City Guide Filming in Big Bear City, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film permit for motion pictures: $177
- Film permit for still shots: $120
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: As required by the state
- Automobile Liability: $1 million for any accident involving an “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired” car
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $10 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Watercraft Insurance Coverage: $1 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: IE Film Services will liaise with these departments
Discounts
About Big Bear City
Nestled among the pines of the San Bernardino National Forest and bordering the iconic Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City has hosted the glamor of Hollywood repeatedly in history. Iconic titles like Frankenstein, Dr. Doolittle 2, When a Stranger Calls, Gone with the Wind, Next, The Insider, and Magnolia have been shot here. The Mediterranean climate and relative calm and peace make Big Bear City the perfect filming spot for your next film. Featuring a low population density, the city is mostly covered by residential areas with cabins and houses arranged in the traditional square block. In the winter, the pine landscape gets a fresh coat of snow, accentuating the overarching rustic theme.
This also makes Big Bear City an iconic destination for ski enthusiasts, with many resorts dotting the area. With several outdoor and indoor filming destinations with relaxed Big Bear filming laws, the city offers the perfect trifecta for your filming project. Despite the name, there are no grizzly bears in the vicinity, although they did frequent the region until meeting their end in 1906 when the local population was declared extinct. However, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes still prowl the wilderness — you’ll need professional supervision for filming in the wild. But in any case, you can pick one of the iconic filming spots in Big Bear City for your next project with Giggster.
For now, let’s explore the filming regulations in Big Bear!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Big Bear City?
Production crews need filming permits in Big Bear to proceed with their filming project in Big Bear City and the nearby Big Bear Lake (however, that is a separate territory). To get your filming permit, you’ll have to deal with the Inland Empire Film Services which deals with all things related to filming in the region, including the issuance of film permits. Even if you're not sure whether or not a certain locale within Big Bear City requires a permit, it’s best never to assume anything and instead get in touch with the Inland Empire Film Services for further details.
Some basic categorizations of film permits issued by IE Film Services are:
Regular Filming Permits
Regular filming permits such as Bureau of Land Management permits and county permits. Filming permits for wilderness areas such as U. S. Forest Service permits and National Parks & Preserves permits.
Pyrotechnics Permits
Pyrotechnics permits apply in cases where special effects, controlled explosives, and other such flammable materials will be used.
Student Filming Permits
Student filming permits are issued to students filming for school projects and are issued at discounted rates, i.e., as low as $50 per day.
Non-profit Filming Permits
Non-profit filming permits are cost-free, however, you’ll have to submit the relevant proof to take advantage of this exemption.
Permit Management in Big Bear City
Inland Empire Film Services
Inland Film Services is a premium services provider for filming and production crews that handles much more than just issuing filming permits in Big Bear City and neighboring areas. You can let them take care of all the hassle associated with your filming schedule — the stuff no one sees on the screen! Not only will they issue your filming permit but will also collaborate with the local authorities for all sorts of professional assistance, as and when needed. This means that you won’t have to handle the police or the fire department officials on your own, the agency will liaise with them on your behalf.
Also, if you want to film on a roadway or street, they'll handle traffic control. They'll also notify the community about the upcoming filming schedule, and so on. In short, when you get in touch with IE Film Services, most of your worries won't be YOUR worries anymore! And in case you're wondering if the agency is familiar with big-screen productions, then rest assured, this team has collaborated with first-grade project teams for the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Iron Man, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and more.
What Insurance Do I Need in Big Bear City?
Production insurance coverage is a basic necessity for all filming operations — you need a thorough insurance plan to safeguard yourself and your crew in the event of an accident. Despite the best safety measures set in place by the production crew and their collaborators, accidents can and do happen. This has been the case even for bigger productions, despite almost foolproof safety measures. While it is good to hope for the best, you must concurrently prepare for the worst, and production insurance coverage serves this purpose. The exact nature and extent of the insurance coverage for the film crew will vary depending on the details of the script, and whether or not there are any pyrotechnic effects or other risky elements involved. You can always reach out to IE Film Services for the specific requirements for your script, but here are the general minimum requirements for production insurance as per the filming guidelines in Big Bear:
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 Big Bear City?
Several outdoor and indoor locations are featured as the best filming spots in the city including mountain woods, ranches, cabins, modern houses, themed restaurants, and so on. There may be some specific instructions/requirements for each such place (i.e., no smoking, no pets, etc.), but generally, the filming requirements from the property owners are relaxed. The filming locales are diverse and pack the full aesthetic punch at every angle.
For instance, open woodlands in Big Bear City serve as an excellent outdoor shooting location, featuring breathtaking mountains, meadows, and pines. The scene delivers an open yet abandoned feel like seen in most horror films (better at night-times) but can also be depicted as a nature retreat spot. In contrast, there are several indoor spots as well, if you’re looking for something in between, you can try the Rock Horse Ranch, which sits in a landscape of mountains and meadows and has a stable.
Indoor options like cabins and historic log mansions also add a unique, rustic, and antique feel to every shot, perfect for filming indoors or for indoor scenes. But you also have plenty of modern-looking options, such as a refurbished mountain house with a redone interior and a splendid mountainous view. But if something from the '60s is more likely to suit your film's theme, then the Mid-Century Cabin will be an excellent shooting spot — it also features a fireplace in the middle!
The Log Cabin, Alpine Mountain Lake Chalet is another unique, rather unparalleled option. It features a cozy interior with ample facilities (including a gaming room) but a serene and quiet exterior. In short, outdoors, indoors, or a fusion of both — you can find anything to your taste for your filming location. Also, since the city is not so densely populated, the sense of calm and serenity that comes with all these places is a bonus.
Special Requirements in Big Bear City
Filming In Bear Valley Community School
The Bear Valley Community School lies on Big Bear Boulevard and is not rivaled by any other school in Big Bear City. The filming protocol here involves a couple of extra steps and requirements on part of your production crew:
You might have to go in person (or send someone) to meet the school administration
Get a slot for your filming schedule and then report back to IE Film Services
Fill out their online permit application form listing all the schedule details in full
Permit applications for filming at schools should usually be sent at least a month in advance
You will get an invoice for your expenses once your application is approved
Once you clear the invoice, you can begin shooting
Please note: just because the school says that they're okay with you filming at their school location does not mean that you have legal permission to do so. You still need a permit! Also, on top of all the production insurance requirements covered earlier, you'll need to ensure $1 million in general liability coverage, automobile liability coverage, and worker’s comp insurance, to be able to film on the school premises.
Filming At The Nearby Big Bear Lake
The nearby Big Bear Lake falls outside the jurisdiction of Big Bear City but not of IE Film Services, and understandably, production crews might want to add the majestic appeal of the lake in the frames. If so, it is first advisable to check the current water levels and other relevant factors before filming. Also, you’ll need permits for your motorized boats (if you wish to use them in your shoot) which can be around $40 per day. Not to mention, you can’t pollute the lake!
Filming In The San Bernardino National Forest & The Big Bear Valley
If you’re planning to film in the wilderness, nothing will compare to the sights of the San Bernardino National Forest (and within the Big Bear Valley). But once again, here you'll have to get in touch with the forest authorities – it is recommended to submit your application at least 90 days in advance. Once you get the permission, you can file for your permit, complete the process, and then start filming. However, you will have to have a monitoring official on board from the forest authority and their presence will cost you hourly. The final fees will be determined based on your script and schedule, but you can get a rough idea from the San Bernardino National Forest website.
Big Bear City Code Of Conduct
Apart from all the locational filming requirements, there are some general expectations from all visitors to Big Bear City that you must learn to abide by in advance. These are not very hard-to-follow rules, and you should not have much trouble with them, but repeated violations can lead to fines (up to $1,000) and even evictions:
Never exceed the limit of occupancy stated by any location you’ve picked
You can't park in anyone's yard or on the street
You are not allowed, at any time of the day, to play amplified music (audible outside the premises of your property of stay)
Outdoor activities are banned between 10:00 PM and 07:00 AM
If you're bringing a dog, make sure you keep it with you and don't let it cause any disturbance for others around you
Generally, avoiding noise is also a must-do.
What Does it Cost to Film in Big Bear City?
The exact cost of filming a movie in Big Bear City varies with the nature of the film itself. There can never be a definitive estimate for the cost of filming your project anywhere simply because there are several variables involved. However, we have put together some general estimates of filming costs as per the filming regulations in Big Bear, but do keep in mind that these are minimalistic and general estimates:
Additional Fees
The IE Film Services will also liaise with the local Fire and Police departments, and here’s how much their presence on the set will cost you:
That pretty much sums up most of what it would cost you to film in or near Big Bear City, but on top of all these charges, there are usually some administrative fees that measure up to 15% of the whole sum. Please note that these are general estimates of the lowest range, the exact cost will vary based on the scale and scope of your production efforts. But it’s always nice to have a reference point!
Geographical Jurisdiction of Big Bear City?
Big Bear City covers a relatively small area of around 32 square miles in San Bernardino County, California. To the immediate west of the city lies the shoreline of the iconic Big Bear Lake, and overall, the city itself is surrounded by the pines of the San Bernardino National Forest. The city itself is largely based on Big Bear Boulevard, and this is also where the business district lies. To the west, its bounds are demarcated by Division Road while on the east, its jurisdiction ends at Highway 38’s left turn. To the north, there is the North Shore Road, but the southern boundary is rather loosely defined by the residential area. There are also some frequently visited ski resorts nearby such as Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.
Outreach in Big Bear City
IE Film Services will take care of the notification letters to be sent to the residents for your filming project, as per the filming guidelines in Big Bear. However, it’s best to approach the people on your own as well, share with them your plan, be polite, and request their cooperation. With so many Hollywood masterpieces shot here, the city folks won’t mind another filming venture in their neighborhood.
Community Management in Big Bear City
The local community is fairly friendly but appreciates their calm and peace. They are generally very accepting of visitors and are by no means strangers to the arrival of filming crews, including from big Hollywood projects. The best approach is to attend a city gathering, or request one, get to know the people a bit, and then make your preparations accordingly. The rest, IE Film Services can help you with — so don’t worry too much about dealing with the folks there.
Conclusion
Featuring a perfect blend of outdoor and indoor filming spots and packed with a sense of serenity not found in the big cities, Big Bear City is one of the most iconic filming locales for budding filmmakers. The diverse landscape offers much to cover with the camera lens, but the regional climate, hospitable populace, and generally relaxed filming regulations are major plus points for the city. Also, the filming locations are highly diverse, featuring a modern, sophisticated look, while others are more rustic or antique-looking.
You can count on IE Film Services for most filming-related assistance and a permit. We've listed all the production insurance requirements in Big Bear, but you can secure exemptions based on the nature of your script and whether or not your filming project is commercial. Generally, the filming laws in Big Bear are easier to follow, and generally, the city is suited for filming. Overall, the city is perfect for budding filmmakers and experienced producers and boasts ample facilities for the production crew. And you can always count on Giggster to set you up with the best filming locations in Big Bear City!