of the process. His or her primary responsibility is to create a permit that addresses community concerns while securing the permissions you need from appropriate local authorities.
Because all film permit situations are unique, your Coordinator may ask you to fulfill other jurisdictional requirements as a condition of permit release. These requirements could include, but are not limited to:
- Performing a filming survey
- Meeting with concerned community members
- Applying for additional permits (for example animal use, etc.)
- Organizing walk-throughs for public safety personnel
- Paying activity-based use, personnel and inspection fees
- Utilizing a FilmLA Monitor in sensitive areas
Step 4: Pay and Get Your Film Permit
To make it easy for you, all fees payable to FilmLA and most estimated city and county fees related to your film permit are processed within MyFilmLA.
FilmLA’s application fee is due when your application is submitted for processing. The application fee is non-refundable, even if you later elect to withdraw your permit application. Should changes be made to your permit requiring payment of additional fees for FilmLA or government services (aka “final charges”), a new invoice will be generated reflecting these charges.
The rest of the fees for your finalized permit must be paid for in full before release. You must make payment before 6PM on the business day prior to your first activity day. The law requires you to keep a physical copy of your permit onsite to avoid production shutdown.
Once payment is received and your permit is released to you, you’re officially cleared to film! Thank you for choosing to film in Greater Los Angeles.
Need emergency help? On-call assistance is available after-hours and on weekends via our main phone-line.
Step 5: Community Notice & Outreach
The best way to ensure a warm welcome for your production is to show respect for the communities you are filming in, which includes giving them advance notice of your production’s presence and its anticipated impact.
- Notices of Filming: FilmLA will help you by distributing official “Notices of Filming” to all residences and businesses located in the area surrounding your location. FilmLA strives to distribute these as soon as film permit details are finalized. These Notices contain details you’ve provided about when you will be filming, the activities to be filmed and whom community members can call to share their concerns. The Notices are typically distributed two business days ahead of your first day of production.
- Personal Introduction: Your production may be required to perform a Community Filming Survey as a condition permit release. If not, distributing a letter of introduction on company letterhead or introducing yourself in person can help your shoot go smoothly and keep the neighborhood film-friendly.
Feeling unsure how to approach the area neighbors? FilmLA is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Outreach and Education team for community relations advice.
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