LOS ANGELES FILM LOOCATIONS
Los Angeles is the top filming destination thanks to its diverse landscapes, historic architecture, reliable weather, and unmatched production infrastructure.
EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
FILM LOCATIONS
Filming in the City of Los Angeles offers unmatched access to iconic locations, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class production infrastructure. From Hollywood landmarks and downtown skyscrapers to beaches, residential streets, and studio facilities, the city provides virtually every backdrop within close proximity. Film permits are coordinated through FilmLA, which manages applications, approvals, and on-location filming logistics for city departments.
LOS ANGELES FILM PERMITS
Film permits in the City of Los Angeles are coordinated through FilmLA in partnership with city departments. Productions filming in residential areas must adhere to notification requirements, parking regulations, and specific guidelines designed to minimize community impact. Advance planning, community outreach, and compliance with city conditions are essential to securing approvals, ensuring that filming in Los Angeles neighborhoods runs smoothly and remains production-friendly.
Los Angeles Film 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.
Los Angeles Film Permit Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
♦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
Common Fees
Los Angeles Neighborhood-Specific Conditions
Neighborhood Special Conditions FilmLAÂ
Los Angeles 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
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
Los Angeles Police Department
The Office of Operations Film Unit provides oversight and guidance for commercial filming in the City of Los Angeles.
-Operations Film Unit
-Must Hire Assignments
–Motion Picture Officers Companies List
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 Fire Department
The Los Angeles Fire Department, specifically the Film Unit in the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety, handles all fire and life safety oversight for motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities, production locations, and all commercial digital media production conducted within the City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Department Of Public Works
Los Angeles has long been considered the entertainment capital of the world, home to studios, post-production facilities, a myriad of outdoor locations, and the most talented and well-trained creative and technical workers in the field. The glitz and glamour of this industry often get attention when the real showstopper is the high-paying middle-class jobs that support film and television.
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.
AÂ 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 Libraries (15)
The LA County Library offers a variety of locations for filming and photography with 86 library locations throughout Los Angeles County.
Film at LA County Library
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).
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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