City Guide Filming in Hollywood Hills, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by FilmLA
- Film Permit Application Fee: $863 (As low as $33 for students)
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability
- Auto Liability
- Workers’ Compensation
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Hollywood Hills
Hollywood Hills is a neighborhood in Central Los Angeles in an area that is highly reputable in the entertainment industry. As a residential neighborhood, Hollywood Hills has been one of those places that have played a significant role in hosting and housing lots of filmmakers and actors since the era of silent films. Thanks to its diverse terrain, beautiful locations, and favorable weather, Hollywood Hills has also featured as backdrops in various film productions.
It's easy to overlook the value of Hollywood Hills when you compare it with nearby municipalities like Studio City and Hollywood, but you shouldn’t. So much production has taken place in this residential neighborhood. Some of the projects filmed here include The Little Things (2021), Chinatown (1974), Seven Psychopaths (2012), Earthquake (1974), 10 to Midnight (1983), Kid Galahad (1962), Prayer of the Rollerboys (1990), Rescue Me (1992), and The Cat Creature (1973), to name a few. Find a location that suits your filming requirements in Hollywood Hills now on Giggster.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Hollywood Hills?
The kind of filming activity you are in Hollywood Hills for is what will determine if you need to obtain a film permit before you can shoot your production or not. As a rule, you will not require a film permit if you are in the neighborhood for non-commercial filming. So, feel free to roll your cameras with friends and family if all you are going to do is personal filming.
On the other hand, according to the filming laws in Hollywood Hills, you will require a permit for commercial filming activities. It does not matter if you intend to film on private property or public property – you will still require a film permit if you are going to engage in commercial film production.
If you are a student filmmaker and you intend to shoot production in Hollywood Hills, you must apply for a student film permit from the agency that manages film permits for the neighborhood.
Certain productions may require additional approvals from agencies such as the Fire Department and Police Department too. If you need such permits for your production, you will need to contact the respective agencies to arrange for the permits before you can film in Hollywood Hills.
Permit Management in Hollywood Hills
FilmLA
FilmLA is the agency that is charged with managing the process of film permitting in Hollywood Hills. In addition to issuing permits, FilmLA also helps production teams with other services. These additional services that FilmLA offer include:
Providing counsel on the experience of filmmakers that have used Hollywood Hills for productions in the past;
Sharing insights on budgeting questions;
Guiding production teams on how to work in areas that have special filming conditions;
Helping with reservations for properties owned by the City of Los Angeles.
The first thing you must do when planning to film in Hollywood Hills is to scout the potential location(s) for your production. When you settle on the location that suits your needs, reach out to FilmLA to discuss the location and your plans for production. After you go through the details of your project, the proposed filming location, and the required insurance with FilmLA, you are ready to submit your online application for the film permit using MyFilmLA.
If your production calls for it, you will need to conduct filming surveys in the area where you intend to film, or reach out to the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, or any other designated agency that will be involved in your production. Where this is needed, FilmLA will duly notify you so that you can make necessary arrangements and secure the approvals before the start of filming.
A basic film permit may take anywhere from three to seven business days to be processed by FilmLA. More complex productions may take longer, depending on the scope of the production. Therefore, you are required to apply for the FilmLA film permit as early as possible to ensure it is processed in good time ahead of your filming date. FilmLA does not accept late applications for a film permit and will not refund the application fee paid for such late submissions.
What Insurance Do I Need in Hollywood Hills?
Per Hollywood Hills' filming regulations, insurance is one of the requirements for a film permit. Therefore, keep that in mind as you plan to apply for a permit. FilmLA recommends that producers first reach out to discuss their production plans with a FilmLA insurance specialist even before purchasing insurance. Why? Because FilmLA’s insurance specialist will be able to properly guide the filmmaker on the kind of insurance that is needed based on the scope of the project.
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 Hollywood Hills?
As far as filming locations are concerned, Hollywood Hills is a top choice in four areas – residential buildings, parks, open spaces, and terrain.
Hollywood Hills features several residential neighborhoods that are composed of historical buildings that reflect different architectural styles. Filmmakers fancy the Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, American Craftsman, and California modern-style buildings here and love to shoot films within these properties. Moreover, you will find Egyptian Revival and Moroccan Art Deco architecture in Hollywood Hills as well, further showcasing the rich architectural landscape of the neighborhood.
As for the natural areas and parks in Hollywood Hills, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Depending on your unique production needs, you can explore Briar Summit Open Space Preserve, Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Trebek Open Space, Runyon Canyon Park, Wattles Garden Park, Fryman Canyon Park, Mulholland Scenic Overlook, Wilacre Park MRCA, or Lake Hollywood Park. There’s an abundance of trails in the neighborhood too.
Special Requirements in Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles Unified School District
Cheremoya Avenue Elementary School and Valley View Elementary School are under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Therefore, if you wish to film in any of these elementary schools in Hollywood Hills, you need to obtain approval from the LAUSD.
First off, you should contact the LAUSD or speak with the filming liaison that is assigned to the school of interest to you to tidy up details like the availability of the intended location and arrangements for a scout. When you have firmed up with the school liaison, you can then complete the LAUSD license application and other supporting documentation which you will submit to FilmLA via email.
In addition to the LAUSD license application/agreement, you must also provide a film permit from FilmLA before you can shoot production on LAUSD property in Hollywood Hills. Moreover, you will need to make arrangements with the Los Angeles Fire Department for a walk-through of the proposed filming locations before production commences.
There are production insurance requirements that you must comply with before you can film on LAUSD property in Hollywood Hills. These include commercial general liability and auto liability minimum limits of at least $2,000,000 each and evidence of workers’ compensation that aligns with the State of California laws. Moreover, you must name the LAUSD and FilmLA as additional insured on the certificate of insurance. Submit your completed insurance documents via email to FilmLA.
Some of the filming fees levied by LAUSD for filming on their property in Hollywood Hills are presented below. These exclude the costs associated with securing a film permit from FilmLA or those that may be required for other services from the LAFD, for instance.
Refundable deposit - $500 per day;
Basic filming rate - $3,500 for 15 hours;
$350 for 4 hours for students;
Half-day filming rate - $1,750 for 6 hours;
Overtime rate - $140 per hour;
$70 per hour for students;
Custodial rate - $40 per hour;
Overtime parking/storage fee - $1,000 per day.
The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre is a Los Angeles County facility operated in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Ford Theatre Foundation. To film here, you must obtain a film permit from FilmLA and secure approval from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The first thing to do is contact the Reservations Office of the Department of Parks and Recreation to confirm the availability of the facility and schedule a walk-through to determine if the Amphitheatre will accommodate your production. Thereafter, you can apply for the FilmLA film permit. Note that the Department of Parks and Recreation collects fees that are separate from those billed by FilmLA for a film permit.
In addition to the timelines for a FilmLA film permit, you are required to make all necessary arrangements with the Reservations Office at least three business days (excluding holidays, weekends, or Fridays) before the date of filming. The nature of your production may dictate that personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department or Sheriff's Department be on hand during production.
Hollywood Reservoir
The Hollywood Reservoir is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). If you intend to film here, you must send your request via email to the LADWP Film Liaison at least two weeks before the date you intend to film at the reservoir.
In addition to the standard film permit insurance stipulated by FilmLA, you must also contact the City’s Risk Management Office to determine the specific insurance requirements for production on LADWP property.
Some of the fees associated with filming at Hollywood Reservoir in Hollywood Hills are presented below. A comprehensive list of the fees is available here:
Filming rate - $2,000 per day;
Base Camp only fee - $500 per day;
Crew parking only fee - $300 per day;
LADWP personnel fee - From $50 per hour to $70 per hour.
Operations personnel and a security officer are typically assigned during production at Hollywood Reservoir.
Griffith Park
Griffith Park in Hollywood Hills is a Los Angeles Park, and reservations for filming there are handled by the LA Park Film Office. This is in addition to the film permit that you must obtain from FilmLA. Before you apply for the permit from FilmLA, first call the Park Film Office for information on reserving the locations you want in Griffith Park. If a Park Monitor will be needed for your production, you will be notified and required to pay the Park Monitor fees as appropriate.
Griffith Park filming fees are as follows:
Prep rate - $150 per day;
Filming rate - $450 per day (including base camp and crew parking);
Wrap/clean up rate - $150 per day;
Equipment base camp rate - $450 per day;
Crew parking:
$100 per day (Less than 16 vehicles);
$300 per day (16+ vehicles);
Location hold rate - $450 per day;
Special facility administration fee - $150.
What Does it Cost to Film in Hollywood Hills?
You will need to pay some fees if you desire to film in Hollywood Hills. Most of these fees will go to FilmLA, while others will go to other agencies that provide services during production. For instance, if your production will require the services of Fire Safety personnel, the fees for such services will go to the LAFD.
Additional Fees
In addition to these fees, the production company must pay any government-required fees when they retrieve the permit. If you need to pay additional fees because of the nature of your production in Hollywood Hills, you will be duly notified of such bills.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Hollywood Hills?
Hollywood Hills is bordered on its northern end by Studio City and Toluca Lake, while Hollywood and West Hollywood are located south. The eastern end of Hollywood Hills features Griffith Park and Los Feliz, while Hollywood Hills West lies west of the neighborhood. In addition, US Highway 101 runs in the southeast-northwest direction through the neighborhood.
Burbank
You can either apply for a film permit from the Burbank Film Permit Office online or using a paper application. Before you apply for the permit, there are certain requirements to keep in mind:
There is a non-refundable processing fee for the permit application; You must apply at least five business days before the date of filming (excluding Fridays and weekends). In extraordinary cases, the Film Permit Office may accept an application submitted three business days before filming; Submit a certificate of insurance and accompanying documentation; Commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Auto liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Evidence of statutory workers’ compensation and employer’s liability coverage of at least $1,000,000; Obtain approval from other city departments, where necessary.
Regarding the costs associated with filming in Burbank, some of the basic fees are presented below: Film permit processing fee: $398 for 1 - 2 consecutive days of filming ($25 for students); $707 for 3 - 7 consecutive days of filming ($100 for students); Police officer’s rate - $140 per hour (4-hour minimum); The Fire Department’s rate is $108 per hour (4-hour minimum).
Bel Air
Film permits for Bel Air are issued by FilmLA, and every filmmaker that intends to film here must comply with FilmLA’s requirements. In addition to the general requirements of FilmLA, there are some special conditions in Bel Air that a filmmaker must adhere to before and during production: Notify the residents within 500 ft of the filming activity (production, parking, catering, etc.) at least two days before the first filming date or the day substantial set preparation will commence; Notify the Bel Air Association of the proposed filming activity; Parking of crew vehicles is not allowed on area streets; When production equipment/vehicles are parked on the street, at least one LAPD officer is required; Consume meals in areas out of view of the public; Keep noise from generators to a minimum.
West Hollywood
Permits for filming on private and public property in West Hollywood are managed and issued by the city’s Film Office, and a filmmaker must apply for the film permit at least three business days before the scheduled date of filming. The Film Office accepts applications and responds to inquiries via email. Some relevant considerations for a West Hollywood film permit are presented below:
If Law Enforcement is required for your production, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department seven business days before filming; The Los Angeles County Fire Department reviews every film permit request in West Hollywood; Park all vehicles and equipment in posted spaces only; Normal filming hours are from 7 am to 10 pm. In residential areas, normal filming is allowed between 8 am and 10 pm on weekends; Notify residents and businesses within a 500 ft radius of the filming location; General liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. If using aircraft or helicopters during production, the insurance minimum is at least $5,000,000.
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park is managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), and all requests to film in the park go to the MRCA for processing. Before you can obtain a film permit from MRCA, you must first contact their office for a Filming Info sheet that will provide you with relevant information for your production.
These are additional considerations and requirements for obtaining a film permit in Franklin Canyon Park: Submit your application at least one week before the date of filming. Late applications attract additional fees; Filming is permitted on evenings, weekends, and holidays; Filming with drones is allowed, with additional approvals; An MRCA Monitor is required for all productions; A certificate of insurance is required for filming in Franklin Canyon Park; Filming with special effects requires Fire Safety personnel on set.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory welcomes commercial production when the building is closed to the public. If you wish to film at Griffith Observatory, you must complete a Filming/Photography Proposal Form and submit it via email at least five business days before the intended date of filming. You will also need a FilmLA film permit and approval from the LA Park Film Office as well.
There are Observatory fees that are required for production activities: Exterior-use filming rate from $15,000 per day (includes prep, film, and wrap); Interior and exterior-use filming rate fee from $25,000 per day (includes prep, film, and wrap); Overnight filming fee of $15,000; Observatory personnel rate per day: $3,500 to $4,800 for exterior filming; $5,000 to $6,300 for interior and exterior filming ; Fees may be waived for students that present satisfactory documentation.
Griffith Observatory has production insurance requirements, and all filmmakers must complete a hold harmless agreement before filming.
Outreach in Hollywood Hills
FilmLA handles the outreach that Hollywood Hills filming regulations require before production can take place. As a result, filmmakers can rest assured that all the residents and businesses within the area of the filming activity will be duly informed about the proposed film project before production commences.
In some instances, the notification that FilmLA sends out to the community about the film production will not suffice because the filmmaker intends to film under special conditions (like outside normal filming hours). For such productions, the filmmaker must conduct a filming survey to get the consent of the local community members that will be affected by such special filming activities.
Community Management in Hollywood Hills
Community management is key if you wish to have a memorable filming experience in Hollywood Hills. The locations are magnificent, and the permitting process is seamless, but what brings everything together is the relationship you have with the locals. By having an open channel of communication with the folks in the neighborhood, you can easily get instant feedback on the impact of your production and make amends where necessary.
Conclusion
Hollywood Hills started as a place where filmmakers and actors stayed after filming in nearby municipalities like Hollywood from the time of silent films. However, the residential neighborhood gradually gained the interest of producers and soon became a place to not only visit but also shoot scenes for movies and other kinds of productions. Today, the neighborhood boasts plenty of picture-perfect locations and rich filmography.
The film permit process in Hollywood Hills is managed by FilmLA. Therefore, by complying with FilmLA’s requirements, you will secure a permit to use the grounds in the neighborhood for your project. The residents are hospitable too, so you can rest assured that you will have a splendid time doing business here as a filmmaker.