City Guide Filming in Joshua Tree, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: $50-$500 per day, depending on crew size
- CFC Permit Fee: Free
- State-owned property site rental: Free
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability:
- Automobile Liability:
- Aviation Insurance Coverage:
- UAS/Drone Insurance:
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Joshua Tree
California is at the heart of the film industry in the USA and is iconic for film enthusiasts throughout the world. The state's warm atmosphere, diverse landscape, and impressive infrastructure housed by major metropolitan centers all make the state a high-value filming destination. Joshua Tree, an unincorporated community nestled in the embrace of San Bernardino County, may not be the first name that pops to mind when thinking of the best filming destinations in the state of California. But, coupled with the state's pro-filming policies, Joshua Tree's natural attractions, including the eponymous national park that sits at the heart of it, and the assortment of filming venues available, make it worthy of your time and effort.
It takes a little under three hours to drive from Joshua Tree, situated in California’s High Desert, to the filming empire’s capital – Hollywood. And speaking of the filming empire, the unincorporated community has made its mark on the big screen not once or twice but in scores and counting. Examples include epic titles like A Lot Like Love, The Big Year, Jonas, Seven Psychopaths, The Forbidden Dimensions, Diary of a Cannibal, Death Ray 2000, Dust Up, Ghost Ship, Road Rules, Child of Grace, Zombie Nation, and Remembering Nigel.
The community is managed by the Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Counsel (MAC), which is a co-run with the government of San Bernardino County. Notable areas in the community include the famous Joshua Tree National Park, which also houses the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. Another major landmark in the area is the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Art, which is spread over 10 acres and hosts numerous sculptures and similar exhibitions created by Noah Purifoy, the museum’s founder.
But before you head to Joshua Tree to film your next project, it is important to review the filming guidelines in Joshua Tree first, so you spend more time filming in the community and less time reviewing the permit issuance process and other guidelines.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Joshua Tree?
All filming activities throughout San Bernardino County, not just on public property, require general filming permits from the San Bernardino County Economic Development Department. This means that you must never presume that you don’t need a permit, even when filming on private property, and you can always reach out to the local film office for further clarification on the filming guidelines in Joshua Tree.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit is issued by the fire department when you plan on using explosions, fireworks, fire-based special effects, gunfire, gunfire-like effects, and other special effects that pose a fire hazard.
Animal Control Permit
for this permit, you’ll have to reach out to the local animal control department if you’re planning to get horses, dogs, and other such animals involved. You’ll also be responsible for keeping the animals under control and restrained to avoid any property damage or bodily injury.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this permit is needed when you plan on getting helicopters or aircraft involved in the film shoot; you’ll also have to submit additional insurance coverage proof and conduct a resident survey.
Drone Filming Permit
UAS filming is allowed, but you’ll need a special permit for it, submit the needed insurance documents, ensure people’s privacy protection, and also follow all FAA regulations.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
if you’re a student or non-commercial filmmaker, you can get your film permit for a discounted rate.
Permit Management in Joshua Tree
San Bernardino County Economic Development Department
The San Bernardino County Economic Development Department is the main authority for issuing film permits in Joshua Tree and throughout the rest of the county as well. You don’t have to visit the local film office in person. You can file your permit application through their online portal. This will walk you through the whole process step by step. Just put in all the required information, share documented evidence (for insurance and more) when prompted, and you'll be done. You can pay the fees online too via credit card, or you can do the whole process the old-fashioned way, with a hard copy of the form, in-person submission, and payment.
Plus, for any state-level filming, you can reach out to the California Film Commission, which issues permits for filming on any state-owned property, including state parks, highways, and buildings. Plus, these permits are free.
You also don't have to pay for site rentals when filming on a state property which is another major plus, and lastly, you can always benefit from the filmmaker incentive programs offered by the California Film Commission. These incentives include the aforementioned waiver for rentals when filming on state-owned property, partial refunds for filming-related expenses, and tax credits. For both local and state-level production efforts, you can count on all concerned departments to assist you throughout the film production process.
When filming locally, the San Bernardino County Economic Development Department will help you liaise with the local police and fire departments, and when filming on state-owned property, the California Film Commission will do so.
What Insurance Do I Need in Joshua Tree?
All film productions need to be insured to protect themselves against any liability claims which can come out of nowhere. Even the slightest negligence can lead to disastrous consequences, and in such cases, the victims are entitled to fair compensation for their losses. Having sufficient insurance coverage is a must for all film productions headed to Joshua Tree, without exceptions. But there is no single limit for the production insurance requirements in Joshua Tree. Instead, all insurance requirements are based on the level of risk associated with the filming activities. It makes sense if you think about it – things are more likely to get messy when dangerous stunts are involved, as opposed to indoor filming. Although there's still a risk of slip and fall inside, the threat level is far lower.
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 Joshua Tree?
Now that we’ve moved halfway through our discussion on the Joshua Tree filming laws, you’re probably wondering what types of filming venues are there in Joshua Tree and whether you can find something that suits your script theme and setting perfectly. The best part is that Joshua Tree hosts a truly varied array of filming venues, both indoors and outdoors. For instance, the Joshua Tree Desert Venue gives a modern and sleek outdoor feel and displays an assortment of colors spreading over three acres of land.
Another themed location is the Skyhouse in Joshua Tree, which boasts a unique appearance and a well-lit interior. Another outdoor spot is the Central Location Outdoor Venue in Joshua Tree, spread over 27 acres and dotted with majestic views.
Moving back indoors, you have the Invisible Mirrored House, which is unlike any other residential building in the area – masterfully designed both inside and out, perfectly furnished, and immaculately lit. Another indoor filming venue, a bit less modern-looking though, is the Homey Dome which is bordered by luscious cactus gardens and huge boulders.
And if you want to step outdoors yet again to witness the area from a new angle, you have perfect filming destinations like Five Acres Of Unobstructed Beautiful Desert Views. Another perfect example of a local-themed filming venue is Desert Escape which delivers the exact same feeling as the name suggests.
The Straw Bale House is another picture-perfect filming venue sitting in the middle of the desert with panoramic views of the surroundings, highlighting the best parts of the area. In contrast, the Psychedelic Rainbow Art Retreat has a vibrant and colorful interior, bright lights, and an overall lively atmosphere, perfect for still photography and film production.
Another themed destination is Area 55 – perfect for alien genre aficionados and for adding a bit of a unique punch to your project. Last on our list, but by no means least, is the Boulder Cove filming venue which gives a deceptively minimalistic look but is top-tier inside out. And we’ve just begun scratching the surface.
You can count on Giggster for all your filming venue needs!
Special Requirements in Joshua Tree
Filming At The Friendly Hills Elementary School
You can film in the Friendly Hills Elementary School after conditional approval from the school’s management. For that, you’ll have to:
Reach out to the school board with your filming proposal.
Discuss all planned activities that you want to conduct on the school premises.
Decide a schedule with the school administration.
Submit proof of insurance for $1 million in general liability.
Complete the permit application process after the school’s approval.
Begin filming as per the agreed-upon schedule and terms.
Filming At Joshua Tree National Park
The only thing you need to worry about is that the park doesn’t issue permits for certain days of the year, these days are listed in advance on their website, and you can reach out to them for more information as well. Apart from this, the rest of the process is the same:
You’ll have to contact the Joshua Tree National Park staff with your proposal.
Agree upon the schedule and planned activities.
Hire someone from the park staff to be your production monitor and guide.
Start filming as per the agreed-upon schedule.
All park rules and fees will still apply.
Filming On State Owned Property
You'll have to get a permit from the California Film Commission to film on any nearby state-owned property, including state parks, highways, state-owned buildings, and monuments. The permit is issued free of cost, and you won’t have to pay anything for site rental.
Filming Regulations For Camera Drones
You can use UAS or camera drone devices to record segments of your film project, but since drones can be rather invasive of people’s privacy (being small and highly maneuverable), you’ll have to ensure that you respect the people’s privacy. You’ll also need a special permit issued after insurance proof submission and agree to comply with all FAA regulations.
What Does it Cost to Film in Joshua Tree?
The costs associated with filming in Joshua Tree include fees, filming expenses, and site rentals. As per the filming regulations in Joshua Tree, you are obliged to pay certain fees to both the San Bernardino County Economic Development Department for permit issuance and other local and state-level departments for their services. Firstly, we have the dues payable to the San Bernardino County Economic Development Department.
Additional Fees
A filming permit is typically required for commercial filming activities within the national park. The permit is obtained through the National Park Service (NPS). It involves a non-refundable application fee and additional charges based on the project's complexity, crew size, equipment, and other factors.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree is spread over 37 square miles of land, situated 2,700 feet above sea level, and part of San Bernardino County and California's High Desert area. The filming laws in Joshua Tree that we discussed earlier are only applicable to the geographical boundaries of Joshua Tree, as designated by the United States Census Bureau. To the eastern side, Twentynine Palms marks the community’s border, the Yuca Valley demarks the boundary to the west, Landers lines up on the northwestern and northern side, and finally, Coachella Valley forms the southern boundary.
Outreach in Joshua Tree
All film productions operating in the area are bound by Joshua Tree filming laws to notify the affected residents, if you're filming in a residential space, about the upcoming filming activities at least two full days in advance – and by two days, we mean at least 48 hours.
All residents located in the "immediate vicinity" or 300 feet radius of the filming venue must be notified about your filming schedule, anticipated activities, any expected street closure, alternative routes in case you do plan to close a street, and your contact information, plus anything else deemed pertinent.
You’ll also have to reach out to the Neighborhood Association of the affected area. And if you’re planning to use gunfire effects or sudden loud noises that may startle people, you should notify the local police department. For any fire-based special effects, reach out to the Fire Marshall’s Office in advance to make the necessary arrangements and for a pyrotechnics permit, if one is needed.
Community Management in Joshua Tree
The low population density in Joshua Tree is a major factor when it comes to the overall experience. You'll mostly get a rural feeling, the people are very welcoming, kind, and generous, more so than in the urban centers of the state. Plus, since the population size is less than 8,000, the people here value their sense of calm and serenity, which is not seen in metropolitan areas due to heavy traffic and busy streets. People are also very conscious about their privacy but are otherwise very cooperative and will go to greater extends than folks in the big cities to accommodate your filming crew in their neighborhood area or nearby.
Just avoid noise pollution and comply with the filming regulations in Joshua Tree, and you’ll be fine. Plus, you can also count on the local police officers, fire safety officers, and other public service officials to help you with your production efforts as and when needed.
Conclusion
Joshua Tree is the exact opposite of the bigger metropolitan centers of California, but maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for. It houses a national park, a local museum, and an assortment of indoor and outdoor private filming venues.
You can also count on the support and assistance of all the local and state-level authorities in your production, thanks to the California Film Commission. The local permit issuing authority, the San Bernardino County Economic Development Department, is also super-cooperative, meaning that you won’t have to handle most of the stress on your own. Plus, remember that you do need a film permit even when you're filming on privately owned premises, but not to worry, the ever-cooperative film office is at your service once again here.