Film Permits and Location Agreements

Location Agreements

Securing a written and approved location agreement is an essential part of pre-production. Whether filming in a private home, business, office, warehouse, or other privately owned property, students should always obtain written permission from the property owner before filming. Even when the owner is a friend or family member, a signed agreement protects both the production and the property owner by clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities.

Before signing a location agreement, students should thoroughly inspect the property and photograph every area that will be used during production. Existing damage, including walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, fixtures, landscaping, and other property should be documented before filming begins and again after wrap. These photographs provide valuable documentation should questions arise regarding damage following production.

When scouting a location, students should also consider:

• Parking for cast, crew, and production vehicles
• Equipment load-in and load-out
• Power availability
• Restrooms
• Holding areas
• Cell phone reception and internet access
• Noise concerns such as traffic, aircraft, construction, or neighboring businesses
• Emergency vehicle access
• Fire hazards
• Weather considerations
• ADA accessibility
• Safety concerns unique to the location

A successful location begins with careful planning. Students are expected to leave every location in the same or better condition than they found it and to represent CalArts professionally by respecting neighbors, businesses, and surrounding communities.

Location Agreements are available on 2 Pop:

Location Contract
https://2pop.calarts.edu/student-handbook/location-contract/

Film Permits

Obtaining permits is an important part of pre-production and should be addressed as early as possible. Like SAG paperwork, permits often require advance planning and should ideally be initiated at least two weeks before production, and no later than one week prior to the first day of filming. Permit applications should be managed by the Producer or Production Manager.

Do I Need a Permit?

Not every student production requires a permit. Whether a permit is needed depends upon:

• Where you are filming
• What you are filming (documentary vs. live action)
• Whether the location is public or private property
• The size of your cast and crew
• The amount of equipment being used
• Whether your production affects traffic or pedestrian access
• The jurisdiction in which you are filming

Generally, permits are required when filming:

• On public streets, sidewalks, parks, or government property
• In locations requiring traffic or pedestrian control
• When using generators, drones, production vehicles, special effects, weapons, or stunts
• For larger productions that significantly impact the surrounding area

When filming on private property, a permit may not be required, but written permission from the property owner should always be obtained through a signed location agreement.

Obtaining a permit does not automatically provide insurance coverage. Students must ensure all required CalArts insurance approvals have been completed prior to production by working with Production Services.

Los Angeles Film Permits (FILM LA, Inc)

For most filming within the City and County of Los Angeles, permits are coordinated through FilmLA.

For detailed information on obtaining permits, visit:

filmla.com/for-filmmakers/student-filmmakers

FilmLA generally requires permit applications at least 72 hours (three business days) before filming begins. However, students are encouraged to begin the process much earlier, particularly if special activities are involved.

Students should contact FilmLA before submitting an application to determine permitting requirements, fees, neighborhood notifications, or additional approvals that may be necessary.

FilmLA
6255 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Telephone:
(213) 977-8610

Email:
info@filmla.com

Location Library:
locoscout.com

Filming on California State Property

Filming within California State Parks, State Beaches, or other California State properties requires permits through the California Film Commission.

California Film Commission
7080 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 900
Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 860-2960

film.ca.gov

State permit applications generally require at least 72 hours to process.

While the California Film Commission does not charge permit application fees, productions are responsible for reimbursing any required State personnel assigned to the production, including park staff, maintenance personnel, or rangers. Productions filming outside normal operating hours are responsible for any overtime costs.

Vehicle Insurance

Certain permits require automobile liability coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles.

CalArts provides automobile insurance for approved productions; however, students must coordinate coverage through Production Services. A copy of each driver’s license and DMV driving record is required. Because approval may take several days, students should request vehicle insurance well before production begins.

Drone Operations

All drone operations must receive prior approval from Production Services.

Drone use is subject to FAA regulations, local airspace restrictions, insurance requirements, and location-specific permitting. Students may not operate drones over people, moving vehicles, or restricted airspace without appropriate authorization.

Parks

Parks throughout Southern California are administered by different agencies.

City of Los Angeles Parks

LA City Park Office
Griffith Park

(213) 644-6220

laparks.org/dos/ranger/parkfilm.htm

The City Parks Office has historically been very supportive of student productions. Students should contact the office one to two weeks before filming. Permit fees are often waived; however, productions requiring park rangers, generators, night filming, restricted areas, or larger crews may incur additional staffing costs.

Los Angeles County Parks are generally coordinated through FilmLA.

California State Parks are coordinated through the California Film Commission.

National Parks and National Forests maintain separate permitting offices:

Information regarding National Forest permits can be found at:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/angeles/passes-permits/event-commercial

If filming within another city’s park system, contact that city’s permit office directly.

Beaches

Most Southern California beaches are administered through FilmLA or the California Film Commission.

Productions involving water work, large crews, or specialized activities may require certified lifeguards or additional public safety personnel. Students should discuss water-related filming with Production Services during pre-production.

Filming in Santa Clarita

City of Santa Clarita
Student Filming Office
(661) 284-1425
filmsantaclarita.com

Santa Clarita also maintains an extensive online location library:

filmlib.santa-clarita.com

Production Services has worked with the Santa Clarita Film Office to reduce or waive certain monitoring fees for qualifying student productions. Contact Production Services before submitting your permit application.

Filming/Scouting in Areas Outside LA

After scouting a location outside Los Angeles County, students must determine which city, county, state, or federal agency has jurisdiction over the property.

Every permitting office has its own application process, fees, insurance requirements, staffing policies, and timelines. Students should begin this research early during pre-production.

Some smaller communities do not issue filming permits. If filming in a jurisdiction that does not require permits, students should obtain written confirmation by email or memorandum for their production records and provide a copy to Production Services.

The California Film Commission also maintains CinemaScout, an excellent statewide location database that can assist students in finding filming locations and identifying the appropriate permitting agencies.

ca.reel-scout.com/loc.aspx

Trouble Spots

We are strongly recommending that students not film in the following cities due to the inordinate hassle, cost and delay: Alhambra, Burbank, Culver City, Glendale, Hawthorne, Vernon, Big Bear, Santa Monica, El Segundo, Pacific Palisades, San Francisco, & Covina.

Permitting Challenges

Some jurisdictions have significantly longer processing times, higher permit costs, or additional staffing requirements than others. Students planning productions outside familiar filming areas should consult Production Services before locking locations so scheduling and budget impacts can be identified early.

Production Services

Production Services is available to assist students throughout the permitting process, including:

• Determining whether a permit is required
• Identifying the appropriate permitting agency
• Reviewing location agreements
• Obtaining Certificates of Insurance (COIs)
• Requesting vehicle insurance
• Assisting with high-risk activities
• Developing safety plans
• Coordinating permit timelines

When in doubt, contact Production Services early. Successful location management begins during pre-production, and early planning helps avoid unnecessary delays, additional expenses, and safety concerns.