City Guide Filming in Echo Park, CA
Production Permit Fees
- FilmLA Permit Application Fee: $863
- FilmLA Permit Rider Fee: $28
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation: As dictated by California’s Labor Code
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per incident
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5,000,000
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2,000,000
- Product Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by FilmLA
- Incentives offered by the California Film Commission:
- Film California First – refunds for certain expenses and site rentals
- Star Program – free of cost site rental for state-owned properties
Discounts
About Echo Park
The warm summers of Echo Park, coupled with its scenic landscape and the iconic Echo Park Lake around which the city is centered, all make it an impressive filming location. So much so that the area has been a destination for filmmakers long before the name Hollywood symbolized the all-encompassing cinematic kingdom of the USA. Speaking of Hollywood, it only takes a nine-minute drive via the US-101 N and Santa Monica Boulevard to reach the heart of US cinema from Echo Park.
Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, California, Echo Park has seen some of the most iconic films of their time being made here. Some notable examples include Chinatown, True Confessions, Dragnet, Dead Again, How to Be a Latin Lover, and Under the Silver Lake.
Not only does the city offer a whole bunch of unique and inspiring filming locations, including the central lake itself, but also a charming atmosphere not found anywhere else. Being a neighborhood in Los Angeles, Echo Park is bound to be somewhat iconic on its own too, and features a mosaic of diverse cultures, ideas, and love for the arts. The neighborhood has been a hotspot of creativity, music, and art for as long as one can remember, and even before that. Plus, with so many indoor and outdoor filming locations to choose from, the neighborhood is a delight for filmmakers.
But before you pack your stuff and head straight towards this Hollywood pearl, be sure to check out the specific filming guidelines in Echo Park for your reference. As always, you can count on Giggster to give you the best deals for the best filming locations in Echo Park.
Let’s dive into the details of Echo Park film regulations!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Echo Park?
Generally speaking, all commercial filming activity in Echo Park requires a filming permit from FilmLA which is the primary film permit issuing authority in the area. As per the filming guidelines in Echo Park, filming in both public and private spaces requires a filming permit. This means that you'll first have to get in touch with FilmLA to make sure that you're following through with all the required regulations for filming in Echo Park. Besides the general filming permit, film productions will also need additional approval and permissions for things that go beyond the coverage of a general filming permit, for example:
Pyrotechnics Permit
This applies in cases where a film production needs to use explosives, gunfire, artificial gunfire sounds, fire-based special effects, and so on. Animal Control Permit – If the filming activity involves an animal that needs to be restrained or controlled during the filming, you’ll need an additional permit for it.
Student Filming Permit
A student filming permit works pretty much the same way as a regular one except that it costs less and all insurance requirements are waived (although the student will have to produce an ID and share documented evidence detailing the outline of their student film project).
Non-Commercial Filming
No permit is (generally) needed for non-commercial filming, but you should still get in touch with FilmLA to be certain.
Permit Management in Echo Park
FilmLA
FilmLA is the primary film permit issuing authority in Echo Park and other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. This firm also holds contracts with many other cities, allowing for ease of access for all film productions and a relatively smoother (ok, much smoother) permit issuance process. You don’t need to visit the office to get your permit, but if you want to, you can reach out to them at the County of Los Angeles, 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. 12th Floor, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA.
The FilmLA website has an online portal that film productions can use to apply for filming permits in Echo Park. This method is preferable to having to download a form, fill it out manually, and then submit it in person – instead, the portal guides you step by step during the permit application process so you never feel at a loss about how to proceed next. Plus, the permit issuance requirements and regulations are also shared in extensive detail on their website, meaning that you won't have trouble finding the resources you need.
You also have the California Film Commission which works on a state level and also offers incentives to filmmakers, including refunds on filming expenses and waivers on on-site rentals for any nearby state-owned property, such as a state park.
What Insurance Do I Need in Echo Park?
Production insurance is one of the basic requirements for filming pretty much anywhere, including Echo Park. The basic premise is that when a film production rents a site and starts working on it, they will be primarily responsible for any accidents resulting from their actions. This becomes increasingly relevant as the level of threat escalates with a more action-packed script, but even in general, production insurance requirements are set in place to help the affectees if needed. The baseline requirements are only nominal, but as you add elements to your film production, such as vehicles, aircraft, food, liquor, and so on, the insurance coverage requirements will also increase. To get some perspective, here are the baseline production insurance requirements in Echo Park:
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 Echo Park?
Now that we’ve discussed filming laws in Echo Park, let’s talk about locations! Echo Park, despite being a small neighborhood in Los Angeles, has a load of impressive filming locations for filmmakers to explore. These options include both indoor and outdoor filming destinations and are built uniquely to offer an unparalleled experience.
For instance, the Modern Photo Studio offers an impressive ambiance, plus it is flooded with natural light. If you’re looking to film a music video, then the Professional Music Studio in Silver Lake is an excellent option due to its bright atmosphere and perfect contrast. Similarly, Recording Studio A and Chinatown Studio are both impressive choices.
If you’re looking for an escape from purpose-built studios and instead want to go for something more natural and lifelike, then the Multi-use Warehouse Location is a perfect choice. Similarly, the Industrial Warehouse with Cyclorama offers an excellent blend of perfect lighting, contrast, and a unique theme to make things magical. Feeling a bit claustrophobic? No problem! Echo Park offers a wide choice of outdoor filming destinations too, such as the Park Americana which is a bit minimalistic, but that’s the beauty of it.
You can also add some lux to your outdoor filming experience with options like Poolside in Silver Lake. Similarly, the Colorful Silverlake Modern House is an excellent two-in-one option for both indoor and outdoor filming; plus, it comes with a pool. The same can be said for the Silverlake Mansion, which is the epitome of luxury and class.
With so many options at your disposal, it is virtually impossible to miss out on what you're looking for – there's pretty much everything that a filmmaker could want on this list. Be it indoor or outdoor, you'll find all that you need for your next filming project in Echo Park at Giggster!
Special Requirements in Echo Park
Filming At Echo Park Elementary School
As with any other school in the area, you’ll first need to approach the administration with a request to be granted permission to film at the Echo Park Elementary School. You can only get exclusive access to the school during the holidays (when the students are not there) if the administration allows it. You’ll need to provide a brief overview of the film script (the parts that you plan on shooting there), plus you’ll also be required to provide evidence of $1,000,000 insurance coverage for the duration you plan on using the school premises. Once the school administration approves your application, you can move ahead with your FilmLA permit application and then begin filming when you get the green signal from there.
Filming At The Echo Park Lake
The iconic lake the city is built around is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. You can get permission for filming by reaching out to the department's focal person and submitting your application to them. Do keep in mind that polluting the park is absolutely prohibited, and you can only use paddle boats inside the lake unless allowed otherwise. After approval from the recreation and parks department, you can fill out your FilmLA application, get approval from there, and then start filming.
Filming At Nearby State Parks
State parks like the Los Angeles State Historic Park, Rio de Los Angeles State Park, and Marsh Street Nature Park are close by and reachable in less than an hour in most cases. Since these parks are managed by the state, you are not required to pay any site rentals – also, the permit issuing authority here would be the California Film Commission, not FilmLA. But you are still required to first liaise with the park management, get their permission, and perhaps even agree to hire an on-set monitoring official for all your activities.
Special Permission Requirements
You are allowed to go the extra mile for your filming activities, but you'll first have to get approval from the LAPD for anything that may be construed as beyond ordinary for film production, for instance:
If any aircraft or helicopters are to be used
If you plan on using any fire-based special effects or pyrotechnics
If gunfire is involved (unless you’re using non-guns)
Serving Meals To Film Production Crew
This may seem weird, but you are legally required to make sure that any meals offered by your production (to the crew) are not consumed in any area of public view (best to do it in an enclosure).
Noise Regulations
Excessive noise, especially coming from generators and so on, is not allowed at all. You are required to keep the noise levels down at all times, and if any unusual or sudden noise (explosion, gunfire, etc.) is expected, be sure to get in touch with the LAPD beforehand.
Noise Regulations
Excessive noise, especially coming from generators and so on, is not allowed at all. You are required to keep the noise levels down at all times, and if any unusual or sudden noise (explosion, gunfire, etc.) is expected, be sure to get in touch with the LAPD beforehand.
Excessive noise, especially coming from generators and so on, is not allowed at all. You are required to keep the noise levels down at all times, and if any unusual or sudden noise (explosion, gunfire, etc.) is expected, be sure to get in touch with the LAPD beforehand
Film productions are usually required to manage all their filming activities between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM unless allowed otherwise. By filming activities, we mean everything related to film production, including setting up stages, packing up, and so on.
What Does it Cost to Film in Echo Park?
Site rentals and filming expenses aside, you'll have to pay certain fees before you can be allowed to film in Echo Park, and these fees are dictated in part by FilmLA and by other departments/institutions operating in the area, which will render their services for a fee. As per the filming regulations in Echo Park, you are obliged to pay the following to FilmLA:
Additional Fees
You will also need the cooperation of many departments and institutions operating in the area, and that help will come with a fee. For instance:
These fees may seem a bit too much for too little at the surface, but you are getting immense value for all of this — filming in Echo Park is a massive perk. Plus, FilmLA will do much more than just issuing a permit. You can expect full cooperation from their staff for all your production needs, such as ensuring liaison with the local departments.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Echo Park?
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Echo Park is sandwiched between Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood – you can reach the latter in a matter of minutes. The Echo Park filming laws are specifically applicable to Echo Park, so knowing its geographical boundaries is important. The city’s boundaries are demarcated by the Golden State Freeway–Glendale Freeway interchange to the north, and moving northeast, it is Riverside Drive. To the east, the city is bordered by Elysian Park; Stadium Way and Beaudry Avenue mark the southeastern boundary. Beaudry Avenue and West Second Street mark the southern boundary. The western limits are marked by Second Street and Beverly Boulevard. Moving to the northwest of the city, the Glendale Freeway and Benton Way make up the city’s outer limits.
Outreach in Echo Park
Normally, you are required to notify the local community and all the people who will be affected by your filming activity, about your schedule and anticipated activities. This must be done at least two full days before the shooting date as per the filming regulations in Echo Park. However, you may be required to conduct a neighborhood survey if your film production involves full street closure, if you plan on filming for longer hours than those allowed, or if you're planning to film in the same location for more than three consecutive days.
Community Management in Echo Park
Echo Park has been long deemed as one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles; most people here rent their homes and you’ll find a mixture of urban and suburban locations. Just as the filming laws in Echo Park are understandable and reasonable, the people too are warm, welcoming, and broad-minded. You won’t come across much trouble when surveying the neighborhood for your filming activities, just be sure not to cause any excessive duress to the people and communicate your message well. However, if getting a survey is not necessary in your case, you don’t have much to worry about.
Conclusion
Being one of the most premium neighborhoods in the region, Echo Park is an excellent option for all filmmakers, including student filmmakers. Due to its vast repertoire of outdoor and indoor shooting locations, Echo Park is an option for many. Plus, the filming scene has been quite mainstream here, and has been even since before Hollywood was the face of the US cinema. Since the neighborhood is centered on a lake of the same name, the most instinct is to incorporate the lake’s view into your film shoots.
We’ve also explored the filming regulations in Echo Park and seen how you can get your filming permit without much trouble with FilmLA. FilmLA will assist you in all matters related to film production and will set you up with any departmental officials you might need on board for your projects, such as a firefighter for fire safety, a police officer on set, and so on. Just be sure to explore all the options you’ve got in the neighborhood before you finalize your filming plan — there are options for filming destinations, themes, contrasts, and more. Also, follow through with all the special requirements for the neighborhood when filming there, as it can help you avoid trouble later down the road.
Giggster is ready to serve you as always and help you pick the best locations for your next shoot; you will find the perfect match for your script from our list of the most premium filming spots in Echo Park!