WESTSIDE CITIES

Currently, the County of Los Angeles does not have its own dedicated film incentive program. However, the area still benefits from the statewide California Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

FilmLA coordinates film permits for LA County Beaches, Parks and Roads. They act as a liaison with the Department of Beaches and Harbors, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and Los Angeles County Roads Department respectively, for film permit processing.

Visit FilmLA for more information.

• 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”.

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Visit FilmLA or LocoScout for more information.

• 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.

In 2025, Santa Monica significantly enhanced its appeal to productions by launching Film Santa Monica, a dedicated film office that functions as a “one-stop shop” for filmmakers. While the city does not provide direct cash rebates, it offers “micro-incentives” such as a specialized permit concierge, assistance in securing discounted hotel rates for crews, and access to no-fee location permits for productions filming on state-owned property like Santa Monica State Beach. Furthermore, projects filming in the city remain eligible for the newly expanded California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which in 2025 increased its base refundable credit to 35% and offers additional bonuses for utilizing local labor. Detailed permit requirements and location resources are available through the Film Santa Monica official website.

Visit the Santa Clarita Film Office for more information.

Palmdale launched the Palmdale Film Incentive Program, designed to support filmmakers while showcasing the City’s rich legacy in the film industry. Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster feature, an exciting series or a dynamic commercial, they have two incredible ways to cut production costs.

Learn more by visiting the Palmdale Film Incentive Program Application Form.