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.
Standard Requirements
Finding a School
Photos of school properties are available on LocoScout, FilmLA’s web-based location scouting tool, or contact us and speak with a schools specialist for location recommendations. After identifying a potential location, filmmakers should contact FilmLA, in which we will then contact the filming liaison to arrange a scout..
Licensing Information
A license agreement for the Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD) is required for use of any property owned by the District. After your request receives initial support from the school liaison, complete and submit the license application to FilmLA. We require a minimum of five business days to process LESD license applications.
PLEASE NOTE: Filming activity is secondary to and must not disrupt any school instructional program.
Apply for a LESD Filming / Production License in MyFilmLA
Film Permit Requirement
A film permit from the City of Lawndale is required in addition to your LESD license. Please contact the City of Lawndale at (310) 973-3246 for film permit support.
Application Submission
Below are the minimum processing times for permit applications. Holidays may affect deadlines. Changes due to holidays will be posted on our website (www.filmla.com) and sent to registered subscribers via Production Alert, prior to the holiday.
- Processing for a school license / permit requires a minimum of five (5) full business days prior to the first activity date.
- This does not include the date of submission.
- Please be advised certain activities may require more advance notice.
Payments and Distribution
All BUSD fees are collected by FilmL.A. When the license agreement is ready, we will notify you of acceptable forms of payment for your company. Licenses cancelled with less than 24-hour notice will be assessed a $150 fee. Full fees will be collected for cancellations after 10am the day prior to activity.
An authorized production company representative must sign and return the completed license agreement using the MyFilmLA system. Please note that LESD policy prohibits third parties from signing on filmmakers’ behalf.
Your finalized LESD License and City film permit must be kept on-site at all times during the production activity.
Insurance Requirements
Filmmakers seeking to use school district facilities must have insurance on file for the Lawndale Elementary School District with FilmLA. If you do not have insurance on file, please provide us with mandatory insurance as per the insurance requirements below.
Insurance coverage limits may vary based on activity and location. We do not advise you to purchase insurance without first discussing your filming plans with a FilmLA schools specialist.
Please forward all insurance requirements for this district to your broker for processing.
The final license agreement will not be released until all insurance has been reviewed and approved by our office, so please submit your insurance certificates as soon as possible.
Required Insurance Coverage
- Commercial General Liability
- Auto Liability
- Proof of Workers’ Compensation
Minimum Limits (per occurrence)
- $2,000,000 - Per Occurrence
Additional Insured
- Lawndale Elementary School District added as additional insured; see link below for specific wording and sample.
- FilmLA must also be added as additional insured; see link below for specific wording and sample.
Insurance Submission
Please submit certificates to FilmLA by email to insurance@filmla.com.
If you have any questions about our requirements, please contact our office at 213.977.8600 and ask to speak with our schools department.
Lawndale Elementary School District Insurance Sample
Fee Schedule
LESD Production Fees
Government-required fees must also be paid when you retrieve your permit. Please note that FilmLA does not set or control the filming-related fees charged by its government partners.
Filming at City facilities will generate use fees. Use of City or County personnel, when required to protect public safety based on requested filming activities, will generate use fees.
There will be a charge of $55.00 per hour as reimbursement for custodial salaries, if facilities are used on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, or on weekdays before 6:30 AM or after 5:00 PM.
| Fee Type | Amount | Unit |
| Deposit | $500.00 | Per Day (refundable, if conditions met) |
| Basic Filming Rate | $2,500.00 | For 15 Hours |
| Overtime Rate | $55.00 | Per Hour |
| Overtime Custodial Rate | $55.00 | Per Hour |
| Half-Day Filming Rate | $1,250.00 | For 6 Hours |
| Student Filming - Basic Rate | $260.00 | For 4 Hours |
| Student Filming - Overtime Rate | $55.00 | Per Hour |
| Still Photography - Basic Rate | $300.00 | For 4 Hours |
| Still Photography - Overtime Rate | $55.00 | Per Hour |
| Overnight Parking / Storage Charge | $500.00 | Per Day |
LESD Parking Fees
For PARKING ONLY, use the following rates. Crew and base camp parking are included in filming fees during filming, prep and strike.
Rate for first four (4) hours, includes rental and custodial fees.
| School Type | Amount | Per Additional Hour |
| Elementary | $300.00 | $59.00 |