Filming In Los Angeles Without A Permit

Filming In Los Angeles

It is a crime to film without a permit in Los Angeles. If you are caught, your film production will be shut down and you may be subject to fines and costly court appearances. You may also get arrested.

A Los Angeles film permit is an official certificate that is from a municipality that gives permission for filmmaking. Film permits are an essential tool that municipalities like Los Angeles use to balance the needs of on-set film production with the needs of the surrounding community.

Film permits also grant productions to approach city resources and L.A.  extensive community notification programs. There are some activities like stunts that may require additional survey

Officers or Agents at FilmLA and the local insurance broker can help the process to get smoother in getting a FilmLA permit.

Do I need a Permit for filming in Los Angeles?

Filming without permission is unlawful in Los Angeles. If you are filming with a Los Angeles film permit it will provide a lot of resources to make your production a victory. 

But without a permit, you will risk your production being shut down by the police. A permit is required in shooting a small video or a Hollywood blockbuster. To ensure the permitting needs with your favorite locations and the budget is best to start the permitting process early and keep an open conversation with your FilmLA Production Coordinator.

There are 2 ways to meet the permit requirement for productions as well as studio-based productions with no clash in the surrounding community. 

How do I get a Film Los Angeles Permit?

You can only get a film permit by working with FilmLA in Los Angeles. You can do everything online via their Online Portal System and easily create an OPS account on their website

Once you have created an account and the permit process takes place in total 5 steps.

Select your location

 FilmLA’s Production Planning Team will always check through permit requirements and other special conditions regarding the location. Before you make any bond and give FilmLA a call to talk over the location and your filming plans.

Assured Insurance

FilmLA needs insurance for all permitted productions. FilmLA has general requirements and the permit may require additional information. Be sure to let your insurance broker know ahead of time what coverages the permits require which ensures a smoother permitting process.

Submit your Los Angeles Film Permit Application 

Once you have got your location and insurance, you are ready to submit your permit application. You can do this thing easily via the Online Portal System.

After you have received the confirmation your application has been accepted, you will be assigned a Production Coordinator. Your Production Coordinator will be your main person for the rest of the production and will advise you through any additional steps.

Arrange Conveyance and Settlement

Making a payment is the final step of the process before you can receive your finalized permit. 

You can easily do this via the OPS system or through a FilmLA agent. You can choose email delivery, In personal pickup.