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FilmLA has gathered the location filming information in this article as a service to the entertainment industry. It is updated regularly, but also subject to change. FilmLA cannot and does not guarantee that the information contained here is at any time complete and without error. By using this site, you acknowledge these limitations and agree that neither FilmLA, nor its predecessors, successors, partners, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives shall be liable for any reason for damages of any nature (including special, incidental, compensatory, consequential or punitive) to any individual or entity who uses or relies on the information contained here for any purpose. Factual errors may be reported to FilmLA using the links provided at the bottom of the article.
Located between San Pedro and Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles is one of the country's largest and busiest ports. Under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles, specifically the Port’s Wharfinger Division, all filming and still photography using any locations within the Port of LA requires a legal film permit.
Application and Timing
All filming and photography on Port property requires pre-approval from the Port’s Wharfinger Division. Please contact the Port's Wharfinger Division at (310) 732-3810 to discuss your request prior to submitting your application.
The Port of LA requires a separate Port of Los Angeles Filming Application. Be sure and select the “Film & Photography” application and be prepared to provide the following:
- Desired Filming Location(s)
- Crew Parking and/or Base Camp Location(s)
A City of Los Angeles film permit obtained through FilmLA is also required before filming can begin. Additional permits may be required depending on your filming activities and locations used within the Port.
Applications for filming on Port property must be submitted to FilmLA by 10:00 a.m., seven (7) business days prior to the date of first filming activity.
Insurance
Insurance is required for all still photography and filming activities at the Port of Los Angeles and must be approved prior to the start of activity. The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department Insurance Guidelines for Film Permits lists the types of coverage required for your production. Please allow seven (7) business days for insurance approval and factor that timing into your production start date.
Additionally, filmmakers seeking permits to film on-location in the City of Los Angeles must have insurance on file with the City and FilmLA. Insurance requirements for FilmLA and the City of LA can be found here.
Personnel Requirements
All film permit requests with activity in water or on docks are reviewed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) to determine if a uniformed fire safety officer (UFSO) is required. UFSO requirements vary by location within the Port and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Port Police may be required based on location and activity.
LAPD Motion Picture Officers may be required based on requested activity. See our full list of activities requiring Motion Picture Officers.
Filming- Related Fees
The Port of Los Angeles will assess fees for film use of Port properties not leased by outside entities. The fees are charged per location per day for uses such as: prep, strike, filming, crew parking, basecamp, and still photography. Additional fees may be assessed if services from other Port divisions are required, such as Port Police or maintenance crews. If filming involves boats, barges, tugs, etc., daily dockage fees will be assessed per Tariff No. 4, Section Four, Item Nos. 400-480. For fee related questions specific to these activities please email Port staff at REDclerical@portla.org.
A list of common filming related fees for the City of LA, including commonly assessed Port of LA fees can be found here.
Filming Conditions
Standard Harbor Conditions apply to all permits.
Fleet Week
Los Angeles Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day event celebrating America’s sea services. It is held at the Port of Los Angeles over Memorial Day weekend. During this time no filming of any kind is allowed on Port Property. For more information, visit the Port of LA website.