City Guide Filming in Malibu, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Issuing Authorities: Malibu Film Office (Malibu); FilmLA (County Properties); California Film Commission (State Properties)
- Malibu Film Office Permit Fee: $208 daily for up to 10 people; $416 daily for 10+ people
- Permit Application Fee: Invoice will be provided
- CFC Permit Fee: Free
- State-owned property site rental: Free as per the CFC policy
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation: Determined by the state
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5,000,000
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2,000,000
- Watercraft Insurance: $1,000,000
- Product Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the Malibu Film Office
Discounts
- California Film Commission Incentive Programs:
- Film California First – site rental and some filming expenses refunded
- Star Program – no rent for state-owned properties
About Malibu
Malibu is the star of the screen and the king of the waves — “the Bu” as some surfing enthusiasts like to call it. The city also boasts an impressive 21-mile strip of the Malibu coast which is loaded with scenic beauty and makes the city a perfect hotspot for filming and even serves as the glorious residence for screen stars. No more than 27 miles from Hollywood, Malibu has historically hosted filming crews and staff extensively. Numerous outdoor and indoor locations are available for production crews, and you can find all the resources you need to understand the permit-acquiring process from the Malibu Film Office.
The city features an impressive warm Mediterranean climate; you'll find ample sun here, which contrasts perfectly well with the blue water crashing against the beach sand. Not only can you get access to a ton of filming locales for rent and find the perfect scene backgrounds for your film, but you will also find the city overall perfect for your project thanks to its atmosphere and overarching feel. Titles like The Big Lebowski, Iron Man 1 and 2, Knight and Day, Love & Mercy, Face Off, Listen to Me, and Symphoria all have their origins in Malibu and have done remarkably well for themselves — and this is merely the tip of the iceberg.
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Next up, let’s take a deeper dive into the filming guidelines in Malibu!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Malibu?
You must never presume, for any place, that you don’t need a permit for filming – if unsure, you can always contact the Malibu Film Office at 805-495-7521. As per the filming laws in Malibu, specifically the City of Malibu Ordinance 282, you do need filming permits for your project. This applies to both public and private properties, even residential buildings, and the same goes for public pathways. If you're filming in one of the many legally established filming studios, you don't need a filming permit, and this is also true for news productions and student filming projects.
Save for state properties in Malibu, you are generally allowed to film in pretty much all properties in the city, both public and private if you have the required permits. Malibu Film Office can offer further insight and details for your next filming project. For state-owned properties such as the Malibu Pier, Point Dume Headlands, Malibu Creek State Park, El Pescador, La Piedra Beach, El Matador Beaches, and Adamson House, the California Film Commission handles the filming permit; you can reach out to their office at (323) 860-2960. For County beaches, such as Dan Blocker Beach, Surfrider Beach, Nicholas Canyon Beach, Westward Beach, and Zuma Beach, you also need a permit from FilmLA on top of the one you get from the Malibu Film Office; FilmLA is reachable at (213) 977-8600.
Permit Management in Malibu
Permit Management In Malibu – Malibu Film Office
Malibu Film Office is primarily in charge of handing out permits for filming projects for both private and public properties in the city. For state-owned properties, you'll have to reach out to the California Film Commission. The Malibu Film Office not only provides permits for filming but also boasts a whole host of resources for filmmakers such as details of where permits are required and where they are not required, lists of requirements for filming in certain areas, general filming guidelines in Malibu, and so on. You’ll also find the permit form on their website which you’ll have to fill out, mentioning all the relevant details, and submit it either via fax or email.
You can also count on the Malibu Film Commission to liaise with the Fire Department and the Sherriff’s Office. This means that you won’t have to deal with such departments on your own – the Malibu Film Office collects the fees itself and will forward the requests to the focal persons in these departments. Thus on-set safety and fire inspections will be ensured. Lastly, the office also partners with FilmLA for filming on County beaches, as we mentioned earlier. The Film Permit Jurisdiction for the City of Malibu can help you understand things more clearly.
What Insurance Do I Need in Malibu?
Production insurance is the foolproof financial safety mechanism set in place to safeguard the production crew in the event of an accident. The higher the likelihood of such an accident, the higher the insurance requirements will be for the film. For instance, if some of the stunts are especially dangerous or the special effects (pyrotechnics) can get out of control, the insurance requirements will be adjusted accordingly. However, all cities, including the City of Malibu, have defined some clear lower boundaries for the insurance requirements for film productions.
Some other insurance requirements may also be applicable, so be sure to go through the specific requirements with the Malibu Film Office. The insurance requirements vary based on the specific script requirements of the film and other details. The aforementioned were only general minimal estimates but will serve as reference points for your estimation. These filming regulations in Malibu may seem a bit complicated in some instances, but it is important to understand that violating these requirements can lead to fines and even the shutting down of film production. It is best to ask for confirmation and further details from the Malibu Film Office as and when needed!
Here are the minimum production insurance requirements in Malibu:
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 Malibu?
When it comes to filming locations, Malibu is loaded with some of the most iconic and memorable filming spots, with impressive indoor and outdoor filming landscapes. The Malibu Modern Studio with Airstream & Ocean Views and Modern Malibu Pier View Photo Studios are two prominent examples of purpose-built shooting studios featuring chic furniture, detailed backgrounds, and breathtaking outdoor views. But if your film project needs an older look, places like the Malibu Film Ranch, which is spread over 22 scenic acres, will be the perfect shooting location for you.
If a filming studio is not like what you envisioned for your script, then an ocean-view mansion will be more up your alley, such as the New California 7. The mansion features a luxurious interior, an immaculate lawn, a backyard, a pool, a tennis court, and a highly impressive outside view. The Ocean Vista is another excellent option if you need a place with an immaculate ocean view. The concierge here will accommodate 45 attendees at the location where you'll find one of the most luxurious shooting locations in Malibu, spread over 4800 square feet. For something more minimal, the Yoga Studio with Lobby in Malibu offers a peaceful ambiance with ample sunlight.
Another notable locale is the Gesner Cocoon House which features unique, impressive architecture with a breathtaking mountainous view in the background. The unique ambiance will make all the difference for your film shoot. Or perhaps you fancy the beach view with the sand shining like peals under the summer sun – if so, then the La Cabana Beach Club will be the perfect filming spot for your next project. For something more luxurious, secluded, and near the beach, the Retro Tiki Bungalow is an excellent option that also delivers an iconic Tiki theme.
Overall, the filming locations in Malibu are unique, with a whole host of themes and locales, including beach houses, clubs, ocean-view mansions, and more!
Special Requirements in Malibu
Filming In The Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District
The Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District serves both Malibu and Santa Monica; the district allows for filming and outside events on a permit-basis, but only when the school is vacated and not in use by the students. You'll first have to contact the school administration and seek permission for filming as per your schedule. Once you get approval from the school administration, you'll be able to forward your permit application to the permit-issuing authority for further approval.
Once your request is fully approved and your application invoice is cleared, you'll be allowed to film within the school premises. However, filming in the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District also requires you to have $1,000,000 worth of general liability insurance coverage, automobile liability, and worker's compensation insurance – be sure to get the exact extent of the requirements for your film project from the school administration.
Filming At State Parks
State Parks are also available for filming, but you’ll need to get your application approved by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Once the authorities approve your application, send your permit application to the California Film Commission; once that request is approved and the permit invoice is cleared, you’ll be able to film in state parks, such as:
Leo Carrillo State Park
Malibu Creek State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Ramirez Canyon Park
Point Mugu State Park
Escondido Canyon Park
Corral Canyon Park
Malibu Bluffs Park
Tuna Canyon Park
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Backbone Trailhead, Malibu Creek State Park
Filming Permit From California Film Commission In Malibu
For State-owned land in Malibu, the California Film Commission will handle the permit request, and there won’t be any site rentals for your filming:
Adamson House
El Matador Beaches
El Pescador
La Piedra Beach
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Pier
Point Dume Headlands
Plus, the CFC also offers incentive programs for filmmakers looking to base their projects in California.
Extra Permit From FilmLA
As per the Malibu filming laws, filming at selected beaches also demands permits from FilmLA (and a permit from Malibu Film Office), these include:
Dan Blocker Beach
Nicholas Canyon Beach
Surfrider Beach
Westward Beach
Zuma Beach
What Does it Cost to Film in Malibu?
Now that we’ve gone through the details of the filming laws in Malibu, it’s important to consider the costs of filming as well. These cost estimates are provided by the Malibu Film Office for 2022-2023; you can check with their office for up-to-date rates. Here are the latest general minimum rates for filming in Malibu excluding the site rentals and other costs for filming: Motion film permit (per day) fee:
Additional Fees
There are some other fees on top of these basic charges:
These filming costs have been presented by the Malibu Film Office as per the filming regulations in Malibu, and are subject to change based on the complexity of the production, special effects involved, and other variables. While it may seem excessive at times, do keep in mind that compliance with these rules is a must if you want to film legally in Malibu. Otherwise, the local authorities won’t take long to spring into action and may even cancel the production altogether. In case of any confusion, reach out to the Malibu Film Commission for more information.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Malibu?
Surrounded by the heights of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu sits between the mountains and the coast and is no farther than 30 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. The city is fairly expansive, with an overall area of 19.8 square miles, which is mostly land. The most prominent feature of the city is its massive 21-mile coastline which houses several private, public, County-owned, and State-owned beaches such as Carbon Beach, Encinal Bluffs, Escondido Beach, Paradise Cove, Surfrider Beach, Point Dume, Trancas, Westward Beach, Pirates Cove, and Zuma Beach. To the east, the city borders the Topanga CDP, cutting it from Los Angeles. To the north, the city borders the Santa Monica Mountains, and to the south lies the Malibu coastline, constantly washed by the Pacific Ocean. And to the west lies Solromar in Ventura County.
Outreach in Malibu
The normal filming hours for Malibu are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday to Thursday; filming is not allowed on Sundays), and usually, there are no excessive requirements. However, if you plan on filming before 07:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, then you'll have to get consent from the property owners nearby. A full 100% of the property owners for properties bordering the filming area must give their consent and 80% of people living within a 500 feet radius from the said site must also respond positively. This includes permission for music, lighting, noise (to be expected), special effects, and so on. If the residents feel disturbed or notice any serious violations of the filming regulations in Malibu, they can reach out to the concerned authorities to share their concerns.
Community Management in Malibu
The Malibu people like their privacy and the fact that several TV celebrities are living in the city perfectly elucidates this point. Mostly, the residents don't like to engage with people outside their social circles, and this is especially true for the people living in Beverly Hills. Thus it would be best to respect the people's sense of privacy and not to bother them too much. If you do need to get in touch for consent, make it formal, respectful, and brief.
Conclusion
Malibu is going to be perfect for your next filming project, and that's not simply because of the variety of rich and illustrious filming locales available here, but also because of the general atmosphere that the city brings. If you want to include an element of fun and excitement in your scenes, you won't find the kind of vibe this city emanates from elsewhere. Then there's the beach — well, several beaches if you come to think of it. You have tons of options for your filming project should you choose Malibu as your filming destination.
Plus, since the regulations around getting filming permits in Malibu are not excessively harsh, you can relax on that bit too. The Malibu Film Office will take care of most of the stuff, including liaison with the fire and police departments, so the burden on your shoulders will be minimal. You’ll also find a ton of purpose-built filming areas with unique themes and ambiance that will add value to every shot. And if you ever feel lost, you can always seek their guidance — they’re generally very pleased to assist. Safe to say that the warm Mediterranean summers and iconic beach lifestyle vibes of Malibu make it worth your time and effort.
And Giggster is always here to help you find the best shooting spots!