South Bay
Diverse landscapes across cities like Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Torrance, which offer everything from classic coastal piers to suburban stand-ins for “Anywhere, USA”.
SOUTH BAY
Film Locations Guide
The South Bay region, comprising cities such as Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and neighboring communities, is a popular filming destination, offering a range of coastal, suburban, and urban locations. All commercial, film, television, video, and still photography productions require permits, particularly when using public property, beaches, streets, or impacting traffic or city services. Permitting is typically coordinated through FilmLA or an individual city film office, depending on the jurisdiction. It commonly requires an advance application, proof of insurance, applicable fees, and adherence to local regulations designed to balance production needs with community impact.
Filming in the SOUTH BAY
Location scouting in the South Bay remains a vital part of the Los Angeles production landscape in 2026, offering filmmakers a high concentration of coastal, industrial, and “Anywhere USA” residential settings. Professional scouts in this region leverage specialized databases which focus on key cities, such as Torrance, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo. The process involves rigorous logistical clearing, including securing permits through FilmLA and managing neighborhood notifications to ensure minimal disruption during shoots. Despite broader industry shifts toward financial austerity in 2026, the South Bay continues to attract major projects—including returning TV shows like Baywatch—due to California’s expanded tax credits and the region’s well-established infrastructure of crews and support services.
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 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, and FilmLA for more information.
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
FilmLA serves as a one-stop film permit service provider and film liaison for Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and numerous other jurisdictions.
♦ Cities that require 3 days or less to process basic film permits.
CARSON (5)
Film Permit Cost: $650 per week
Allow at least (5) business days prior to start of filming.
(10) for requests involving ITC and other departments.
♦GARDENA (3)
Film Permit Cost: $1,331
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way
HERMOSA BEACH
Film Permit Cost: $2,241
Allow at least (7) business days prior to start of filming.
LAWNDALE (10)
Film Permit Cost: $673
(10) business days prior to start.
♦LOS ANGELES (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days before start.
(4) business days to Post No-Parking.
(5-7) for requests involving ITC and Road Closures.
Film Permits
Area Requirements
Filming Requirements
Neighborhood Special Conditions
PALOS VERDES ESTATES (7)
Film Permit Cost: $2,613
(7) business days prior to start.
REDONDO BEACH (7)
Film Permit Cost: $1,077
(7) business days prior to start.
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES (10)
Film Permit Cost: $850
(10) business days prior to start.
EL SEGUNDO (5)
Film Permit Cost: $1,746
Allow at least (5) business days prior to start of filming.
(10) days to reserve Public right-of-way, and Parks and Recreation Facilities.
HAWTHORNE (10)
Film Permit Cost: $400
Allow at least (10) business days prior to start of filming.
Add additional time for requests involving ITC and other departments.
INGLEWOOD (5)
Film Permit Cost: $679
(5) business days prior to start.
♦LOMITA (2)
Film Permit Cost: $182.75
(2) business days prior to start.
(10) for requests involving public right-of-way.
MANHATTEN BEACH (15)
Film Permit Cost: $2,050
(15) business days prior to start.
♦RANCHO PALOS VERDES (3)
Film Permit Cost: $275
(3) business days prior to start.
ROLLING HILLS (90)
Film Permit Cost: $10,000
(90) business days prior to start.
TORRANCE (10)
Film Permit Cost: $334
(10) business days prior to start.
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.
(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
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
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.
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Department
The Port of Los Angeles will assess fees on Port properties not leased by outside entities.
The fees are charged per location, per day for uses such as: prep, strike, filming, crew parking, base camp, and still photos.
Additional fees may be assessed if services from other Port divisions are required, such as Port Police or maintenance crews.
If filming involves boats, barges, tugs, etc., daily dockage will be assessed per Tariff No. 4, Section Four, Item Nos. 400-480.
All filming and photography on Port property require per-approval from the Port’s Wharfinger Division.
A Film L.A. permit, approved by the Port of Los Angeles, is required before filming can begin.
Additional permits may be required depending on filming activities and locations within the Port.
LA County Beaches and Harbors (3)
(3) days notice is required for all Film Permit requests.
Film fees are determined by the extent of filming activities, which may require additional personnel fees from other departments or agencies whose approvals and involvement are required.
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 Parks & 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.
Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power
Basic App Fees: $931
For LADWP locations within the City of Los Angeles or other areas are under the jurisdiction of FilmLA, film permits must be obtained through FilmLA, Inc.
For LADWP locations outside the City of Los Angeles that are not under FilmLA jurisdiction, please call (213) 367-0112 for film permit information.
Los Angeles Department Of Public Works
The Board of Public Works, through the Mayor’s Office of Television and Film, has a dedicated Motion Picture and Television Manager. She is the FilmLA Contract Administrator and works with a designated staff person responsible for film issues within each City Department. Eva may be contacted at Eva.Bitar@lacity.org or call her cell at 213-344-8498.
US Army Corps of Engineers (30)
Basic App Fee: Non-refundable deposit fee of ($750)
- In general, filming is not permitted on Corps-owned property during the rainy season of October 15-April 15, due to safety concerns.
- All permit applications must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the requested film date(s).
Real Estate Division
Los Angeles District, USACE
915 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90017
Primary Contact: Lisa Sandoval (213) 452-3147
Secondary Contact: Lynette Ulloa (213) 452-3145
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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