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.
Permit Coverage
With the payment of one application fee, FilmLA allows customers to apply for and receive government permissions to film at up to five (5) production locations within seven (7) consecutive days. Your choice of Production Locations can span all of the jurisdictions currently served by FilmLA.
Limited exceptions to the 7-day limit exist; the main example being permits for Reality Show projects requiring filming flexibility over a longer period of time.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by 10 AM on the day of the area deadline.
Before applying for a permit, please be sure you meet the minimum time required for application processing. Minimum permit processing time varies by jurisdiction and can be affected by observed holidays and/or availability of government approvers. Permit deadlines can be researched in the Area Requirements articles in the FilmLA Knowledge Base or by contacting FilmLA.
For basic permits, we typically need 3-7 business days to process an application. Processing times vary based on activity and jurisdiction. More complicated permits (street closures, gunfire, special effects, etc.) and those with locations in other jurisdictions that we serve may need 5 to 7 business days.
Rejection of Late Applications
In order to deliver a high level of service to all customers, FilmLA is unable to accept late applications for filming. Late applications will be rejected, and the FilmLA Application Fee will not be refunded.
Please be sure prior to submitting a permit application that you meet the minimum time required for application processing. Minimum permit processing time varies by jurisdiction and requested film activities can be researched in the Area Requirements section of this website.
Contact Solution Services at 213.977.8600 or info@filmla.com if you are unclear about the timelines that apply in your situation.
Application Assignment
Once you submit your application and pay your non-refundable FilmLA Application Fee, your request will be reviewed by our Permit Assignment Desk. Once the activity, locations, insurance status, and necessary documents have been verified, your permit will be assigned to a Production Coordinator, and a confirmation email will be sent to you. Your Production Coordinator will contact you afterwards to review the application further and discuss questions or required next steps.
Insurance Verification
As a condition of permit release, applicants must provide evidence of insurance coverage meeting the requirements of FilmLA and all City and County jurisdiction(s) you intend to film. Certain filming activities, such as the use of aircraft and drones, may require other forms of insurance coverage. You can learn more about the insurance coverage required in the Area Requirements section of the FilmLA Knowledge Base. FilmLA Insurance Specialists are available at 213.977.8600 to advise you and your broker to secure adequate coverage.
Changes and Riders
We understand that it is sometimes necessary for customers to cancel a location or reschedule an upcoming shoot. Our ability to help in these circumstances depends on the status of your permit application at the time you notify us of the need for changes.
Generally speaking, the earlier you notify FilmLA of necessary changes, the greater our ability to assist and potentially help recover your investment in City/County film permits. Please note that FilmLA’s application fee is due when an application is submitted and is always nonrefundable.
If you need to cancel or reschedule any or all locations PRIOR to final permit distribution, FilmLA may be able to help you reschedule your shoot without the need to pay an additional application fee or rider fee.
For all permit cancellations, customers must request to reschedule within a specific time. The first film date for any rescheduled location may not occur more than 30 days from the first film date included on your initial permit application, and all rescheduled shoots must be completed within 7 days of your new first filming date.
For example: A permit with two locations is applied for on 12/15, with permit distribution scheduled for 12/18. The first filming date among the two locations is 1/1. Due to unforeseen circumstances, all of the locations on the permit must be cancelled and FilmLA is informed of this on 12/17 and prior to permit distribution. Because the permit has not been distributed, the application will be kept open, and FilmLA will extend the application window to allow first film dates no later than 2/1. All work on this permit must then be complete by 2/7. Provided the rescheduled shoot can be accomplished within these new dates, FilmLA will not charge the customer a second application fee.
If you need to cancel or reschedule any or all locations AFTER final permit distribution, please contact your Production Coordinator to discuss your situation and we will help you to the best of our ability. Your Production Coordinator will work with you to determine if we can potentially accommodate rescheduling new dates via a rider. FilmLA charges an additional fee for rider processing.
All rescheduled shoot dates must be completed within 7 days from the first film date included on your initial permit application. Any new dates beyond the 7-day window of the original first film date will require a new permit application to be submitted, and a new application fee will apply.
Application Cancelation
Should your filming plans change, and we are unable to assist you in rescheduling your shoot, you have the option to cancel your application-in-progress.
FilmLA is unable to make any commitments concerning refunds of government fees in the event of a cancellation. If a permitted activity is cancelled and adequate notice is given, FilmLA will work with you and affected government agencies to retrieve fees that have already been paid on your behalf. Please contact your Production Coordinator for assistance.
Please note that the final decision about the refund of fees for a permit that was cancelled will be made by the respective government agency. FilmLA’s application fee is due when an application is submitted and is always nonrefundable.
Community Notification
FilmLA offers a Neighborhood Notification service, delivering timely Notices of Filming to nearby homes and businesses in person and by email. This service is paid for by film production companies and is required as a condition of permit release.
FilmLA strives to distribute Notices of Filming as soon as film permit details are finalized. Usually, that means we are able to provide all affected neighbors with two days’ advance notice.
Notices of Filming include proposed filming dates and times, a description of the scene, parking requirements, and phone numbers should you have concerns. Notices are distributed two business days or more prior to filming. Electronic notification is also available in select areas.
General Permit Terms & Conditions
Your agreement to this set of conditions is a requirement of permit release. These terms will be included in your final permit package, at which point they are enforceable by area permit authorities.