City Guide Filming in Inglewood, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $635 (non-refundable)
- Taxes (Private Property): $44 for the first day and $22 for each extra day
- Taxes (Public Property): $220 for the first day and $110 for each extra day
- City Staffing Fees: If applicable, these fees will be estimated when you submit your application
- Parks, City Hall Filming: Minimum of $1,500 per day per location
- Public Rights of Way: Minimum of $1,032 per day per location (Alleys, Sidewalks, and Streets)
Minimum Insurance
- A certificate of insurance is required with a minimum of $1 million per incident.
- Workers’ Compensation that complies with the California Labor Code.
- Waiver of Subrogation that discharge the City of Inglewood from any and all liability.
- Police and Fire Requirements: If required, it can be organized through your Film Permit Coordinator.
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Inglewood
A quick trip to the City of Inglewood will help you understand why so many film production companies are drawn to shooting their films in the city. Home to iconic spots such as the brand-new NFL stadium, Randy’s Donuts, and The Forum, Inglewood is a city to watch. Inglewood is a truly magical place that is rife with history, and there’s so much for the naked eye to explore when you add the twists, turns, and excitement of the lens. While Inglewood is not Hollywood, the city is only going to keep getting better.
The City of Inglewood has been the backdrop for many memorable films and TV shows, such as the Inglewood City Hall; the City Hall served as the fictional IADC Headquarters for The New Adventures of Wonder Woman and also served as the coroner's office in Jack Klugman's 1970s TV drama series Quincy, M.E. The 2015 film Dope is also set in Inglewood's Darby-Dixon area. The Wood, a 1999 film about three African-American men reminiscing their boyhood in 1980s Inglewood, was also one of the popular films shot in the city.
The neighborhood's reputation and its accessibility to Los Angeles International Airport and major freeways also made it an attractive location for filmmakers. But before you can shoot your next film in this iconic city, you’ll likely need to follow certain Inglewood laws and regulations. In this post, we cover all the essential details you need to shoot a successful movie in the city.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Inglewood?
A film permit is required in the City of Inglewood for the production of any commercial motion picture, TV program, or commercial still photography. A film permit is an official certificate issued by a municipality that allows filmmaking operations to take place. Film licenses are an important instrument used by cities such as Inglewood to balance the needs of on-set film production with the needs of the surrounding population.
Filming permits in Inglewood provide access to city resources, parking for production cars, and location help at government buildings and public parks.
However, filming permits in Inglewood are not one-size-fits-all. Certain activities necessitate additional scrutiny.
Student Filming:
While students are required to get a film permit for their production, they are exempt from the permit fee. However, depending on the activity, other filming fees may apply. Also, you are required to produce a student ID card as well as an official letter with letterhead from a recognized educational institution showing that you are currently enrolled and that the film is a student project.
Pyrotechnics Permit:
Do you plan to use any kind of fire, pyrotechnics, or explosive during filming? Then you will need to apply for an additional permit. The City of Inglewood law requires that whenever pyrotechnics are used during any type of motion picture or TV production, a permit shall be issued from the Fire Prevention Department.
Non-profit Filming:
While you need a permit for non-profit filming, the film permit fee is waived. However, you are required to provide a copy of your IRS 501c form. Besides, you may need to pay for other filming fees depending on the film activity.
Permit Management in Inglewood
The City of Inglewood
The City of Inglewood is in charge of issuing film licenses for any production taking place on public property inside the city borders. Understanding your legal responsibilities to numerous levels of government might be daunting, from calling several government offices to gathering the required papers. The office's initial goals were expediting the permitting process for film productions, enabling local talent employment, developing production-related educational and training opportunities, and protecting the interests of citizens and businesses impacted by filming.
Working through the agency is the only way to obtain a film permit in Inglewood. Everything may be done online. Depending on the sort of film you intend to shoot and any special restrictions that may apply, you may need to contact different government offices in order to obtain an Inglewood permit. The office serves as a one-stop-shop for filmmakers, handling all the City of Inglewood production needs such as permits and city services.
Keep in mind that obtaining a film permit in Inglewood takes time: you need time to find a suitable insurance policy for your film production, draft a quality application, and wait for the agency to assess your permit application. So, starting early can help the process go smoothly. Also, cancellation notices or revisions to the film permit application must be sent in writing to the Film Permit Coordinator at least 24 hours before the commencement of filming. Keep in mind that last-minute cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged a minimum of 4 hours for Inglewood Police Department personnel as well as city staff and services.
What Insurance Do I Need in Inglewood?
Production insurance is required for the City of Inglewood film permits. You must present a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your insurance broker to the City of Inglewood prior to your filming. After applying for permission, you can submit the COI. However, you will not be issued permission until you have submitted your COI.
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 Inglewood?
The City of Inglewood offers a lot of variety when it comes to filming location options. Its location near many of Los Angeles's most prominent attractions and closeness to a number of main highways makes Inglewood an attractive city for filmmakers. The City of Inglewood also boasts many locations that have made their appearance in movies and shows.
Randy's Donuts is by far one of Inglewood's most popular destinations for both locals and visitors. The flagship facility has been in operation for nearly 60 years. It's difficult to pass the famed 32-foot doughnut on West Manchester Boulevard without wanting one of their handmade donuts. Randy has appeared in numerous movies, TV series, and music videos throughout the years, including cameos in blockbuster films and hits like Iron Man.
The "Fabulous" Forum, which opened in 1967, is also one of Inglewood's most notable landmarks. It used to be a popular venue for concerts and sporting events. It was originally home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. It has subsequently been totally restored to its former magnificence and is once again one of LA's most popular entertainment destinations, making it a suitable location to shoot films that involve entertainment and sporting activities.
The Edward Vincent Jr. Park is the biggest park in the county. The park, which was built in 1934, has trees, a pool, an outdoor amphitheater, and a playhouse. It also houses the National Register of Historic Places-listed Veteran's Memorial Building. In addition to this historical park, there are also several other amazing parks in the City of Inglewood where you can shoot movies.
Some other incredible locations where you can shoot films include Baseball Connection, NFL Stadium, Hollywood Park Racetrack, Stars Were Born, Inglewood Public Art, Centinela Valley Adobe, and Architectural Landmarks.
Special Requirements in Inglewood
Special Effects
You need an additional permit from the Fire Prevention Department that allows you to use pyrotechnic special effects, welding, combustible or flammable liquids, and gases, open flame, and motor vehicle parking in any building or place for the purpose of film commercial production.
The permit also allows the purchase, transportation, storage, use, and disposal of the specified pyrotechnical devices.
Fire Safety
The County Fire Department will bill for fire personnel services separately. The Los Angeles County Fire Department will review each filming request. This review may necessitate the use of Fire Safety Officers or Advisors.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement personnel are usually required when filming in Inglewood.
When a law enforcement officer is required, the filmmaker must call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Headquarters.
The West Hollywood Film Liaison determines the number of deputies needed and the hours they must be present in the area. The Sheriff's Department will bill for its officers’ services separately.
Park Requirements
Permits to film in state beaches and parks are coordinated jointly by the CFC and the county park officials tasked with supervising filming activities in their respective regions.
The Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Department in Inglewood must also be contacted if you are filming in the city park.
When you rent a beach or park, the park will provide you with a form and an invoice for the review charge (minimum $1,500.00 per day per location) and anticipated monitor fees.
Don't presume a permit is approved just because you spoke with local park authorities. It is not assured until all activities have been approved, insurance paperwork has been provided, and the CFC and city parks have issued the permit.
Parking Requirement
"No Parking" signs may be displayed only in places approved by the Film Office.
"No Parking" signs must be posted at least 24 hours before you can start filming production in commercial areas of the city – but it must not be more than 48 hours. You must place “No Parking” signs in residential areas at least 48 hours before the approved start time of filming.
Standard Filming Hours
Normal production hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Any request for filming outside of these hours may necessitate a filming survey, which is intended to demonstrate that impacted households and businesses have been contacted individually and to elicit individual concerns about the planned activity.
Public Rights of Way
The City of Inglewood determines that film production is on public property if any of the following apply to the filming activities:
Your production will interrupt pedestrians on sidewalks
Traffic will be interrupted on the streets
A dolly or tripod is used on streets or sidewalks
Cables or wires run over or across the sidewalks
A generator is utilized on sidewalks or street
Public parking will affect “No parking” signs posted on any public parking
Any tools or person associated with the film production is on public property, and when this happens, you are required to pay a minimum of $1,032 per day per location.
What Does it Cost to Film in Inglewood?
A film permit in Inglewood has numerous expenses associated with it, which vary based on your location and the scope of your production operations. Your Film Permit Coordinator may work with you and your budget to satisfy your production's demands while keeping these fees to a minimum.
Additional Fees
In addition to these film permit fees, there may be additional charges for any government agency that will be needed to help with the film production, such as police officers and standby firefighters. If you're not sure about the city staff you will need for your production, contact the Film Permit Coordinator and other relevant city resources once you've determined the size and scope of your shoot.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Inglewood?
Planning ahead of time to obtain a permit and understanding the City of Inglewood jurisdictions will make the process go as smoothly as possible. Inglewood is a city in Los Angeles County, California, and part of the Los Angeles metropolitan region. The community is located in Los Angeles County's South Bay district, near Los Angeles International Airport. Inglewood's historical legacy is one of the most diverse and complex of any community in Southern California. The city has witnessed many distinct eras, demographic changes, and no shortage of roller coaster highs and lows in its over a century history.
Native Americans were the first settlers of what is now Inglewood, and they utilized the natural springs at today's Edward Vincent Jr. Park. According to Gladys Waddingham, a local historian, these springs got their name Centinela from the hills that climbed gradually surrounding them, allowing ranchers to keep an eye on their herds.
Since 1875, Inglewood has been a bustling residential and business district in California. It is still a bustling, historic, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that is home to many film production companies. When it comes to film production, the city doesn’t have separate jurisdictions that require special licenses for filming.
Outreach in Inglewood
Depending on the terms of your film permit, your film production company may be required to conduct a filming survey. These filming surveys often contain information regarding anticipated filming activity, such as filming dates and hours, parking effects in the area, and other special events. To promote cooperation before film production begins, survey forms provide contact information for the production company.
It is important to note that the filming survey is not a request for permission to shoot. These surveys are only used to gather information, which your Film Permit Coordinator can use to measure neighborhood concerns. Not all filming activity necessitates a filmmaking survey, and community participation is entirely voluntary for those productions that do.
Surveys are typically required if you are going to be filming after-hours in residential areas, perform high-impact activities like major parking requests or closing the street, film for five or more consecutive days in a single location, or when the area has witnessed high filming frequency.
Community Management in Inglewood
A film activity notification to each home and business affected by a shoot has become industry standard. However, effective communication with the community residents is essential for gaining their support. The production must also take into account the population's basic requirements. For example, what is the detour route if streets are closed? Is it labeled clearly?
The business community's buy-in is just as vital as local people's buy-in. Business leaders wield enormous power in any town, and their collaboration is not only required but also signifies that the community supports local production. On the other hand, if the business community is dissatisfied, elected officials will undoubtedly hear about it, which may impact their overall support.
The business community, at the very least, has to understand that filming activity is not harming their operations. When businesses benefit from a production's presence, whether through increased sales, a location fee, or overall beneficial exposure, this is a true win-win situation. It is up to you to help them understand what these things may be.
Conclusion
A simple journey to the City of Inglewood will show you why so many people are drawn to bring their video production to the county. The ability to experience the region's distinct culture is an unforgettable experience. However, you must ensure that your film production gets the green light from the appropriate authorities in the city. Also, create enough time to secure production insurance and ensure everything you need for successful film production is in place.
In this guide, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about The City of Inglewood filming laws, regulations, guidelines, and permits, such as how to apply for an Inglewood film permit, the cost of production in the city, what you'll need to fill out an Inglewood film permit application and a lot more. Obtaining the City of Inglewood film permit is a relatively simple process designed to ensure that film productions and local communities have a mutually beneficial partnership now and in the future.