City Guide Filming in Dulce, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Free
Minimum Insurance
- $1 million
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Dulce
Agua Dulce contrasts perfectly with some of the bigger metropolitan areas in the state. It’s a small and quaint census-designated place in the Los Angeles County of California with a hot and arid climate during the summers, while the winters can get cloudy and cold. The name is of Spanish origin and literally translates into Sweet Water – the name was coined by Spanish missionaries who first came across this stretch of land while traversing through the canyons nearby. Though Agua Dulce dulls in comparison with the skyscrapers and concrete jungles of the bigger cities in California, it does offer one thing that sets it apart from this nexus of urbanization all around – peace and quiet. Here you're surrounded by the elements of nature which have had their impression on filmmakers for a long time.
The nearby Vasquez Rocks should be a familiar sight to any fan of The Flintstones or Star Trek; in case you were wondering how these rocks got their name – a legendary bandit named Tiburcio Vásquez used this area as his secret lair. Nope, a 2022 sci-fi directed by Jordan Peele features Agua Dulce and local horse wranglers as well. Other Hollywood projects have also shown the area in all its grandeur – some iconic titles include The Man from Earth, Overrun, Death Valley: The Revenge of Bloody Bill, 3 of Us, An American Tragedy, Playing It Straight, Blackjack Mountain, Gone Away, 3 Nights in the Desert, Undying Love, The Night Follows Closely, Night of the Templar, Curse of the Forty-Niner, Sam Was Here, and Snowbird.
Now that you know that Agua Dulce has hosted filmmakers throughout the years, you're probably thinking of heading there yourself for your next project. But before you do so, please take a look at the filming guidelines in Agua Dulce to get some perspective on what to expect. Also, when you’re in town and want to rent premium outdoor and indoor venues for your film project, check out our listings for filming venues in Agua Dulce at Giggster!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Dulce?
Yes, you must acquire a filming permit before you can film in a public space here, as per the filming guidelines in Agua Dulce. This also applies if you wish to seek assistance from the California Film Commission or any local departments (such as the police or the fire safety departments), or if you wish to use public space for parking your production vehicles, or need to gain exclusive access to a right of way, and so on. It is best to never assume that you don't need a permit and get in touch with the California Film Commission right away – the permit is free, so you've got nothing to worry about. The only exception to this requirement is if you're filming on private property without any assistance from the local departments or the CFC.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit is needed when you wish to use special effects based on fire; you must get the local Fire Marshal’s approval first.
Animal Control Permit
this permit is needed when you wish to get animals like horses, cats, or dogs involved in the filming activities; you must ensure that they are safely restrained.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this permit is needed when you wish to use helicopters or airplanes in your film project; an additional $5 million in liability coverage will be needed to acquire the permit.
Drone Filming Permit
this permit is needed when you wish to use a camera drone in public to film your project; you will have to produce additional insurance for this permit.
Permit Management in Dulce
California Film Commission
The California Film Commission issues filming permits in Agua Dulce and does much more than that for filmmakers coming to the state to create their projects. CFC has been involved with the film industry in California for decades now, and they help film productions bring the best out of their projects in the state with production assistance ad incentives. You can visit their website for all the resources and information you need to get started with your film permit application and more. The website also features an FAQ section, and you can also chat with someone from the support staff to discuss your query/case in detail. Here’s a brief rundown of what the California Film Commission does:
CFC provides online resources and information to film producers
CFC offers technical assistance to filmmakers regarding their projects
CFC ensures complete safety in the filming stage
CFC liaises with local and state-level departments, such as the police and fire departments, on behalf of the film production
CFC has also set in place safety protocols for filming in a post-COVID environment
CFC offers incentive programs to filmmakers
Expanding on the last point, let's take a look at two filmmaker incentives offered by the California Film Commission: the Star Program and the Film California First program. The former gives filmmakers access to state-owned properties such as state parks, highways, buildings, and more, without any rental costs. The latter allows the production to claim partial refunds and tax rebates on certain film-related expenses.
To get your permit, you'll have to first download the application for it, fill it up manually, attach all relevant documents, and then send it to the California Film Commission for approval. Be sure to send your application to the CFC at least four days prior to your scheduled shoot; once your request is approved, you will be given your permit a day before your scheduled shoot.
What Insurance Do I Need in Dulce?
Insurance is a form of financial protection against things going wrong on the filming set, and things can go wrong without prior warning. Film productions have to deal with all sorts of risky elements, such as stunts in the movie, car chases, action sequences, fight scenes, and more, plus there's always the risk of things going south backstage – lifting injuries, equipment malfunction, slip-and-fall, and so on. In all such occurrences, it is you, the producer, who has to bear the brunt of the costs of reimbursing the victims for their losses. Even if such a thing happens in a public place, your production will be considered liable for the damages (if it resulted from your filming activities). Thus, understanding the production insurance requirements in Agua Dulce is highly important. Here are the baseline requirements:
Commercial general liability coverage amounting to $1 million
Worker’s compensation coverage for the crew, according to California’s Labor Code
Liability coverage of $1 million per incident for any automobiles involved
Aviation insurance coverage amounting to $5 million for helicopters/aircraft
Liability coverage of $2 million for any UAS/camera drone being operated
Product liability coverage amounting to $1 million for any food items to be consumed by the crew
$1 million in liquor liability coverage for any alcohol to be served to the filming crew
The aforementioned details are only true for baseline insurance requirements for film productions operating in Agua Dulce; if the threat level associated with your project exceeds the usual, you'll have to arrange for additional insurance coverage as required by the California Film Commission. Plus, you must also name the County of Los Angeles and all associated officials, employees, and representatives as additionally insured against liability claims.
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 Dulce?
Now that we’ve got the ball rolling on our rundown of the filming laws in Agua Dulce, we must also take a peek at some of the most sought-after filming venues, both indoor and outdoor, in Agua Dulce. Apart from the breathtaking Vasquez Rocks and other watch-worthy natural environments perfect for filming, there are several privately owned filming venues for rent. Top of the list is the COVID-19 Compliant Large Studio Room which is a spacious indoor area with proper lighting and ventilation – it is more like a blank canvas, so you’re free to bring your props to bring the desired theme out of the space. Next up is the Rural Spanish Home for rent which is also open to filmmakers; the property stretches over a full acre of land, and the house itself features a distinctly Spanish theme.
The Double R Ranch is another impressive mention here as it has been on VOGUE numerous times. This ranch covers 15 acres in total and is styled in the Hacienda fashion; overall, the desert elements are dominant and the nearby Los Angeles National Forest further accentuates the "out of the city" feel associated with this place. Other such options include the Beautiful Scenic Ranch, Agua Dulce Ranch House, Modern Country Estate with Hillside Views, and the Georgian Estate – all of these are privately owned properties with ample indoor and outdoor space for filming. But if you're looking for something completely out of the box - a themed location, for instance - then the Western Town in Agua Dulce will be perfect for you. Spreading over 12 acres, this Wild-West-style recreational area is filled with authentic-themed props such as a stagecoach, a salon, a fire pit, and more. But if outdoor adventure and wilderness are what you're looking for, then the 6 Guns Film Location, with its natural elements and dirt roads, will be perfect for you. Lastly, we have the Casa de la Bonita, which is a perfect embodiment of luxury – a lavish mansion with a pool and all the amenities you can ask for.
Giggster has got you covered, no matter what your needs are!
Special Requirements in Dulce
Filming In The Acton-Agua Dulce School District
If you’re planning to film in the Acton-Agua Dulce School District, you should do the following to improve your chances of securing permission for your production activities:
Reach out to the school board and discuss your filming requirements
Present your planned schedule (try to plan it as per the availability of the school district)
Make any modifications/changes to the filming activities (if possible) and the schedule as required by the school administration
Arrange for $1 million in general liability and also get worker’s compensation insurance
Discuss the rent to be paid for using the school premises
After approval, you can start filming as per the schedule.
Filming Near Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation manages the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, which has long hosted filmmakers, including the crews for Star Trek and The Flintstones. To get permission for your filming activities in the area, you need to reach out to the department, review their rules and regulations, submit an application, agree to their terms, and then start filming as per your schedule after approval.
Filming In Nearby State Parks
State Parks like Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Malibu Creek State Park are also perfect destinations for capturing raw wilderness for your film project. The California Film Commission will issue you permits for these state parks (and others), but you’ll also have to liaise with the park management in this matter and possibly hire someone to monitor your shooting, and lastly, all park fees and rules will apply (but no site rent will be charged since it is a state-owned property).
Filming With Camera Drones
You can use camera drones for filming your project, but you'll first need a special permit for that. Moreover, a camera drone or UAS should never be used to spy on anyone or to film anyone without their consent – the violation of this can lead to severe consequences. To get your drone permit, you will also be required to submit $2 million in liability coverage. Lastly, you must respect all the regulations set by the FAA for the use of drones when operating yours for filming.
Regulations For The Use Of Pyrotechnics
If you want to use explosives, fireworks, or gunfire in public, or any other fire-based special effect for that matter, you'll first need to get a pyrotechnics permit. You must, first of all, send a written request to the local Fire Marshal and have them review your plan to use the pyrotechnics and authorize an on-set fire safety inspection (the latter will cost you). When you get the all-clear from the fire safety department, you can use the special effects under their supervision. Please note that your request to use fire-based special effects may be rejected if it may cause a fire safety issue.
What Does it Cost to Film in Dulce?
The filming regulations in Agua Dulce dictate that all film productions must pay certain fees before they can start with their project in their area. These payables may be absolutely nothing at all if you only need a film permit, but if you require the assistance of any local or state-level departments, then certain fees will apply. Here’s a breakdown of all the fees you need to be worried about: The permit issued by the California Film Commission will be free of cost There won’t be any rent for filming on state-owned properties The department of transport will charge you $110 per hour for vehicle inspection Having an officer from the California Highway Patrol can cost you as much as $133.97 hourly Having a fire safety officer on standby on the filming set can cost you about $107 per hour A fire safety inspection of the film set will cost you $103 per hour Plus, on top of all of these, you may have to pay an additional 15% as an administrative fee if you wish to have a city representative on board.
Additional Fees
Some locations might charge for the use of utilities like electricity and water. Other miscellaneous expenses may include set dressing, props, and any special effects required for the shoot. Transporting crew, equipment, and talent to and from Agua Dulce can incur expenses. This includes rental vehicles, fuel costs, and possibly transportation of equipment.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Dulce?
The filming laws in Agua Dulce that we’ve gone through in this article are applicable to the 23 square miles that constitute Agua Dulce. Describing the geographic bounds can be a bit tricky since there are no strict boundaries on Google Maps for your reference, but you can try to comprehend the limits of the area via its relative position to nearby landmarks and regions. Agua Dulce sits midway between Palmdale and Santa Clarita – it is to the northeast of the latter. It lies along California State Route 14; the Pacific Crest Trail cuts through the area, and the city of Los Angeles is some 45 miles to the south.
Outreach in Dulce
You are required to notify all affected residents and business owners about your upcoming filming activities if you’re planning to film in public or if your filming activities may impact the locals around you. Agua Dulce may not be a crowded metropolis, but everyone appreciates a heads-up; the Agua Dulce filming laws require you to post these notifications at least two business days in advance. Be sure to share your draft with the California Film Commission first for approval before sending it out to everyone.
Community Management in Dulce
The overall atmosphere in Agua Dulce is rural, and its low population density means that the folks around here like their peace and quiet, both of which are hard to come by in bigger cities. The filming regulations in Agua Dulce are not the only welcoming aspect of the place – their community is used to having tourists around, drawn by the memorable filming destination nearby (the Vasquez Rocks). And of course, many film production teams have visited the area over the years to film their projects here and elsewhere in town. The people are used to the sight of film productions doing their work and are not bothered by it as long as the tranquility in the atmosphere is not compromised by loudspeakers and excessive disturbance.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, Agua Dulce, despite being a small slice of California, is one of the sweetest spots for filmmaking. It has remained iconic throughout the years, and the nearby rock formations are among the most memorable and relatable for the fans of Star Trek and many other films that were shot here. Plus, the filming guidelines in Agua Dulce are not all that hard to comply with; the California Film Commission has gone to a great deal of effort to ensure ease of process for all film productions operating in the area. You can not only count on them to give you a filming permit for free and waive any rent for using a state-owned property for film production, but also to offer continued assistance during your production efforts. Plus, the star program and Film California First incentives are perfect for encouraging filmmakers to produce their projects locally. All things considered, you won't find a better deal if you're looking for a warm and rural ambiance, and especially so if you're drawn towards the legendary Vasquez Rocks.
And lastly, Giggster has got you covered for all your filming venue selection needs in town and elsewhere!