City Guide Filming in Glendale , CA
Production Permit Fees
- General Film Permit total cost: $601
- Permit application fee: $367
- Police review fee: $117
- Fire department review fee: $117
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1,000,000
- General Aggregate: $2,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation: Dictated by the State of California
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 for “owned,” “non-owned,” or “hired” vehicles
- 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: To be handled by the Glendale Film Office
Discounts
- California Film Commission incentives:
- Film California First – film expense refunds in some cases
- Star Program – no site rental for state-owned properties
About Glendale
Nestled in the heart of the San Fernando Valley and Verdugo Mountains, Glendale seems like an urban oasis bordered by a rugged mountainous region. Glendale perfectly embodies the California heat in the summers, and the winters can be mild to warm – making it the perfect destination for year-round filming. Taking the W Los Feliz Road, you can reach the heart of the filming industry in the USA, Hollywood, with a 22-minute drive. The city is no stranger to the filming scene and has witnessed the creation of several iconic titles like Criminal Minds, Bosch, Pulp Fiction, Glee, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Girl Next Door, Teen Wolf, and Ford v Ferrari.
You too can choose Glendale as your next filming destination owing to its rich diversity of filming locations and breathtaking scenery nearby. There are numerous indoor and outdoor filming locations in the city, all suited for different themes and presenting unique ambiances. Since Glendale is a fairly big city, you’ll find a ton of options for your next filming project. But before you pack up your gear and travel with your filming crew to the city, it’s important to acquaint yourself with the filming guidelines in Glendale and the regulations of the Glendale Film Office. As for the filming location, you can count on Giggster to help you pick some of the most iconic and premium-themed filming locales in Glendale!
For now, let’s take a deeper dive into the filming laws in Glendale.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Glendale ?
All film productions need a film permit for any filming activity on either public or private property. It is a rule of thumb to never assume that you don’t need a permit to film somewhere, and this applies here as well. If unsure, you can always reach out to the Glendale Film Office for guidance. You'll also find all the resources you need, including the film permit application form on their website. Students and non-profit filming crews can proceed with their projects at reduced fee rates after the approval of the Glendale Film Office, as per the Glendale filming laws.
Besides regular filming permits, other categories include:
Student Filming Permit:
These permits come at a reduced rate, but the filming team will have to produce a student letter and ID which clearly mentions your involvement in the student filming project. Usually, the reduced fees lie between $170 and $367.
Non-commercial Filming Permit:
If your film is not about making a profit but is instead to be aired by an NGO or other non-profit, you may qualify for this program. For this permit, which also comes with reduced fees, you'll have to produce the relevant letter stating your non-profit status.
Pyrotechnics Permit:
This is applicable in cases where films involve special effects and explosives which can pose a fire hazard. Approval from the relevant authorities, with regard to the fire safety protocols, is necessary for this permit.
Animal Control Permit:
If your film will have animals in it, you’ll need this permit as well.
Permit Management in Glendale
Permit Management In Glendale – Glendale Film Office
The Glendale Film Office handles filming permits in Glendale and offers all the resources that filmmakers need to acquaint themselves with the regulations and laws regarding filming in Glendale. You can reach out to the permit issuing authority, Monday to Thursday, for any information and to submit your application for a permit. You’ll need to get a filming permit for the use of both private and public properties for filming. Overnight filming is allowed; however, there is a strict noise regulation code that you’ll need to adhere to if you do so. For any queries, you can always reach out to the film regulation authorities via email at FilmandEvents@glendaleca.gov or you can call (818) 548-4844.
The Glendale Film Office will also handle the local police and fire departments, so you won’t have to worry about that. Plus, if you need any monitoring on-set, depending on the nature of your script, you can count on the permit issuing authority to arrange for that (from the relevant local departments). You can also take advantage of their reduced fees which lie between $170 and $367 for non-profit filming and student film projects.
Plus, since you'll be filming in California, be sure to reach out to the California Film Commission as well since they offer incentives to filmmakers who choose California as their project destination. These incentives include partial refunds on certain filming expenditures and a full waiver of site rentals for State-owned properties.
What Insurance Do I Need in Glendale ?
Production insurance is not an add-on but a necessity for filming in Glendale, and you must ensure that you’re fully covered by all insurance requirements laid down by the Glendale Film Office. This insurance coverage is important to protect the production crew in the event of an accident. While people normally don’t tend to think that their scripts pose any real danger to the production crew, the unexpected can happen, and the city requires you to be fully prepared for that. Better to expect the worst and hope for the best! There is no fixed insurance requirement list though. For instance, if a film script involves an aircraft or a helicopter, additional insurance will be needed for that.
You'll have to provide an additional insured endorsement in favor of the City of Glendale, its employees, representatives, etc. The exact wording here is very specific so be sure to check with the Glendale Film Office for this. Depending on the nature of your script, you might also have to get some additional insurance coverage, as per the directions of the Glendale Film Office.
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 Glendale ?
There are literally tons of locations you can choose from for your filming project in Glendale, and we’re not exaggerating. The list is so big that you might have a hard time browsing through all the locales, but rest assured, you will find someplace that resonates perfectly with your script and filming requirements. Off the top of the bat, there is an impeccable pre-lit RGB warehouse studio that presents a unique look through its programmable RGB background display. You can also try out the Ultra-Modern Recording Studio which is more centered on music video and audio recording. The Filming, Broadcasting & Casting Studio Space is another option for specialized needs.
For more refined filming needs, the Full Production Studio, with its green and white screens is a perfect option. Or perhaps you may want to shoot a podcast or discussion session (as part of a documentary, for instance), in which case, the High-End Podcast & Live Streaming Studio is an excellent option. For something more up the Hollywood alley, a Film Studio will be more like what you’re looking for with its cyclorama and brick walls, and many props for your filming needs. For a more natural and themed look, why not try out locations like fashion stores/hotels and private residences? Both options will supply ample sunlight and deliver a natural feel to your shoots if that's what you're looking for.
From recording studios to podcast stations, purpose-built music recording labs to cyclorama spaces, hotels to private residences, Glendale has it all when it comes to filming destinations. With so many options to pick from, you're surely going to find a place that best suits your filming needs.
Special Requirements in Glendale
Filming On Private Properties
There are no strict requirements for filming on private properties. You do need a permit, but you’ll have to download a permission form from the Glendale Film Office website first, ask the property owner to fill it up and sign it, and then submit it to the permit issuing authority for application review.
Filming In School Districts
School districts, such as the Glendale Unified School District, allow filming on their premises, but only when the school facilities are not under use by their students. You'll have to reach out to the school administration in advance to book your filming schedule. Once the school offers approval, you’ll have to submit a permit application and the supplementary documents to the Glendale Film Office. You’ll get the filming permit when you clear the invoice for the Film Office. Besides the approval from the school administration, you’ll also need insurance coverage for $1 million in general liability, worker’s compensation insurance coverage, and automobile liability insurance.
Filming In State Parks
Here, once again, you’ll have to get approval from the relevant departmental focal person – in this case, from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Filming in nearby state parks, such as the Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve, is allowed, but you'll have to get your application approved by the park officials and then submit a permit application to the California Film Commission. Since the park is a state-owned property, there won't be any site rental charges.
Extra Fees For Filming In Certain Areas
Filming in certain city properties involves different fees when compared with other filming locations. For instance, filming at Glendale’s Old Police Station costs about $4,577 per day; for student filmmakers, the reduced rate is $1,613 per day. Similarly, the filming fee/site rental for the City Facility is around $2,288 per day (standard) and $1,144 daily for students. Filming at the Glendale City Hall Plaza requires an initial refundable deposit of $2,000, and the filming fee per day is $625 normally and $375 for students.
Glendale Noise Regulations Code For Overnight Filming
Overnight filming is allowed in Glendale, unlike many other cities nearby. However, there is a noise regulation code that you need to fully abide by when filming in the dark hours. It’s best to avoid loud music, machine noise, and other vocal disturbances that may bother nearby residents. Residents can complain about any such disturbance to the relevant authorities and this may create problems for your production crew.
Parking On Public Properties
You are allowed to use public parking spaces for your film production crew, but there are some requirements for this:
The production must post “No Parking” signs at least 30 to 48 hours before the filming
The production will have to pay for these signs (contact the Glendale Film Office and the Traffic Engineering Department)
Besides the costs for signs, the production will also pay for street usage and the relevant permit
Once the filming is over, the no parking signs must be removed by the production.
What Does it Cost to Film in Glendale ?
Besides the site rental and other filming expenses on your end, there will always be extra filming costs and fees to be paid to the relevant authorities, in this case, the Glendale Film Office. There are no fixed fee packages for filming projects, as per the filming laws in Glendale, since there can be several variables, such as whether or not you need on-site monitoring, the duration of your filming, and whether or not you're filming for a non-profit organization, and so on. Here is a rough breakdown of the fees charged by the Glendale Film Office:
Additional Fees
There are some extra considerations too:
There are additional costs too, some specific to the use of certain city properties, and others applicable in specific cases, i.e., reserved parking fees. You can get a more detailed breakdown of the Glendale Film Office's fee structure from the itemized list of fees they’ve published.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Glendale ?
Glendale is at the heart of the rugged Verdugo Mountains and San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles County of California. The city’s borders are well defined. To the northwest, the city is bordered by the Tujunga and Sun Valley neighborhoods of Los Angeles. La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta lie to the northeast of Glendale. Griffith Park and Burbank are present to the west; on the eastern side, the city is bordered by Pasadena and Eagle Rock. Down south lies Los Angeles’ Atwater Village neighborhood, and the Glassell Park neighborhood is to the southeast.
Outreach in Glendale
Here, you have it easier than in many other cities. As per the Glendale filming laws, you only have to fill up a notification form (it is in three different languages though) and mail a copy of it to every house and business site within 300 feet of the filming site. You're supposed to download the form, fill it out manually, and then post it to the people affected by your shooting, including residents and business owners. Do keep in mind that the residents can file complaints with the city departments if you create an unnecessary disturbance. Also, this notification must be mailed in advance, i.e., before the filming schedule.
Community Management in Glendale
Since Glendale is ranked as one of the safest cities in the USA, it’s also safe to assume that people here are generally relaxed and welcoming. The local community is no stranger to the pomp and splendor of Hollywood or small-scale filming, and will surely not create disturbances for you when you’re filming. However, people do like their calm here and a noise regulation code is strictly enforced throughout the city. Your best bet would be to create minimal disturbance, and since you don’t have to meet the residents in person for their consent and approval, it's best to respect their privacy.
Conclusion
Glendale not only offers premium filming locales ranging from purpose-built filming studios and podcasting stations to hotels, stores, and private residences but also houses a ton of other perks for filmmakers. Firstly, non-profit and student film projects get serious discounts on permit fees. Secondly, you won't have to liaise with the local police and fire departments on your own; the Glendale Film Office will do that for you. Also, the filming regulations in Glendale are much lighter than in most other cities in California. For instance, overnight filming is allowed, albeit with certain restrictions. You can’t film overnight in the neighboring Los Angeles.
The nearby Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve is a perfect escape to nature and can also be featured in your film project if needed. Overall, the filming requirements, the variety of locations offered, and the feel of the city are all excellent reasons why you should pick Glendale as your next filming destination. Plus, filming in California can make you eligible for the incentive programs offered by the California Film Commission, allowing for some refunds or complete waiver of site rental for state properties. Overall, Glendale, due to its vicinity to Hollywood, among other things, is a perfect filming spot, ideal for your next project.
And of course, as always, you can count on Giggster to help you pick a perfectly suitable and premium filming location in the city!