On October 8, 2015, LAUSD announced that a temporary filming hiatus was in effect for District school properties. Today, FilmL.A. received a statement from LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines, providing an update on the terms of the hiatus:
I understand the importance of filming in Los Angeles and the benefits it provides to our schools and the local economy.
This morning, I met with the District’s legal and facilities teams to review all filming activities previously approved and under way, as well as all filming applications pending final execution. Based on the information presented to me, I am satisfied that the use of our schools is appropriate at this time. As a result, I anticipate that five filming-related licenses will move forward over the next week.
I will not formally lift the suspension until staff has completed their review of existing practices and updated the District’s procedures to better ensure that the use of our schools is appropriate. However, I do believe that in the interim, requests to conduct filming activities at our schools should continue to be reviewed and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. [FilmL.A. emphasis added]
It is important that this District has the appropriate measures in place to protect not only its students, but its schools and property. It is also important that our actions do not significantly impact the greater Los Angeles area, including reducing job opportunities for residents, many of whom are part of the extended LAUSD family.
FilmL.A. urges all filmmakers interested in using LAUSD properties for filming or film parking to submit applications as early as possible before the date of intended use.
Should you have questions regarding pending LAUSD leasing requests, FilmL.A.’s Property Lease team is available to assist you. Our Production Planning team is available to help you locate alternate locations for filming. Please contact us at 213-977-8600, and we will do our best to assist you.