City Guide Filming in Pacific Palisades, CA
Production Permit Fees
- FilmLA Permit Application Fee: $863
- FilmLA Permit Rider Fee: $28
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability
- Worker’s Compensation
- Automobile Liability
- Watercraft Liability
- Aviation Insurance Coverage
- UAS/Drone Insurance
- Liquor Liability Insurance
- Product Liability Insurance
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Pacific Palisades
Though Pacific Palisades may not be the first name that pops to mind when thinking of premium filming locations in Los Angeles, if you were to look at what the area has to offer, you wouldn't be able to look away! Serving as a retreat for artists, intellectuals, and escapees of the holocaust in the previous century, the area has evolved into a privacy-oriented comfort zone for celebrities. Being a close-knit community without the ever-present bothersome feel of the paparazzi, Pacific Palisades has long been the perfect seclusion area for cinematic titans. It delivers a small-town-like feel with its sparse population, and there's a unique allure in its hilly topography, Mediterranean climate, coastline, hiking trails, and so on. And all of this has not gone unnoticed on the big screen – many Hollywood masterpieces have shared displays of the area. Notable mentions include Heat, Baywatch, Point Break, The Last Boy Scout, No Strings Attached, Carrie, Face/Off, Spaceballs, Commando, and Savages.
The area is prized by surfers and is thus nicknamed as “Palisades" and “Pali”. There are many notable attractions in the area for tourists pouring in from all over the USA, such as the beaches, Gladstones Malibu, Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, and the Getty Villa. However, for the most part, the area remains rather private, with little disturbance, in contrast to what is seen on the busy streets of Los Angeles. The Pacific Palisades hosts a perfect ensemble of filming destinations, including both indoor and outdoor options, but it is important to first understand the filming guidelines in Pacific Palisades to avoid any troubles later on. And as always, you can count on Giggster to help you find the best deals for the most premium filming locales in Pacific Palisades and elsewhere!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Pacific Palisades?
All film production activities in Pacific Palisades that involve the use of public property require a filming permit issued by FilmLA, even if it's only to access public parking spaces. This means that even if you're filming on private property but are using a public space for film production-related activities, such as reserved parking for your film production crew, or route closure due to filming, you'll have to get a permit. The filming guidelines in Pacific Palisades are pretty clear on that, and you should not have any trouble getting your permit.
Pyrotechnics Permit
it is needed when gunfire, explosions, fire-based special effects, or such elements are to be part of your film; you’ll also have to notify the LAPD in advance if this is the case.
Animal Control Permit
if your film involves animals such as dogs or similar canids, which need to be restrained and controlled lest they cause any property damage or bodily injury, you’ll have to get this permit too.
Aircraft Usage Permit
the name is quite self-explanatory; you might also need to conduct a local survey if you’re planning to use a low-flying plane for your movie. Drone Filming Permit – drone filming is only allowed when you’ve got the necessary permit and insurance coverage; plus, you must assure the local authorities that you won’t invade people’s privacy.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
students and non-profit filmmakers can get their film permits for discounted rates from FilmLA once they confirm their status.
Permit Management in Pacific Palisades
FilmLA
So, how do you get your permit in Pacific Palisades? Well, it’s much easier than you think. Instead of forcing you to download a form, fill it out, and then submit it in person, FilmLA has made things much simpler for you. No need to leave the comfort of your home or hotel room to acquire filming permits in Pacific Palisades! Instead, you can simply log onto the My FilmLA Portal, which will direct you throughout the permit application process in a step-by-step manner. It’s as simple as setting up your Facebook account, and you can even make payments via your credit card.
FilmLA has also shared a whole bunch of online resources and self-help material to give you some guidance on things, especially the specific regulations for certain areas. But if you don’t have the time to go through all those documents and resources, fret not, our comprehensive guide will cover most of what you need to know to film in Pacific Palisades.
Other than this, FilmLA will liaise with any local departments as needed for your script, help you notify the affected residents about your filming activity, and offer technical assistance in other capacities too.
You’ll also be dealing, although not as much as is the case with FilmLA, with the California Film Commission, which is more like an umbrella organization. The California Film Commission offers two incentive programs, the Film California First Program and Star Program, which give partial refunds, waivers on certain expenses, and waivers on on-site rentals for state-owned properties. Plus, the CFC also issues filming permits for filming on state-owned properties.
What Insurance Do I Need in Pacific Palisades?
Production insurance is not a matter of if but a matter of how much for any film production. Certain inherent risks are involved in all filming activities, including accidents, mishaps, product liability cases, etc. If any such thing happens, local governing bodies won’t be held liable for any damages, whether the affectee is a part of the film production crew or someone else. This is why film productions are legally required to carry production insurance so that they can compensate the victims of any tragedy resulting from their actions. Thus the city or neighborhood avoids liability in such matters, and instead, the film production is held primarily responsible. But what if your script did not involve any serious risk? Well, even then, you are required to offer insurance coverage just in case.
The exact production insurance requirements in Pacific Palisades vary with the details of the script. However, understanding the baseline will give you some perspective:
First off, you need to provide $1 million worth of general liability insurance coverage
Then comes worker’s compensation insurance coverage as per California’s Labor Code (however, you can get a waiver for it if your case qualifies for one)
You also need to provide liability coverage amounting to $1 million per incident for any automobiles involved in the film production
$1 million in watercraft liability insurance may also be needed if any water vessels are involved
If your script involves the use of helicopters or aircraft, you must also provide aviation insurance coverage of $5 million
For UAS/Drone filming, additional liability coverage of $2 million must be filed by the operator
Product liability coverage of $1 million will also become necessary if any food is served on the set
Similarly, if liquor is served, an additional $1 million for liquor liability coverage will be needed
Film productions must also list the County of Los Angeles, its representatives, employees, and officials as additionally insured. This means that any liability claim resulting from the film production activities will solely be the production company's responsibility. Also, note that only general liability insurance coverage is mandatory; the rest only become relevant when certain additional elements are involved.
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 Pacific Palisades?
Now that we’ve explored some of the most important filming laws in Pacific Palisades, let's talk a bit about the filming destinations offered by the area. Apart from the impressive coastline and local tourist attractions, Pacific Palisades is home to some of the most impressively designed homes and mansions in all of Los Angeles, plus all of these private residencies offer a unique sense of privacy not seen elsewhere – most of the filming destinations are of such type. For instance, the Trendy Bright Urban Millenial Residential Studio offers all the contrast and brightness you need to make every frame look its best. You can also go for the Ocean Sanctuary, a themed mansion offering breathtaking ocean views and a lavish interior.
The Palisades Villa is another impressive option owing to its Spanish-style architecture and lovely interior. But you can also try out the Priceless View in Paradise. This luxury home does not fail on delivering its promise – it delivers breathtaking views of the natural surroundings, and this, coupled with its premium interior, makes it a perfectly fine filming location. Another local residency up for rent (for filming) is the Vintage California Craftsman House which delivers a themed appearance and also has an impressive balcony for outdoor shoots. Similarly, the Brentwood Modern Mansion and the Unplugged Mansion are excellent secluded and premium options, both with private pools. And then there is the Brentwood Modern Cottage which blends the two themes to perfection.
In short, you've got access to some of the most exclusive and finely engineered residential spaces in all of Los Angeles. Pacific Palisades may not be a geographically big area, but the sheer variety of options available for rent is marvelous.
Giggster can help you get the best deals for the best locations in the area; feel free to browse through our collection and pick the best options that suit your needs.
Special Requirements in Pacific Palisades
Filming In Palisades School District
You can reach out to the administration of the Palisades School District to confirm their premises' availability for your filming schedule and then submit an application for permission to film. You’ll have to provide evidence of insurance amounting to $1 million in general liability and also share details of all the expected activities in the filming process. If you get the approval from the board, you can then further the process with FilmLA, get a permit, and then start filming.
Filming On The Beaches
The Will Rogers State Beach is owned and operated by the state, as the name indicates; you'll have to reach out to the California Film Commission for permission to film here and get a permit from them as well. Since CFC offers a full waiver on-site rentals for all state-owned properties, you won't have to worry about renting the place.
Similarly, there are Sunset Point Beach and Ginger Rogers Beach (the latter one being a gay beach). Once again, the protocol is similar, just be sure that you confirm the status of the beach, reach out to the concerned authorities, get permission, and then apply for film permits.
If you’re filming at a beach, you may need an additional $1 million liability coverage for watercraft.
Filming At Nearby State Parks
The nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area houses many state parks within itself, including the Will Rogers State Historic Park. Since State Parks are owned and operated by the state, more specifically, by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, only the California Film Commission is authorized to issue permits for filming here. Once again, site rental is waived. However, you’ll have to pay the entry fees and parking fees. Plus, the park staff may also require you to hire an official monitor to make sure that things don’t go south.
Special Permission Requirements
The use of certain elements, especially those that can cause panic, requires special permission in advance, approval from the local community (via a survey), and timely notification to the LAPD, these include:
Using helicopters/aircraft
Using explosives, fire-based special effects, pyrotechnics, etc.
Using gunfire/gunfire sound effects
Production Crew Meal Service Regulation
In Pacific Palisades, you are not allowed to serve meals to your production crew in public view. Instead, you must do so in an enclosure or indoors.
Avoid Generator Noise
While disturbances and noises are generally discouraged, there is a special rule against generator noise – no tolerance. Make sure that you cut down on all disturbances to avoid any trouble with the local community and the authorities. Also, if your script involves any sudden and loud noises, be sure to report that to the police in advance.
Filming Beyond The Regular Hours
Normally, film productions are allowed only to carry on their filming activities (including setting up stages, packing up, etc.) between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. You can go beyond these regular time limitations, but only when you conduct a local survey and can get a positive response from the community in this regard.
What Does it Cost to Film in Pacific Palisades?
The cost of filming in Pacific Palisades is on top of the site rentals and other filming expenses. The filming regulations in Pacific Palisades are pretty clear here: you need to pay a certain amount to FilmLA to get your permit and assorted services, and you’ll also have to compensate the local department officials for their time if they are needed on the set, once again, through FilmLA. The fees that go directly to FilmLA include: $863 must be paid as the permit application fee $28 must be paid as the permit rider fee $215 must be paid as the permit notification fee $41 must be paid as the production shoot monitor fee For student filmmaker projects, the permit fee is rather minimalistic, amounting to only $33 Your film production may also require technical assistance from the local departments, and if that is the case, you’ll have to pay the officials for their time, via FilmLA, as follows: Having a firefighter on the set will cost you $107 per hour; minimum 4 hours Fire safety inspection for the set costs about $103 per hour; minimum 2 hours Having a police officer on the set costs upwards of $88.71 per hour; minimum 4 hours An additional 15% of all the aforementioned fees will also be required as an administrative fee if any city official is present on stage These expenses may appear to be excessive to some, but this is the only way of doing things by the book. And you also have partial refund incentives from the California Film Commission to help you out too, so no worries. Please note that non-compliance with these regulations can shut film production down altogether.
Additional Fees
Partnering with local film authorities or enlisting an adept production coordinator well-acquainted with the region can aid in effectively handling expenses and streamlining the acquisition of filming permits and authorizations.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Pacific Palisades?
The filming laws in Pacific Palisades only apply to the geographic bounds of the area, no further than that. Thus it is important to understand the boundaries of Pacific Palisades to avoid any trouble later on. To the east, Pacific Palisades is bordered by Brentwood. Moving west, the area is bordered by Malibu. The southeastern and southwestern boundaries are marked by Santa Monica and Santa Monica Bay respectively. To the north, the Santa Monica Mountains and Topanga make up the boundary.
Outreach in Pacific Palisades
You’re only required to send notifications to the neighborhood residents two days prior to the filming schedule as per the filming regulations in Pacific Palisades, and the FilmLA staff will help you do that. However, you may also be required to conduct a local survey if the situation calls for it – for instance, if your production crew is planning to film in the same area for more than three consecutive days, or if you want to film beyond the regular hours, or if you’re asking for exclusive access to a right of way.
Community Management in Pacific Palisades
The people in Pacific Palisades are deeply concerned about their privacy. It is somewhat of a close-knit community that delivers the feel and atmosphere of a small town. Just be sure not to intrude on anyone's personal space (especially when filming with drones), and always respect their sense of privacy. Many celebrities have sought refuge here, away from the glitz and glamor of Beverley Hills, to avoid constant harassment from the media and paparazzi, be sure to show respect for their decision.
Conclusion
The FilmLA staff is also very cooperative, and they’ll give you value for your bucks. They have consistently delivered on their promises to film production crews that have worked with them. This says more than enough about their helpfulness to you. Plus, there's the California Film Commission with its incentives and state location permits, ready to assist you in areas where FilmLA can’t. All in all, you have the perfect film production package with all the premium locations you can dream of, technical assistance as and when needed, and a unique atmosphere like nowhere else.
Plus, Giggster is always here to help you find the best locational match for your script!