Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State Film Permits
1. I'm planning to shoot on a California freeway. Do I need to have highway or freeway traffic monitors?
When you have a California Film Commission (CFC) film permit for a highway or freeway, you are asked to contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to arrange traffic monitors. The CHP is the liaison for filming on all state roads, freeways and unincorporated county roads throughout the state.
Officer Cheyenne Quesada
Media Relations Officer,
California Highway Patrol Liaison
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 103
Cell: 213.703.2070
Email: cquesada@film.ca.gov
2. My script calls for pyrotechnics to blow up material. Do I need a special film permit?
All special effects must be indicated on the state film permit. Any filming activity that requires the use of flammable materials, explosive devices or open flames is considered a special effect. The State Fire Marshal reviews these types of requests before a film permit is issued. The State Fire Marshal may assign local fire department staff to be on location to monitor pyrotechnic activity.
Al Adams
State Fire Marshal Liaison
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 108
Mobile: 213.700.5884
Email: al.adams@fire.ca.gov
3. How much does it cost to film on state property?
There are no permit fees or site rental fees to film on property owned and operated by the State of California. However, a state film monitor or inspector may be required for filming and the state asks the production company to pay the actual costs of the monitor. These fees are solely to cover the costs of State film monitors assigned to your production.
4. Do I need insurance to film on state property?
Yes, the level of coverage is one million dollars ($1,000,000) for general liability insurance. If an auto is required, it is five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for general liability insurance. For filming activities that involve aerial work and aircraft, the coverage is five million dollars ($5,000,000) and the State of California must be named as an additional insured. The insurance certificate must be written in English and the denomination of funds stated in United States dollars.
5. I'm a student. Do I still need insurance?
Yes, students applying for a state film permit also must have insurance. If a student is currently enrolled in a university or film school, the institution normally provides general liability insurance for students. Students may need to provide their own auto insurance and should contact their university or school's film office to learn how to obtain an insurance certificate for filming.
6. How long does it take to get a state film permit?
The CFC generally issues film permits within 72-hours. For complex film applications, including road or bridge closures, several weeks notice is required. It is preferable for the production company to apply for permits ahead of time to ensure that the request is fulfilled. Permit information can be submitted from a production company by fax, phone or in person, as well as by an online permit form.
California Film Commission
7080 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 900
Hollywood, CA 90028
800.858.4PIX (4749)
323.860.2960
323.860.2972 General Fax
323.860.2976 Caltrans Fax
323.860.2972 State Facilities Fax
323.817.4126 State Parks Fax
323.860.2970 Resource Library
7. I have to pay for monitor fees associated with the film permit. How can I pay?
At this time, the CFC accepts checks or money orders in United States dollars. The check is payable to the State of California and the check's subject line should contain the actual department (i.e., parks, caltrans, EDD building).