VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County has become a sought-after filming destination thanks to its diverse landscapes, which include scenic coastlines, sprawling ranchlands, agricultural fields, orchards, and rural communities that have served as backdrops for countless films, television shows, and commercials.

VENTURA COUNTY
LOCATION SCOUTING GUIDE

Lights, camera, Ventura! With its breathtaking beaches, rolling Santa Monica Mountains, historic downtowns, and charming small towns, Ventura County is a filmmaker’s dream. Known for being exceptionally film-friendly, the county welcomes productions of all sizes, offering a wide range of versatile locations. The Ventura County Film Commission is your local partner, connecting filmmakers with resources, locations, and community contacts to make every shoot smooth and successful. Wherever your story takes you, Ventura County has the perfect backdrop—and the support to bring it to life.

CAMARILLO

Camarillo is famous for it's agriculture and popular historic locations.

FILLMORE

Fillmore has one of the most famous small towns in Southern California.

MOORPARK

Moorpark is a small town with a very historic main street.

OJAI

Ojai is a quaint little town in north Ventura that is very film friendly.

THOUSAND OAKS

Thousand Oaks has a long history of filming that dates back to the early years of filming.

OXNARD

Oxnard is Famous for the Harbor and Beaches that are film friendly.

FILMING IN VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County has become a sought-after filming destination thanks to its unique blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and proximity to Los Angeles. From the rugged coastlines of Point Mugu and the rolling farmland of Oxnard to the charming downtown streets of Ventura and the classic ranchlands of Ojai, the region offers filmmakers an incredible range of backdrops that can double for almost anywhere in the world.

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.

Visit the California Film Commission for more information.

Ventura County Film Commission

The Ventura County Film Commission, a division of the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC FILM), serves as a centralized resource for the regional film industry. As of 2025, the commission offers specialized, no-cost services designed to streamline the production process, including a professional location library to showcase the county’s diverse geography and permitting assistance to help navigate various local jurisdictions. Beyond logistical support, EDC FILM provides business consulting for small production companies and facilitates connections to local crews and lodging. By providing these resources, the commission helps productions maximize their eligibility for the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, fostering economic growth and creative development throughout Ventura County.

Visit the Ventura County Film Commission.

Film Oxnard

Film Oxnard is a joint effort between the City of Oxnard as the film permitting agency and Visit Oxnard, the destination marketing organization for the City of Oxnard, to promote film locations for consideration in Oxnard.

Visit Film Oxnard

Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions

Ventura County consists of (10) incorporated cities, each with its own permitting timelines, requirements, and restrictions.
♦ Cities that require 3 days or less to process basic film permits.

CAMARILLO (7)

Basic App Fee: $653.91
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permits

FILLMORE (7)

Basic App Fee: $350.00
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permits

MOORPARK (10)

Basic App Fee: $370
(10) business days prior to filming on private property.
(20) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
Film Permits

OJAI (7)

Basic App Fee: $275.00
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permits

VENTURA (30)

Basic App Fee: $200.00
(30) business days prior to start.
Film Permit Office

♦VENTURA COUNTY (3)

Basic App Fee: $376.00
(3) business days prior to filming on private property.
(5) business days prior for requests in which waivers are required.
Film Permit Office

OXNARD (7)

Basic App Fee: $100.00
(7) business days prior to filming on private property.
(14) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
Film Permit Office
Film Oxnard

PORT HUENEME (5)

Basic App Fee: $0.00
(5) business days prior to filming on private property.
(15) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
Film Permits

SANTA PAULA

Basic App Fee: $300.00
Contact the City of Santa Paula for film permit turnaround times.
Film Permits

SIMI VALLEY (5)

Basic App Fee: $635.90
(5) business days prior to filming on private property.
(10) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
Film Permit Office

♦THOUSAND OAKS (3)

Basic App Fee: $475.00
(5) business days prior to filming.
Film Permits

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.

MRCA Film Office

Ventura County Fire Department

Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) actively reviews and assists with filming requests, particularly concerning safety, permits, and fire code compliance. They evaluate productions involving pyrotechnics, open flames, or large crowds to ensure safety, requiring a review fee and potential standby fire safety personnel.
Lori Ross – Ventura County Fire Inspector
Lori.Ross@ventura.org
♦Ventura County Fire Department
♦Filming Questionnaire

VENTURA COUNTY ROADS

Filming on a Ventura County road requires obtaining a Special Use Film Permit and a Public Works Encroachment Permit, submitted through the Ventura County Resource Management Agency.

Ventura County Roads Department

Ventura County Parks Department

Filming at Ventura County parks requires a Special Use Film Permit from the General Services Agency (GSA) for all commercial, TV, and photo projects, with applications due at least three business days in advance.

Ventura County Parks

Ventura County Coastal Area

Filming in the Ventura County coastal area, including beaches, harbors, and towns like Oxnard and Ventura,

Ventura County Coastal Area

Ventura Harbor

Ventura Harbor offers a variety of film, video, commercial, TV, and photoshoot options. From stunning beach settings to backdrops featuring commercial and recreational boats or a Harbor Village with gangways down to the dock.

Ventura Harbor

We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.

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