Standard Disclaimer
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.
The City of Los Angles through Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) owns and operates the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Van Nuys Airport (VNY). This article provides information on procedures to film at both properties.
Scouting & Questions about Filming on LAWA Property
Scouting and filming requests must be coordinated and discussed with the designated film liaison for each respective airport. Please contact the LAWA Film Liaison to discuss your request prior to film permit application.
- LAX Filming Contact: LAXFILMOFFICE@lawa.org
- VNY Filming Contact: 818-442-6544
Application and Timing
In addition to permission from LAWA personnel, filming at LAX and Van Nuys Airport requires a valid City film permit coordinated through FilmLA. Applications for filming on LAWA property must be submitted to FilmLA by 10:00 am, ten (10) business days prior to the date of first filming activity.
Requirements and Guidelines for filming at LAX
Requirements and Guidelines for filming at Van Nuys Airport
Letter of Intent Requirement
Expect LAWA staff to require you submit a Letter of Intent detailing the following to film on airport property:
- Name of the production company and title of the proposed production
- Detailed summary of proposed filming activities (i.e. scene description)
- Location of proposed filming on airport property (leasehold location) including specific terminal, parking areas, curbside, airfield, ramp, etc. and whether filming will occur in more than one area at a time
- Number of cast and crew/personnel, including clients/invitees
- Production dates (specify prep, strike and filming)
- Arrival and departure hours of personnel onto and off of airport property (time when first cast/crew/equip arrives and leaves)
- Number and type of production vehicles
- Items of equipment to be used, e.g. cranes, scissor lifts, etc.
- Lighting requests and means of power and/or power usage requests
- Identification and use of large, disruptive, and/or hazardous props, e.g. weapons, picture vehicles, etc.
- Aircraft (specify aircraft registration “N#”, type of aircraft, and how it will be used)
- Special effects requests, e.g. rain/smoke, explosives, etc.
- Identification and use of animals
- Alteration requests, e.g. painting/sign removal, etc.
- Stunt requests
Insurance
In addition to the coverage required by LAWA, 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
LAWA will determine personnel requirements for each property on a case-by-case basis based upon the filming request. Personnel requirements should be discussed with the respective LAWA Film Liaison.
LAPD Motion Picture Officers may be required based on requested activity. See our full list of activities requiring Motion Picture Officers.
Los Angeles Fire Department Uniformed Fire Safety Officer (UFSO) requirements vary by location and activity and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.