{"id":3526,"date":"2021-08-25T12:49:26","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T19:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sftvproductionhandbook.lmu.build\/?p=3526"},"modified":"2026-02-23T15:27:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T23:27:00","slug":"filmla-permit-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sftvproductionhandbook.lmu.build\/index.php\/2021\/08\/25\/filmla-permit-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Film LA Permit Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To apply for a FilmLA permit follow these steps<\/a> on the FilmLA website. For SFTV permit support, contact the Student Production Office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FilmLA has undergone a change in permit acquisition, meaning that students will have a new process of applying for FilmLA permits. Below are important key pieces of information for the application process, as well as a slideshow showing the step-by-step instructions on how to apply online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fees<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The basic film permit application fee is $931; however, if you apply and show that you are enrolled in LMU and that your project is specifically for course credit the student discounted permit application fee is $53, or $124 for a larger scale project. This includes up to five (5) filming locations within seven (7) consecutive days. You choice of Filming Locations can span all of the jurisdictions currently served by FilmLA. If you are required to have a FilmLA monitor on set, their rate begins at $44.50\/hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permit Schedules<\/strong>
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Schedule for Permit Applications: 
To best serve you and our partners, all filming requests are due by 10 a.m. at least three business days prior to your first production date. Certain activities\/areas require additional time. Visit <\/em><\/strong>FilmLA.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a> for details. LA City deadlines:<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 To film on SATURDAY, SUNDAY or MONDAY, submit application by 10AM Wednesday of week prior
\u2022 To film on TUESDAY, submit by 10AM Thursday of week prior
\u2022 To film on WEDNESDAY, submit by 10AM Friday of week prior
\u2022 To film on THURSDAY, submit application by 10AM Monday of same week
\u2022 To film on FRIDAY, submit application by 10AM Tuesday of same week<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOLIDAY WEEKENDS MAY AFFECT DEADLINES \u2013 Check FilmLA.com for details.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Timing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For basic permits, FilmLA needs 3-7 business days to process a permit, with locations in other jurisdictions needing 5 to 7 business days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LMU projects are covered under LMU’s film insurance policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grid Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your set has 10 people or less and all handheld equipment, you may qualify for a walking or driving grid location, meaning you can pick 4 streets that intersect to form a square and then you can film anywhere inside of that square as long as your impact is minimal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drone Use<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drones are not covered by LMU insurance. Students have to pay for drone insurance if using drones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Filming Surveys<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Community Filming Surveys are sometimes requested by FilmLA if you are filming outside of standard business hours (before 9:00 a.m. \u2013 after 10:00 p.m.) or have high impact activities like gunfire, street closures, or filming in a sensitive neighborhood (neighborhoods that see a lot of filming).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As posted on the FilmLA website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Filming Survey is not<\/strong> a request for permission to film. These surveys are purely an information gathering tool, which FilmLA uses to gauge neighborhood concerns. Not all filming activity requires a filming survey; and for those shoots that do, community participation is strictly voluntary.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you apply for a FilmLA permit, you will be assigned a Coordinator. The coordinator will contact you about parking (see parking note), film surveys or other location specific questions they might have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a Filming Survey is required, it is the production\u2019s responsibility to create a radius map of usually 300-ft around the desired location AND create a list of the addresses within the 300-ft radius for FilmLA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The production will leave behind a survey form for residents and business owners to complete. The survey will provide a deadline for the survey and how they can respond (leave survey for pick-up by production or email their responses directly to FilmLA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Helpful Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n