City Guide Filming in Bel Air, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by FilmLA.
- Film Permit Application Fee: $863 (As low as $33 for students).
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability of at least $1,000,000;
- Auto Liability of at least $1,000,000;
- Aircraft Liability of at least $5,000,000;
- Evidence of Workers’ Compensation per the requirements of the State of California.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Filmmakers are responsible for reaching out to the Fire and Police Departments to obtain approvals where necessary.
Discounts
About Bel Air
Bel Air is a neighborhood located just northwest of Beverly Hills in an area known as the Westside of Los Angeles, California. This residential locale lies in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and has been home to filmmaking since the 1930s, particularly television shows and movies. The neighborhood was further popularized when the Bel Air Film Festival commenced in 2008, bringing filmmakers and entertainment buffs from within and outside the Los Angeles area to the neighborhood to appreciate support and promote filmmaking in the region.
Production companies know that filming in Bel Air comes with several benefits, such as access to beautiful and pristine natural areas, opportunities for filming incentives, and the chance to work in a community that supports production activities, among others. Little wonder why the neighborhood has continued to attract top players for scenes in feature films, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. For instance, scenes from movies and shows such as Argo, Get Hard, Loot, The O.C., Get Shorty, Beverly Hills, No Strings Attached, and Death Becomes Her were shot in Bel Air.
You can find the setting that suits your filming requirements in Bel Air. Use Giggster now to locate your filming location in Bel Air.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Bel Air?
According to the filming laws in Bel Air, if you are in the neighborhood to film for personal use, you will not need a film permit for your activities.
On the other hand, if you are in Bel Air for commercial filming, you must apply for and obtain a film permit before you commence any production activity in the neighborhood. This is regardless of whether you intend to film on public or private property in Bel Air. Failure to comply means you will be breaking Bel Air’s filming regulations, which will come with penalties you would rather avoid.
If you are a student filmmaker, you will also require a student filming permit before you can roll your camera in Bel Air.
If you are unsure whether you need a film permit or not for what you intend to do in Bel Air, contact FilmLA for guidance.
Permit Management in Bel Air
FilmLA
FilmLA is the agency that coordinates the film permit issuance process in Bel Air. In addition to that, FilmLA also assists production companies by providing insights into the experience of past productions, answering budget questions, sharing information about how to work in areas with special conditions, and how to comply with the filming regulations in Bel Air.
Film permits for Bel Air generally require between three to seven business days for processing. No filmmaker may apply for a film permit in Bel Air less than three business days from the date of filming. Besides, only basic film permits may be processed within the three-business-day period. Filmmakers requesting complex permits (such as those that may require that streets be closed, or special effects) may need to apply for the permit up to seven business days ahead of the commencement of filming. In certain cases, an earlier application may be necessary.
There are five steps in the film application process in Bel Air –
Find your filming location (Giggster is perfect for this);
Get your insurance documents and ensure they comply with the production insurance requirements of Bel Air;
Submit your film permit application online;
Conduct outreach in the neighborhood where filming is set to take place;
Pay the required fees.
After you submit your application, it will be accessed by FilmLA. If all the supporting documents are verified, your application will be assigned to a Production Coordinator who will reach out to you to further discuss the details of your project and what you may require. Some of the additional requirements you may need are related to the following:
Conducting a filming survey or meeting with members of the neighborhood;
Securing additional permits and approvals, e.g., from LA Police and Fire Departments;
Making use of a FilmLA Monitor;
Paying additional fees.
If you are a student, there is a unique permit application process for student filmmakers that you will have to follow to obtain a film permit in Bel Air. It involves reaching out to FilmLA for guidance; obtaining a certification letter and insurance document from your institution; applying online; distributing filming notices; and paying some discounted fees.
What Insurance Do I Need in Bel Air?
Before you can shoot a film or commercial production in Bel Air, you should provide insurance that meets FilmLA’s requirements. Before you purchase insurance for your production, FilmLA recommends that you first contact their office so that you can discuss your plans with a FilmLA insurance specialist.
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 Bel Air?
Bel Air has several beautiful spots for filming. First off, as a residential neighborhood, Bel Air features plenty of houses, buildings, private residences, and apartments that offer good opportunities for producers to portray family and urban settings.
Some of the famous houses that have been used in the neighborhood are located on Stone Canyon Road, Sarbonne Road, Bel Air Road, etc. The Bel Air house stands out as one of the old houses in the neighborhood. It was built around 1960 and featured in a movie that was shot in Bel Air at the time.
There are other popular attractions in Bel Air that double as picturesque film locations as well. Examples include the Stone Canyon Reservoir and the Getty View Park with the famous Getty Trail. Bel Air Country Club has lots of open and green space too that attracts filmmakers to the neighborhood.
Special Requirements in Bel Air
Los Angeles Unified School District
Bel Air lies within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), so any filmmaker who intends to shoot within LAUSD schools in Bel Air must comply with LAUSD requirements. This means contacting the LAUSD filming liaison for the desired school, completing the LAUSD license application, providing the detailed parking map, and submitting it all to FilmLA. The filmmaker must submit the LAUSD film license application at least four business days before the date of filming.
Additional requirements for filming on LAUSD property in Bel Air are provided below:
A FilmLA permit;
Approval from the Los Angeles Fire Department;
A FilmLA Monitor for the duration of filming;
Insurance that names LAUSD and FilmLA as additional insured submitted to FilmLA:
Commercial General Liability of at least $2,000,000;
Auto Liability of at least $2,000,000;
Proof of workers’ compensation according to statutory requirements.
The fees for filming on LAUSD property in Bel Air are as follows:
Refundable deposit - $500 per day;
Basic filming rate - $3,500 for 15 hours;
$350 for 4 hours for students;
Half-day filming rate - $1,750 for 6 hours;
Overtime rate - $140 per hour;
$70 per hour for students;
Custodial rate - $40 per hour;
Overtime parking/storage fee - $1,000 per day.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the UCLA Events Office manages the issuance of permits and supervision of film shoots on campus. It is the responsibility of the UCLA Events Office to receive and process film permits and liaise with respective campus units on behalf of the filmmaker.
As a filmmaker, here is an overview of the steps to follow to have a successful production at UCLA:
Review the filming guidelines in effect in the University;
Schedule a location scout with the Events Office;
Get an estimate of the costs;
Direct all your questions and inquiries to the UCLA Location Manager assigned to your production;
Complete payment of all fees.
To receive a permit to film on the UCLA campus, here are the requirements:
The filming location(s), date(s), and script/storyboard must be approved by the Events Office;
The required University personnel must be available;
The parking plan must be approved by UCLA Parking Services;
You must provide a certificate of insurance at least two business days before the date of filming;
Feature/TV productions - $5,000,000;
Documentary productions - $2,000,000;
Still photography productions - $1,000,000;
Name The Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles as an additional insured.
Pay all the required fees at least two business days before the date of filming;
Complete and submit the film permit application at least four business days before the filming date;
Sign the Film Location Agreement.
As for the cost of filming at UCLA:
Film/TV:
Half day (6 hours or less) - $3,382.50;
Full day (Over six hours but not more than 12 hours) - $4,510;
Overtime rate (More than 12 hours) - $550 per hour;
Documentary:
Half day (6 hours or less) - $1,650;
Full day (Over six hours but not more than 12 hours) - $2,200;
Overtime rate (More than 12 hours) - $120 per hour;
Classrooms/Interior rental fees - $500 to $1500;
Parking fee - $11 per space;
Police fee - $139 per hour (4 hours minimum);
Traffic control - $55 per hour (4 hours minimum);
Fire Safety Office - $48 per hour (3 hours minimum);
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
The Stone Canyon Overlook and Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park are managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). If you wish to film in any of these areas, contact the MRCA to apply for a permit. The MRCA requires a filmmaker to apply one week before the scheduled date of filming, but may accept an application within three business days of the shoot for an additional fee of $336.
The steps to follow to obtain a film permit from the MRCA are as follows:
Review the MRCA Filming Info sheet;
Submit a certificate of insurance ;
Submit your application and include a plot map of the filming locations and parking area;
Receive, sign, and return the permit.
The MRCA will provide the Filming Info sheet, insurance, and fee requirements after you reach out with your interest to film in the desired park/area. Student filmmakers are eligible for discounts from the MRCA.
Topanga State Park
The California Film Commission manages the film permitting process for all state parks. Therefore, if you wish to film in Topanga State Park, you must submit your permit application online at least four business days before filming. Some complex permits may require up to sixteen business days. Although there is no permit processing fee, there are other fees that a filmmaker will pay for the production activities in Topanga State Park.
These are the insurance requirements before a film permit can be issued for Topanga State Park:
General liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence;
Automobile liability of at least $1,000,000 per accident, if filming with automobiles;
Aviation insurance of at least $5,000,000 per accident, if filming with fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter;
UAS coverage of at least $5,000,000, if filming with UAS/drone;
Workers’ Compensation according to state law;
List the State of California and its staff as additional insured;
For student filmmakers, the insurance of their school will suffice.
What Does it Cost to Film in Bel Air?
There are various fees associated with filming in Bel Air. Some fees are paid directly to FilmLA, while others go to the city agencies or units (e.g., the Fire Department, City Parks, etc.) whose services are used during production.
Additional Fees
One film permit application fee caters to up to ten filming locations within fourteen consecutive days. However, the number of crew parking and base camp locations are not restricted within those fourteen days.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Bel Air?
The neighborhood of Bel Air is bordered on all sides by wide streets and roads. Mulholland Drive borders the neighborhood to the north, while Sunset Boulevard forms the southern boundary. To the east and west, Bel Air is bounded by N Beverly Glen Boulevard and N Sepulveda Boulevard, respectively. Nearby municipalities include Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. Downtown Santa Monica
Applications for a film permit in Downtown Santa Monica are coordinated by FilmLA. However, before visiting FilmLA’s online portal for the permit application, you must first contact Downtown Santa Monica’s Special Events Manager to discuss your production needs and ensure space is available for your project. Thereafter you can file your application online. You are required to apply at least five business days before your planned date of filming.
There are location fees for filming in Downtown Santa Monica, and these fees are paid to FilmLA along with the application. Downtown Santa Monica only accepts fees directly for services offered by their staff.
Film shoot application fee - $327.47; Students and non-profits - $114; Location fees: Low impact filming - $644.59; High-impact filming for a half-day shoot of 6 hours or less - $1,289.39; High-impact filming for full day shoot of more than 6 hours - $3,223,47; Not applicable to students and non-profits; Notification fee – At least $198 per radius. Besides these special requirements, every other thing you need to know about filming in Downtown Santa Monica is provided by FilmLA.
Beverly Hills
The Filming and Special Events Office coordinates the process of obtaining permits for film production in the city of Beverly Hills. Applicants can apply for the permit online or complete the application form and send it via email to the Filming and Special Events Office. The standard policy for film permit applications requires filmmakers to apply at least seven business days before the planned date of filming. The standard application processing fee of $61 is charged for this application.
If a filmmaker submits their application between two to six business days before the filming date, a delayed application processing fee of $273 will be charged.
For applications that are submitted 48 hours or less ahead of the scheduled filming date, a delayed processing fee of $273 plus a $122 late permit processing fee will be charged.
Regardless of how early or late you submit your application, you must provide a certificate of insurance that covers general liability of $2,000,000 and lists the City of Beverly Hills as an additional insured.
The permittee is also responsible for providing notification of the proposed production to the residents and businesses that will be affected by the filming. The Department of Community Development reviews and approves the letter of notification. If filming will take place outside normal filming hours, the affected residents must approve of the production.
West Hollywood
The Film Office accepts film permit applications from filmmakers who intend to film on private or public property in the City of West Hollywood. Permittees must submit their application at least three business days before the date of filming. Bear in mind that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department requires a seven-business day notice for productions that require a deputy to be assigned.
As you complete the application form and send it via email to the Film Office, take note of the following requirements:
Provide comprehensive liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (Sample); Student filmmakers can present the insurance certificate of the school they attend; Contacting the Los Angeles County’s Sheriff Department of Law Enforcement is required for production; Apply to the Los Angeles County’s Fire Department if the service of fire officials is required for filming; Normal hours for filming are 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 10 pm in residential areas on weekends; Notify residents and businesses within a 500 ft radius of the filming location about the proposed filming activity using an approved notification letter; Park all vehicles in approved parking areas only.
Outreach in Bel Air
According to the filming guidelines in Bel Air, all residents and businesses within 500 feet of the filming location must be notified at least two days before the first day of filming. If substantial set preparation will precede the actual filming, the residents and businesses must be notified two days before set preparation begins. Filming activities that affect the community include catering, cast and crew parking, and equipment parking.
As part of the services they offer, FilmLA helps filmmakers distribute Notices of Filming to all those affected by production. However, this does not stop filmmakers from meeting with the residents and businesses one-on-one to establish a good relationship before filming.
Another consideration for outreach in Bel Air is that, in addition to contacting the affected host community members, the Bel Air Association must also be notified of the proposed filming activity.
Under certain conditions, a filmmaker must conduct a Filming Survey before their permit application is approved. This is the case if the production requires road closures, films late, or needs extended parking hours.
Community Management in Bel Air
It is good practice for production companies that are filming in neighborhoods to connect with the host community. Avenues for this kind of relationship include engaging the locals via public forums, town hall meetings, and even face-to-face conversations where they can get direct feedback on the impact of their activities on the people. Having an accessible contact that can listen to the concerns of the hosts also makes it easy to manage any potential crisis before things get out of hand.
Conclusion
Bel Air is a quiet and friendly neighborhood in the Westside of Los Angeles that has been the site of TV and movie production since the 1930s. Here, filmmakers leverage the abundance of residential properties, old and new architectural structures, and green areas for diverse ends.
Film permits for Bel Air are issued by FilmLA. If you wish to shoot any commercial production here, work with FilmLA to find the location that suits you (Giggster helps with this), apply for the permit, and provide the required documentation and fees. The FilmLA Production Coordinator assigned to your project will enlighten you on other requirements that may be peculiar to your project.
All in all, time spent here filming in Bel Air, whether as a student filmmaker, non-profit organization, or commercial production company is always refreshing. You’ll surely plan to return for another shoot.