City Guide Filming in Burbank, CA

The city of Burbank is bordered by parks to the north and south – Griffith Park lies south, while La Tuna Canyon Park lies north. North Hollywood is situated west of the city, and Glendale borders it on the opposite side to the east. Besides the fact that the city lies on the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley, it is also generally divided into two parts – the foothills area of the Verdugo Mountains, and a flatland area. Glendale The City of Glendale Film and Special Event Office is the agency in charge of coordinating film permits and production activities in Glendale. Filmmakers here who have inquiries about motion pictures, commercials, TV, student films, or non-profit filming activities can send them via email to the Film and Special Event Office. Film permits are required for filming on both public and private property in Glendale, and here is a list of the general requirements for the permit to be issued: The film application; A certificate of insurance that covers general liability of: $1,000,000 per occurrence; and $2,000,000 General Aggregate; Insured Endorsement Form that lists the city of Glendale and its staff as additional insured; A plot plan; A neighborhood notification form for all businesses and residents within a 300 ft radius of the filming location. This must be sent out at least two days before the filming date; Proof of permission to make use of private property, if applicable. The application fee for the film permit in Glendale is $367 ($170 for students and non-profit organizations that meet certain criteria). The Police Review fee of $117 and the Fire Review fee of $117 are waived for students and non-profits only. Some other fees associated with filming in Glendale include: Police Officer fee of $147 per hour per officer (4 hours minimum); Fire Safety Officer fee of $135 per hour per officer (4 hours minimum); Fire Inspection Fee of $157 per hour; A city Facility fee of $2,288 per day ($1,144 per day for students); Reserved Parking fee of $117. West Hollywood The West Hollywood Film Office issues the permit to film on private and public property in West Hollywood. If you are a filmmaker, you must send in your application for a permit at least three business days before the scheduled filming date. You will have to apply for a film permit from the Film Office if filming will involve the use of drones. After you send in your application, the City’s Film Coordinator will let you know the special conditions that apply to your project and which City units you need to contact for additional services. The insurance requirement for filming in West Hollywood is $1,000,000 liability insurance which must include a clause that adds the city of West Hollywood and its staff as additional insured. For student filmmakers, the insurance of their institution will suffice for their production. In West Hollywood, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement officers where their services are required during filming. Where Fire Safety Personnel is required, the Los Angeles County Fire Department meets that need. However, the filmmaker must submit a separate request for a LA County Film Unit for the fire service. Other considerations for a filmmaker seeking a film permit in West Hollywood are as follows: Filming hours are from 7 am to 10 pm during weekdays, and 8 am to 10 pm in residential areas on weekends. Filming outside these hours requires prior approval; The filmmaker must notify the residents and businesses within a 500 ft radius of the filming location and present evidence of the notification before the permit can be issued. West Hollywood filming regulations also require filmmakers to agree to sign a Solid Waste Removal form and ensure that they keep every part of the filming location as clean and tidy as it was before filming commenced. The City’s Film Office will provide other additional forms required as part of the application process. Griffith Park Griffith Park is one of the Los Angeles City Parks and is therefore managed by the Los Angeles City Park Film Office. The Park Film Office works with FilmLA on the process of approving and issuing film permits to production companies who wish to film in Griffith Park. Before you apply to FilmLA for a permit to film in Griffith Park, you must first consult the Park Film Office about your intended filming locations in the park and the details of your production. After tidying up the details of the production at the park, you can then apply for a film permit from FilmLA. Where necessary, a Park Monitor will be assigned to your project for a period determined by the Park Film Office. All the permit and location fees are paid to FilmLA as part of the application. A summary of the requirements to obtain a permit to film at Griffith Park are as follows: Firm up with the Park Film Office on the details of your film production; Secure insurance: Commercial General Liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Proof of Workers’ Compensation; The city of Los Angeles and FilmLA must be listed as additional insured; Conduct outreach; Submit your application online; Pay the required film permit as well as other fees such as location fees, park monitor fees, parking fees, special facility fees, utility fees, etc.