WEST HOLLYWOOD
Many famous and historic film locations can be found in Burbank, the heart of the entertainment industry. Many productions use studio lots, but a variety of public places and private venues have also been featured in many movies and TV shows.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
LOCATION SCOUTING GUIDE
West Hollywood’s cinematic landscape is anchored by the Sunset Strip, where the Art Deco Sunset Tower Hotel has hosted stars and served as a backdrop for films like Get Shorty and The Player. Nearby, the legendary Whisky a Go Go famously appeared in The Doors and Airheads. The city’s residential streets frequently stand in for small-town America; for instance, Nancy Thompson’s home in A Nightmare on Elm Street is located on N Genesee Avenue, while the original Halloween house sits on Orange Grove Avenue.
FILMING IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Filming in West Hollywood requires a valid permit from the West Hollywood Film Office for all shoots on both public and private property. Production companies must submit applications at least three business days in advance and provide proof of $1 million in liability insurance naming the city as additionally insured. Standard filming hours are generally between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM (8:00 AM on weekends in residential areas), and most shoots require review by the L.A. County Fire Department and, potentially, assignment of L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies. Additionally, you must notify all residents and businesses within a 500-foot radius of your location before production begins.
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 BURBANK
The City of Burbank encourages film production through the “Film Burbank” initiative, offering a streamlined, dedicated permitting office, rapid 1-3 day permit processing, and competitive, low-cost fees, including special discounts for student filmmakers. The city supports productions with, overnight parking,, and flexible, location-based night filming, supported by a 5-day-a-week permit office
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
♦BURBANK (3)
Basic App Fee: $398
(3) business days’ notice is required.
(5) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
If the filming is complex, it is recommended to contact the Film Permit Office 1-2 weeks prior to the scheduled filming date.
Burbank Police Department
If your filming or parking of equipment/production vehicles are on public property, a least one Burbank Police Officer will be assigned. Additional police officers may be assigned if the filming activity warrants it.
Interior filming on private or public property usually requires a Fire Safety Officer. The permit will be reviewed by the Burbank Fire Department.
Burbank Fire Department
If filming occurs on private or public property, a Fire Safety Officer is usually assigned. The permit will be reviewed by the Fire Film Safety Office and a determination will be made based on film activity, location, and cast/crew size.
Burbank Fire Film Safety Office at (818) 238-FIRE (3473) or BFDfilming@burbankca.govÂ
Burbank Fire Safety Office
Burbank Unified School District (5)
A license agreement for the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) is required for use of any property owned by the district.
After your request receives initial support from the school liaison, complete and submit the license application to FilmLA. They require a minimum of (5) five business days to process BUSD license applications.
Note: You will need a permit from the City of Burbank and a license from the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) to film on any BUSD property, as they require their own specific application and agreement for filming on school grounds. You can apply for the BUSD license through FilmLA, and the city permit through the City of Burbank Film Permit Office.Â
Burbank Parks & Recreation
Burbank Parks and Recreation operates and maintains a total of 42 parks and facilities. Included are 27 parks, 15 ball fields, 4 recreation/community centers, 2 older adult centers, 1 performing art theater, 2 swimming pools, a skate/BMX park, a roller hockey rink, a tennis center, an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, a nature center, and the Burbank Animal Shelter.
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
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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