Anaheim

About Anaheim

It's only in recent years that Anaheim has started to garner the attention of filmmakers as a filming location. Why that is is uncertain, but Anaheim's proximity to Los Angeles and the home of film, Hollywood, could be an influencing factor.

Another possible reason why filmmakers have pretty much shunned Anaheim may be due to the constant influx of tourists visiting the Disneyland Resort installations. The copious flow of crowds can make filming on the city streets impractical. It might also be due to the lack of interesting architectural features, other than faux fairy tale castles and giant roller coasters, in this Orange County city.

Those films that have been made in Anaheim have been popular releases. The bar used in the 1989 movie Road House starring Patrick Swayze was in Anaheim, but sadly, it passed into the annals of history some time ago and is no longer in existence. The Edge of Seventeen, a coming-of-age comedy starring Woody Harrelson, was partly filmed in Anaheim in 2016, and the recent 2022 release Mid-Century, a horror movie, also used the city as a backdrop.

Anaheim may still be struggling to make an impression on the film industry, but that doesn't mean it isn't filmmaker-friendly. It is, and very, so long as you follow the filming guidelines by the City of Anaheim.

There are also some amazing filming locations in Anaheim that, unlike other filming locations around Los Angeles, haven't been overused, adding a touch of uniqueness to your movie. If you're still scouting for filming locations, explore the ones available on Giggster. You'll be surprised by what you find.

Do I Need a Filming Permit in Anaheim?

Yes, you will need a filming permit to be able to film anywhere in the Californian city of Anaheim.

Before applying for a filming permit, you should apply for a business license. The city's official website accepts applications on the Business License Application page. Business licenses are generally issued on the same day the application is received unless you leave submitting your details until too late for it to be processed.

You should pay a fee for the business license plus one for the application processing. A small additional charge applies for every production employee working on set in the city.

Student Filming Permits

Student productions are required to have a film permit before they can begin filming. To obtain a film permit, all students are required to provide a letter from their particular school authority to prove they're studying. Students are exempt from obtaining a business license.

Permit Management in Anaheim

City of Anaheim DPW

The issuing of filming permits in Anaheim is controlled by the City of Anaheim's Department of Public Works.

To undertake any filming procedure in Anaheim, you should go through the correct application procedure with the Department of Public Works. You can download an informative PDF from the department's Applications and Permits page on the city's official website. On the same page, you will also find the application form you should submit to acquire the permit once you have been issued your business license.

While business licenses are issued on the same day, film permits can take up to five working days to be approved.

When filming in Anaheim, you should keep the film permit on-site. The city authorities are within their rights to make impromptu inspections to ensure that rule is being complied with, that the film shoot is progressing as expected, and the safety requirements are in place and being adhered to.

What Insurance Do I Need in Anaheim?

You will need general liability insurance coverage to film in Anaheim if you are filming on public property.

While the City of Anaheim Department of Public Works doesn't state any specific minimum coverage amounts as you will be filming in the state of California, the minimum coverage you will be required to have are those stated by the California Film Commission.

General liability for filming

General liability for filming - $1,000,00

Employee liability

$2,000,000

Watercraft liability

$3,000,000

Vehicle liability

$2,000,000

Aircraft liability if filming with a drone

$5,000,000

If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.

Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.

What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Anaheim?

You will discover an array of indoor shoot locations in Anaheim. Some are unique in style and will add a note of individuality to your scenes.

Anaheim has the perfect location If you are shooting a historical movie and need a period banqueting hall. It features stone arches, wooden floors, an enormous fireplace, and crystal chandeliers. On a less grand scale, there is a vintage dining room that is still imposing and perfect for any Victorian-era scene.

Mansions for hire in Anaheim are many, and they vary from Spanish hacienda-style to modern, state-of-the-art craftsman-built homes with gigantic gardens and enormous swimming pools. Both houses and individual rooms and apartments have various furnishing styles, so if you need the '20s, '50s, or '70s set up, you will get it without too much trouble.

For business-type locations, there are fully equipped gymnasiums, furnished offices, bars, restaurants, terrace event spaces, a brewery full of barrels, a laundrette, and even a Gothic chapel ideal for wedding scenes.

There are exceptional outdoor shoot locations in Anaheim. One of the best by far is the Yorba Regional Park. The Yorba Regional Park has around a hundred and forty acres of parklands with four lakes, a burbling stream, woodlands, picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and horse riding.

The fifty-eight-acre Oak Canyon Nature Center also has scenic spots for outdoor shoots. The Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve that borders Anaheim to the east is the place to head if you are looking for unspoiled mountainous landscapes with wilderness appeal and unusual rock formations.

Anaheim has two fantastic sporting venues if you have a budget that will stretch to them. The Honda Center is an indoor arena for basketball, ice hockey, and concerts with a seating capacity of around eighteen thousand. The Angel Stadium is a baseball stadium occasionally used for football with a crowd capacity of over sixty thousand. Fill that one with extras, and it will break the bank, no matter how big your budget is.

Special Requirements in Anaheim

Special Effects Permit

When using any form of special effects, pyrotechnics, open flames, or tents of any description, you should apply to the Anaheim Fire and Rescue Service for a special permit. This permit is separate from a filming permit issued by the City of Anaheim Public Works Department.

You should apply for your Special Effects Permit at least ten working days before your estimated filming start date. To acquire the permit, you should have separate liability insurance from what you'll have for your regular film permit. Fees that will be incurred for issuing a Special Effects Permit are decided by the Anaheim Fire Prevention Special Event Inspector.

Filming On Public Property In Anaheim

Even though you have been granted a film permit and probably paid a fee for property usage, when you film on any public property in Anaheim, you must inform the Anaheim Police Department of your intended activities in advance.

When your filming activities interrupt traffic flow or cause any inconvenience to pedestrians, you'll be required to have the presence of a Traffic Control Officer on-site during production. The film production company is charged by the hour for having a traffic control officer on site.

To be able to organize having a traffic control officer available for your shoot, you must liaise with the police department at least thirty days in advance of your estimated start date.

Anaheim Police Department Fees

Traffic Control Assistant - $21.47 per hour. Minimum three hours.

Traffic Controller - $33.66 per hour. Minimum three hours.

Traffic Control Supervisor - $51.15 per hour. Minimum three hours.

Police Services Representative - $44.52 per hour.

Police Officer - $81.62 per hour

Police Sergeant - $100.17 per hour

Filming In Orange County Parks

If using any of the Orange County Parks is the location for your film shoot, be it Yorba Regional Park, the Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, or any other public parkland that falls under their jurisdiction, apply to Orange County Parks for a film permit.

The OC Parks Reservations and Permits Unit issues Orange County park permits. You should download an application form from the Orange County Parks official website, complete it, and return it by email.

Applications can take thirty days or more to process. Once issued, the film permit is valid for any OC County park, but you should contact the park you will be filming in before setting up.

There are fees involved with obtaining an OC County Parks film permit and a security deposit to be paid.

OC County Parks Film Permit - $400 per day

OC County Parks security deposit - $1000

You may also be required to obtain special insurance coverage, but this is at the discretion of the permit staff who deal with your application and will advise you accordingly.

Filming At Oak Canyon Nature Center

All filming done inside the boundaries of the Oak Canyon Nature Center requires a permit from the center. The application process can be completed on the center's website.

Oak Canyon Nature Center Film Permit Application Fee - $25

Filming At Disneyland

As much as you might dream about shooting the next zombie movie with Disneyland as a set, it probably won't happen. Anyone hoping to film on any of the Disney properties has to have consent first. Don't think you can hide among the crowds and get away with capturing some sneaky scenes without being caught, as that is not going to happen.

If your mind is set on filming in Disneyland, then initially you will need to contact Guest Services, who will then pass on your request to the relevant person. All requests for filming in Disneyland are dealt with on an individual basis, so there's no guarantee you will be successful.

What Does it Cost to Film in Anaheim?

Obtaining a film permit in Anaheim is quite reasonable cost-wise considering it’s in such proximity to the mecca of filmmaking, Los Angeles. That makes filming in Anaheim a win-win situation all around, especially if you're making a low-budget film. The fees you will be required to pay only rise considerably if you'll be interrupting traffic or filming on OC County parklands.

Business License Processing Fee

$35

License Fee

$65

Additional Business License Fee payable for each employee

$10

Film Permit Cost

Student Film Permit Cost

Additional Fees

The business license and permit fees don't include any charges you may have to pay for filming on public or private property.

Geographical Jurisdiction of Anaheim?

Anaheim is a relatively low-rise city which spreads over an area of California of about fifty square miles. Anaheim's northern boundary is lined by the US 91, the cities of Yorba Linda, Placentia, Fullerton, and Buena Park. The most northeasterly tip of the city is bordered by the Chino Hills State Park, to the west is the city of Cypress and to the south, Orange. The most easterly lying area of the city, Anaheim Hills, extends into the Santa Ana Canyon where it meets the terrains of the Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. Should your chosen shoot location fall within the boundaries of the Chino Hills State Park, you will need to apply to the California Film Commission for a film permit. If you want to film in Orange, you will need to apply for a film permit from the City of Orange. Filming in Orange is not permitted on certain holidays and during several annual celebrations in the Old Town, so check on the official city website before making concrete plans. When you want to use Buena Park for a filming location, you will need to apply for a business license and film permit from the City of Buena Park Finance Department.

Outreach in Anaheim

Outreach is a compulsory requirement for obtaining a film permit in Anaheim when your filming causes any disruption to on-street parking, traffic movement on public highways, or pedestrian traffic on sidewalks. You will also be required to do community outreach if you use noisy equipment like generators. The city authorities may request you to do outreach even if none of the previous factors apply to your shoot.

When you are required to do outreach, it is the production company's responsibility, not the City of Anaheim's. You should distribute a letter to all nearby households and businesses informing them of the date, time, and shoot duration.

The notifications must be delivered at least forty-eight hours before filming commences. The city authorities will require a complete list of every address the notifications have been delivered.

The City of Anaheim authorities don't publish any set procedure to follow if any residents or businesses agree with your filming activities. If that should occur, the best thing to do is consult with them for advice on the individual case.

Community Management in Anaheim

Just because you're required to inform the Anaheim Police Department that you're filming on public property doesn't mean you're high and dry where community management is concerned. Any traffic controller you've had to hire isn't there to deal with disgruntled drivers annoyed at being diverted from their regular route. They're just there to control the traffic.

It's always better to have someone on-site at the shoot location who is prepared to deal with any member of the local community your activities might upset. It's not always a good idea to designate yourself the role of community management as you'll be too busy overseeing the film shoot to be distracted by unhappy public members. The cast won't be too happy if they have to pause in the middle of a scene they're pouring heart and soul into.

A good community manager can usually smooth out minor issues before they escalate into major problems. They are worth their weight in gold and will save you money in the long run that you might have lost through interruptions in the filming.

Conclusion

Choose Anaheim as your film shoot location, and you'll almost be breaking into practically unchartered territory as far as the film world is concerned. That can only be good because you'll have locations relatively new to being seen on screen.

You'll also be filming in a place where the residents and business folk have yet to get tired of seeing cameras being set up and the streets choked with cast, crew, and production vehicles. Make the most of the opportunity before the novelty wears off, as it won't be long before other filmmakers catch on to the fact that filming in Anaheim is a great idea.

City Guide Filming in Anaheim, CA

Production Permit Fees

Minimum Insurance

Additional Permits

Discounts