San Fernando Valley
“The San Fernando Valley is widely recognized as a prime filming destination, particularly for its residential neighborhoods and city streets, which provide authentic backdrops for a variety of productions.”
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Film Locations Guide
The San Fernando Valley is a major hub for on-location filming, offering diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and proximity to Hollywood studios, used in countless movies and shows like Terminator 2, E.T., Heathers, and Boogie Nights, with specific spots like Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, and residential areas frequently featured for their recognizable backdrops.
Filming in San Fernando Valley
“Most areas of the Valley, including neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles, are handled by FilmLA, which oversees permits for city-managed streets, parks, and public spaces. However, several independent cities within the Valley, such as Burbank and Glendale, maintain their own film permit offices with separate application processes, fee structures, and requirements. Burbank, home to major studios like Warner Bros. and Disney, has a dedicated office that coordinates closely with productions filming on studio lots and in surrounding neighborhoods. Glendale manages permits for its city streets, parks, and civic areas, offering filmmakers access to both modern and historic backdrops.”
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 Los Angeles
FilmLA, a non-profit organization, serves as the official film office for the City and County of Los Angeles and an increasing number of other local municipalities in Greater Los Angeles.
FilmLA has agreements with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) to make some off-street parking lots available for free to productions with a film permit.
FilmLA manages LocoScout an exclusive online location database featuring Los Angeles City and County public properties.
Free use of City-owned locations for filming in the City of Los Angeles. (Includes iconic spots like Los Angeles City Hall — a city permit is still required to film on City property.
Utility Nodes that Provide Affordable, Clean Electricity: Three utility nodes have been installed to provide affordable, clean electricity to film productions as a substitute for diesel generators. Nodes are available at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park, City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, and at the DWP John Ferraro Building. Please contact FilmL.A. to learn how you can use this service. The City has installed these utility nodes in an effort to provide a clean and quiet energy source as a substitute for diesel generators, which generate exhaust and noise pollution.
Active citations for Filming Without a Permit and Intentionally Disrupting a Permitted Film Shoot:
The Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance that revised section 41.20 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to make it a misdemeanor offense for production companies to film without a permit or engage in activities not covered by their permits. It also introduced consequences for those who would intentionally disrupt a duly-permitted film shoot or other special event. Read FilmL.A.’s article, “LAPD Using Expanded Film Permit Enforcement Powers”.
Learn more by visiting the Office of Citywide Filming for more information.
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
BURBANK (5)
Basic App Fee: $398
(5) business days prior to start of filming.
(10) for requests involving ITC and other departments.
GLENDALE (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way.
SAN FERNANDO (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way.
CALABASAS (3)
Film Permit Cost: $675
Allow at least (3-5) business days prior to start of filming.
(10) days to reserve Public right-of-way, and Parks and Recreation Facilities .
LOS ANGELES (3)
Film Permit Cost: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Neighborhood-specific Requirements
*FilmLA Neighborhood Special Conditions.
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.
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.
LA County Department of Parks and Recreation
All filming at County parks, other than non-commercial photos such as among family members, require a film permit issued by Film LA Inc., the entity authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to process film permits for all County operated facilities. This also includes film projects by students and non-profit organizations.
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (3)
Basic App Fee: $931.00
Wrap/Clean-up days: $150/day/park
Equipment base camp: $450/day/park
Crew Parking: $100/day/park (1-15 vehicles), $300/day/park (16+ vehicles)
There are 437 parks and 184 recreation centers that the Department manages. There is a power node
located at Griffith Park in the Upper Old Zoo area. Although each park and facility is unique, the step to filming or photography activities is the same.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Filming on LADWP properties within the city, you must obtain your permit through FilmLA. This covers a wide range of locations, from modern to historical buildings, industrial settings, and reservoirs.
Los Angeles Unified School District (4)
Processing for a school license / permit requires a minimum of (4) 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.
FilmLA will help coordinate with the district to ensure you meet all specific requirements.
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