City Guide Filming in Berkeley, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Berkeley Film Office Permit: $100 per day or $150 per day
- CFC Permit: Free
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As per the California Labor Code
- Watercraft Liability: $1 million
- Automobile Liability: $1 million per incident
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the Berkeley Film Office
- Incentives offered by the California Film Commission:
- Film California First – refunds on filming expenses
- Star Program – no site rental for state properties
Discounts
About Berkeley
Berkeley is today hailed as being one of the most progressive cities in the USA, owing to its vast repertoire of learning resources and a generally friendly atmosphere. The city sits northwards in the Alameda County of California and holds a distinct position and reputation. Taking the I-5 S, you can reach the heart of the US entertainment industry, Hollywood, in a little less than six hours. Production crews from all over the US and beyond have also left their mark on the city with iconic titles like Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), The Graduate (1967), Peaceful Warrior (2006), Junior (1994), Patch Adams (1998), Breathless (1983), and THX 1138 (1971) crafted masterfully here.
The warm-dry climate of the region, coupled with a generally pro-filming policy of the city, make it an ideal destination for production crews. The nearby scenic landscapes are also a plus — not to say that the cityscape is any less impressive. Indoor and outdoor filming locations are available in the city, which can easily appeal to any filmmaker. But it is also crucial to fully understand the filming guidelines in Berkeley, at least the parts that concern you, to avoid any troubles with the local authorities. Giggster will always have your back when picking the most premium filming locations in Berkeley and nearby areas.
Let’s dive into the stuff you need to know first!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Berkeley?
In short — yes. All filming activities in Berkeley require a filming permit issued by the Berkeley Film Office. These permits serve two purposes: they define the freedom you have over the filming process and the use of the location. Secondly, a film permit waives all dues and charges for the city of Berkeley if any accident or mishap results directly due to the film production. The filming guidelines in Berkeley are not all that complicated, and the Berkeley Film Office makes it much easier than most nearby cities to get a permit and start filming.
Pyrotechnics Permits:
These are needed when film production involves explosives, gunfire, and other fire-based special effects.
Animal Control Permits:
If dogs or similar animals are involved in film production that need to be restrained and controlled, then an animal control permit is also needed.
Reserved Parking Permission:
If your film production crew needs exclusive access to a parking space, then additional fees and permissions will apply to this request.
Permission for Road Block/Lane Closure:
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Remember, you’ll need to onboard city officials to maintain traffic control in such cases.
Permit Management in Berkeley
Berkeley Film Office
The Berkeley Film Office manages all film permit applications in the city, requiring you to submit yours at least five business days in advance to allow the staff to thoroughly verify all the details and work out a cost plan for your film production. Since the Berkeley Film Office is a subsidiary of the California Film Commission, its legal authority only prevails over filming on city property or private property located within the geographic bounds of the city. Contact the California Film Commission for a permit to film on state property. The CFC also offers several filming incentive programs to encourage film production efforts in California.
As for the Berkeley Film Office, your contact for acquiring filming permits in Berkeley will be the CEO – Barbara Hillman, and Jeffrey Church, the Visitor & Partner Services Manager. Both can be reached via email at film@visitberkeley.com and jchurch@visitberkeley.com, respectively. You don't have to visit the Berkeley Film Office in person at the University of California, 7408 Dwinelle Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-2670. That option is also there if you do need some in-person assistance. You can email all the required documents and forms to the mail addresses to allow for the processing and review of your application.
What Insurance Do I Need in Berkeley?
Production insurance is as essential in Berkeley as anywhere else in the USA. The idea is to safeguard the interests of the city. If an accident does occur as a direct result of the filming activities or the action of a production crew member, then the city will waive any liability. Instead, the film production will reimburse the affected individual for all their losses.
Insurance serves as a safety measure to protect the city against any legal claims resulting from the activities of the film production crew. It also allows the producer to compensate their workers if something happens to them during the filming. The higher the risk, the higher the premiums for your insurance claims — the city reserves the right to ask for additional coverage as it deems fit.
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 Berkeley?
This sums up the Berkeley filming laws you need to know about. For more information, you can always go through the filming guidelines by the Berkeley Film Office. As for the variety of filming locations available in Berkeley, here you’ve hit the jackpot! The impressive cityscape is loaded with ideal filming destinations, such as the Boutique & Product Photo Studio, which also comes with a background setting fully packed with props. Or you can try the purpose-built North Berkeley Studio, which is a bit minimalistic but offers ample lighting, space, and contrast for the perfect still shots. You can try the Upscale Photo Studio, which comes with what you need for your project.
But if a natural ambiance is what you’re after, why not try the Office Conference Rooms in Berkeley, which can be rented for filming and deliver a natural feel and atmosphere in a business environment? Similarly, the Berkeley Coworking Office Space offers the perfect office setting for your film project. But if you need something more versatile, try the Creative Multipurpose Space in Berkeley, which packs many flavors in one. The same goes for the Open Restaurant & Bar Space, which shows ample color and contrast.
Residential settings are also an option — you can try the North Berkeley Photogenic House, for instance, which will force your viewers to give it a second look. The same also goes for the Luxury Apartment in the heart of Temescal. Moving into the open, you have the Bayfront Urban Winery & Event Venue, a perfect outdoor filming spot, loaded with all the ambiance and atmosphere you need to go with the majesty of the surrounding Berkeley landscape. However, you can try the Spacious Outdoor Patio in Berkeley, which can work well in several ways. The options are numerous — take your pick from our list, and you’ll surely love it!
Special Requirements in Berkeley
Filming In Berkeley Unified School District
You can film in the Berkeley Unified School District only when you’ve first acquired permission from the school administration and provided insurance documents signaling that you can offer $1 million in general liability, worker’s compensation, and automobile liability (each). Once this is done, reach out to the Berkeley Film Office for further approval of your application.
Filming at The University Of California
The same applies to filming at the University Of California, but if you’re a student working on a film project, you won’t need to produce any insurance documents or pay for a permit. For film productions, all of the conditions (approval from the Campus administration, insurance coverage, and applying with the Berkeley Film Office) apply in earnest.
Filming On Beaches
Filming on a city-owned beach, such as Barkley Beach will require approval from the city administration plus all the permit application procedures with the Berkeley Film Office. However, if you plan on filming on a state-owned beach, such as the nearby Lake Anza Beach, you’ll have to reach out to the California Film Commission for approval.
Filming On State Owned Properties
Firstly, the Berkeley Film Office cannot permit you to film on state-owned properties, such as the nearby Berkeley Springs State Park and Cacapon Resort State Park. Here, you’ll need approval from the California Film Commission, which offers rental-free access to state-owned properties. Plus, you'll also need the approval of the state park authorities before you can film here. Also, note that any filming permits offered by the California Film Commission will be free of cost.
Timing Limits For Film Productions In Berkeley & Possible Extensions
The regular timing limits for film productions in Berkeley are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Thursday. This is the window where you’ll have to do all your film production-related stuff, including film stage setup and pack up. Normally, this time limit is enforced in full earnest, but you can request an extension for your production crew – approval of any such request will completely depend on the discretion of the city authorities.
Zero Disturbance Policy
All film productions are also strictly required by the law to never interfere in the routine activities of the neighborhood residents (this includes controlling noise). Be sure you reach out to the people beforehand and communicate the elements of your script with them to avoid any troubles later on.
If you plan on using pyrotechnics, low-flying aircraft, and so on, you’ll need to get signatures from the affected residents on consent forms.
Pyrotechnics Permit
Regular permit applications are accepted 5 working days in advance, but if pyrotechnics are involved, the application must be submitted 7 working days ahead.
CFC Incentives For Filmmakers
The California Film Commission offers incentives to filmmakers, to encourage production activities in California – there are two programs:
Film California First: This program allows film productions to claim refunds for certain film expenses, especially those filmed in locations promoted by the CFC
Star Program: This program allows film productions to use state-owned properties for filming without any charge.
What Does it Cost to Film in Berkeley?
As per the filming laws in Berkeley, film productions must pay fees and assorted costs before they can film in and near the city. Here is a rundown of the costs and fees for filming in Berkeley:
Additional Fees
As mentioned, two permit-issuing authorities operate in Berkeley, the Berkeley Film Office being the primary one. The California Film Commission handles film projects on state-owned properties.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Berkeley?
The filming regulations in Berkeley apply to the geographical restraints of the city, so it’s important to understand the span and surroundings of Berkeley. Berkley spans over 17.66 square miles and has very well-defined boundaries as it borders nearby cities clearly and has the shore of the San Francisco Bay to its west, demarking an obvious boundary. To the east, it borders Contra Costa County along the ridge formed by the Berkeley Hills — another natural and obvious boundary. To the south, the city borders Oakland and Emeryville, whereas Albany and Kensington (an unincorporated community) lie to the north of the city.
Outreach in Berkeley
All film companies should reach out to the citizens of Berkeley at least three full days before the filming schedule to inform them about any filming activity in the area. The written notification letter must first be submitted to the Berkeley Film Office for approval, and only when it has been approved can you distribute it to the affected neighborhood. Make sure you add all the information residents need, including the contact details of the film production representatives, the shooting schedule, and so on. You may also need consent signatures from the neighborhood residents, as per the filming laws in Berkeley, if one or more of the following are true:
In case the filming is scheduled beyond the normal time limits
In case of excessive noise
In case the film uses pyrotechnics
In case any low-flying aircraft are involved
In case the filming is in the same neighborhood for a long time
Community Management in Berkeley
Overall, the people in Berkeley are warm and welcoming — the only concern they might have is excessive noise or disturbance, which you should avoid anyway. Overall, if you stay true to the filming regulations in Berkeley, you won’t run into much trouble. Plus, when getting signatures for consent from the residents (if needed), be sure to express your enthusiasm and excitement so that others may be more willing to adjust to some disturbance for a day or two to allow you to make your cinematic masterpiece.
Conclusion
Berkeley is the complete package! It has a beautiful cityscape, impressive beaches, and plenty of indoor and outdoor filming locations. Plus, the filming guidelines in Berkeley are generally simple and relaxed, making the city all the more alluring for film productions. You won’t be the first to be drawn by the unparalleled charm and atmosphere — film productions have left their indelible marks on the history of Berkeley for years now. Plus, the city is home to the vastly renowned University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Graduate Theological Union — all paramount institutes unmatched in their excellence and resource value.
In short, Berkeley holds within itself many jewels. We went through some of the most iconic filming locations in the city, and rest assured, there are many more. Indoors and outdoors, you can find them in all categories, and each will be more impressive than the last one. But most of all, the natural landscape you can witness to the east of the city feels like it’s from another world. Couple this with the filming incentives from the California Film Commission, and you have the perfect recipe for a film-friendly city. Plus, the Berkeley Film Office encourages film productions to contact
These are reasons why Berkeley will be perfect for your next film project.
And if you’re wondering about the locations offered by the city — Giggster will help you pick the best and finest filming destinations in the city with just a couple of clicks!