Do you want to film a stunt professional running ablaze down an alley?
Are you planning to film a climactic shootout scene in front of a bank that ends with a city bus exploding?
Or maybe your film project is a little more subdued and has a birthday party scene where little Julie makes a wish and blows out her candles? Well… if fire plays any role in your project at all, you’re likely going to need a special effects permit!
From lighting a cigarette to recreating the first nuclear bomb test, special effects teams help create some of the most spectacular and memorable moments seen on screen. FilmLA coordinates with our local fire jurisdictions to ensure all proper permitting is in place when your shoot involves the use of special effects and pyrotechnics.
Effects used in film production include, but are not limited to, gerbs, flame bars, dust hits, zirk hits, squib hits, gunfire, explosions and fireballs. In the City and County of Los Angeles, any use of an open flame or “practical effects” such as cooking on a stove or using a real working fireplace will require a special effects permit and additional review from the Fire Department.
Production is responsible for obtaining their own special effects permit from the Fire Department.
⇒ In LA City you can find more information and apply for your special effects permit here.
⇒ In the County of LA you can find more information and apply for your special effects permit here.
Please note that a special effects permit is specific to the special effects activity only and does not take the place of a standard filming permit. A standard filming permit is always required in addition to a special effects permit.
The use of certain special effects may increase the overall cost of the film permit. In some cases, an expanded notification radius of nearby businesses and residents is required due to potential impact from increased sound and visual impact.
Additionally, safety is the Fire Department’s number one priority so a Fire Safety Officer who is specially trained to monitor the safety of effects on film sets and locations may be assigned.
We caught up with Tim Overbeck, FilmLA’s Solution Services Manager, on the topic of fire safety. Overbeck regularly attends the Safety Advisory for Fire FX in Entertainment (SAFFE) meetings on behalf of FilmLA, and he recently took a team of six staffers to a Special Effects and Gunfire demonstration hosted by the State Fire Marshal.
Pictured: FilmLA's Tim Overbeck and team at a Special Effects and Gunfire demonstration hosted by the State Fire Marshal.
“These demonstrations are a valuable opportunity to train our staff to understand what various effects can look and sound like, which better informs them in the permitting process.” Overbeck explained.
“From time to time we receive questions from filmmakers, regarding the necessity of certain requirements. Filmmakers are often surprised by the need to obtain a special effects permit for use of practical effects like cigarettes, candles, and cooking flames.”
“We remind those who call us that Fire Department approvers are typically going to err on the side of safety,” Overbeck continued. “Keeping filmmakers aware of the rules, and how to work within them to accomplish their artistic vision safely and within their budget, that is how we can be of help.”
Something else to keep in mind when adding special effects to your permit is that more complex requests will require a bit more lead time when it comes to permitting. Be sure to apply for your FilmLA permit at least 4 to 7 days in advance of your first activity.
The proper permitting ensures that you can get that spectacular shot that’ll blow your audience away while maintaining the safety of your crew and the public. Be sure to reach out to the FilmLA Solution Services team with any questions about special effects permits or film permits in general. We’re here for you at: info@filmla.com or (213) 977-8600.
About the Author: Buck Zachary
Buck Zachary has worked with FilmLA in various roles since 2012, currently as a Production Planning Coordinator, part of the Solution Services Team. Buck grew up in Central Illinois and received a BS in Acting from Illinois State University. He loves going to movies, attending live theatre, and building LEGO with his two daughters. Buck’s favorite movie is, and always will be, Ghostbusters.Contact Solution Services
Email: info@filmla.com
Call: (213) 977-8600
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