Antelope Valley
Antelope Valley is one of the top filming destinations thanks to its diverse landscapes and unmatched production infrastructure.
ANTELOPE VALLEY
Film Locations Guide
Filming in the Antelope Valley (AV) offers an exceptional variety of high-desert landscapes that make it one of Southern California’s most versatile production regions. From sweeping open desert plains and rugged mountain backdrops to iconic Joshua tree forests and dramatic rock formations, the area can easily double for locations across the American Southwest. Its natural light, expansive horizons, and relatively undeveloped terrain make it especially attractive for features, commercials, television, music videos, and still photography.
Filming in Antelope Valley
Film permitting in the Antelope Valley includes the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, as well as unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, which is coordinated through FilmLA, the official film permit agency for the region. Productions filming on public property, streets, parks, or other government-owned locations must submit an application through FilmLA’s online portal and provide project details, and proof of insurance. Processing times typically range from a few business days to a week depending on the scope of activity. If filming on state-owned property such as highways or state parks, a permit is required from the California Film Commission.
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.
Learn more by visiting the California Film Commission for more information.
City of PALMDALE
Palmdale launched the Palmdale Film Incentive Program, designed to support filmmakers while showcasing the City’s rich legacy in the film industry. Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster feature, an exciting series or a dynamic commercial, they have two incredible ways to cut production costs.
Learn more by visiting the Palmdale Film Incentive Program Application Form.
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
♦ Cities that require 3 days or less to process basic film permits.
♦LANCASTER (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
♦PALMDALE (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5-7) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
♦LOS ANGELES COUNTY (3)
Basic App Fee: $1,274
(3) business days before start.
(5-7) for requests involving ITC and Road Closures.
Film Permits
Area Requirements
Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
Area Requirements FilmLA
Film Permit Jurisdictions
Angeles National Forest (20)
Basic App Fee: 1-10 persons $325.79/day, 11-30 persons $434.36/day, 31-60 persons $1,085.94/day, Greater than 61 persons $1,307.28/day.
Public law allows the Forest Service to collect two types of fees for commercial filming or photography activities – a use fee and a “cost recovery” fee.
The use fee is based upon: the number of days filming or photography activities take place; the size of the film/photography crew; and/or the amount and type of equipment present.
The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit.
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.
(15) for requests involving freeway ramps and lane closures.
(15-30) for requests involving road closures.
CFC Film Permit Office
California Highway Patrol - Media Relations
Officer Jon Dockweiler
CHP Media Relations Officer
Type of monitor determined by CHP Liaison.
CHP Monitor Fees
California State Fire Marshal - Motion Picture / Entertainment Unit
Vijay Mepani
Deputy State Fire Marshal
vijay.mepani@fire.ca.gov
Deputy State Fire Marshal
Cal State Fire
Cal 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
Cal State Parks & Beaches (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
(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 Lorna Leslie -Southern CA State Parks Permits lorna.leslie@film.ca.gov
CFC Film Permit Office
LA County Fire Department
The Public Safety & Film Unit reviews applications for filming permits, commercial still photography, annual fuel truck inspection and special effects permits. The Public Safety and Film Unit sets requirements and may conduct inspections at filming locations to ensure public safety and compliance with the Fire Code.
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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