Ventura County
Ventura County is home to one of California’s most famous agricultural regions, where vast fields, orchards, and ranchlands showcase the state’s rich farming heritage.
VENTURA COUNTY
Film Locations Guide
Ventura County boasts an impressive variety of film locations, making it a versatile choice for productions of all kinds. From the picturesque beaches of the Pacific coastline and the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains to historic downtown districts and quaint small-town streets, the county provides an array of cinematic backdrops.
Filming in Ventura County
Ventura County has become a sought-after filming destination thanks to its unique blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and proximity to Los Angeles. From the rugged coastlines of Point Mugu and the rolling farmland of Oxnard to the charming downtown streets of Ventura and the classic ranchlands of Simi Valley, the region offers filmmakers an incredible range of backdrops that can double for almost anywhere in the world. Beyond the big screen, Ventura County’s beaches, highways, and agricultural landscapes are regularly seen in television shows, car commercials, and music videos, with locations like Mugu Rock on Pacific Coast Highway being especially popular.
Research Incentives, Subsidies & Discounts
State of California
The State of California offers Free film permits for all California State properties. No location fees for filming on state-owned land (e.g., freeways, roads, beaches, parks, buildings, and facilities). Monitor reimbursement is typically required, even though permits and locations are free.
The California Film Commission (CFC) oversees the process and provides centralized support for all State Properties.
The CFC works in coordination with over 55 regional film offices across the state to ensure smooth and efficient filming logistics.
The Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) is a professional association made up of these film commissions and offices, all dedicated to promoting filming throughout California. FLICS members offer free assistance to productions, providing support with locations, permits, local resources, and regional expertise to help filmmakers navigate the process and successfully shoot across the state.
The State of California provides a film and television Tax Credit Program with a current annual allocation of $750 million. This program offers tax credits to offset qualified production expenses, encouraging film and television productions to shoot in California. The credits can be applied towards any tax liabilities within the state.
Visit the California Film Commission for more information.
Ventura County
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
Ventura County consists of 10 incorporated cities, each with its own permitting timelines, requirements, and restrictions that are constantly changing.
♦ Cities that require 3 days or less to process basic film permits.
CAMARILLO (5)
To get a Film Permit in Camarillo it will require at least (5) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
FILLMORE (7)
To get a Film Permit in Fillmore it will require at least (7) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
MOORPARK (10)
To get a Film Permit in Moorpark it will require at least (10) business days prior to the start of filming activities on private property, and (20) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
OJAI (7)
To get a Film Permit in Ojai it will require at least (7) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
VENTURA (5)
To get a Film Permit in the City of Ventura it will require at least (5) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
♦VENTURA COUNTY (3)
To get a Film Permit in Ventura County it will require at least (3) business days prior to the start of filming activities, and at least (5) for requests in which waivers are required.
OXNARD (7)
To get a Film Permit in Oxnard it will require at least (7) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
PORT HUENEME (5)
To get a Film Permit in Port Hueneme it will require at least (5) business days prior to the start of filming activities. Permit Fee estimate $500.00
SANTA PAULA (7)
To get a Film Permit in Santa Paula to film on Private Property outside the Downtown Business District it will require at least (7) business days prior to the start of filming activities, and (10) business days prior to filming in the Downtown Business District or on public property and/or city right-of-away.
SIMI VALLEY (5)
To get a Film Permit in Simi Valley it will require at least (5) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
♦THOUSAND OAKS (3)
To get a Film Permit in Thousand Oaks it will require at least (3) business days prior to the start of filming activities for a basic permit, and at least (5-7) for complex filming permits, like those involving road closures or special effects.
Film Permit Jurisdictions
Caltrans Highways & Freeways (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Caltrans does charge a review fee, as well as an inspection fee for complex requests.
(4) business days prior to start.
(12) for requests involving freeway ramps and lane closures.
(16) for requests involving freeway closures.
CFC Film Permit Office
State Buildings & Facilities (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Buildings, and Facilities charge cost-recovery fees in order to accommodate filming.
(4) business days prior to start of prep or shoot.
*Certain activities and locations require a much longer lead time and coordination with additional state departments.
Contact the building or facility before applying.
CFC Film Permit Office
Mountians Recreation & Conservation Authority (5)
At least one week prior is standard, but applications are accepted within three business days of a shoot for +$336 upon approval. The MRCA Film Office issues filming and photography permits for all parkland managed by the MRCA. This includes open space as well as developed parkland and the Mulholland Overlooks.
Fees are unique to the size and activities of each production. Contact the MRCA for more details.
Ventura County Fire Department
Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) actively reviews and assists with filming requests, particularly concerning safety, permits, and fire code compliance. They evaluate productions involving pyrotechnics, open flames, or large crowds to ensure safety, requiring a review fee and potential standby fire safety personnel. Ventura County Fire Inspector
Lori Ross
Lori.Ross@ventura.org
Ventura County Fire Department
VENTURA COUNTY ROADS
Filming on a Ventura County road requires obtaining a Special Use Film Permit and a Public Works Encroachment Permit, submitted through the Ventura County Resource Management Agency.
Ventura County Parks Department
Filming at Ventura County parks requires a Special Use Film Permit from the General Services Agency (GSA) for all commercial, TV, and photo projects, with applications due at least three business days in advance.
Ventura County Coastal Area
Filming in the Ventura County coastal area, including beaches, harbors, and towns like Oxnard and Ventura,
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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