City Guide Filming in Palms, CA
Production Permit Fees
- FilmLA Permit Application Fee: $863
- FilmLA Permit Rider Fee: $28
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability:
- Worker’s Compensation:
- Automobile Liability
- Aviation Insurance Coverage:
- UAS/Drone Insurance:
- Product Liability Insurance:
- Liquor Liability Insurance
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Palms
Located westward in Los Angeles, Palms, also known as The Palms, is the oldest neighborhood to become part of the city, with its history going centuries back. Today, the neighborhood is mostly residential, moderately populated, and some would even say barely noticeable behind the glitz and glamor of nearby Beverly Hills and Malibu. Formerly, the area was known primarily as a vacation spot and was famous for its agricultural setup. The neighborhood now has a sizeable commercial zone, though most of it is still residential, and overall, it carries the same Mediterranean climate and feeling as the rest of Los Angeles. Not being as busy as the other parts of the city, Palms is rather serene and peaceful, a somewhat untouched corner when it comes to Hollywood.
However, Los Angeles is no stranger to the big screen. There isn't a place on Earth that knows it better! Movies and TV shows like Top Gun: Maverick, Game of Thrones, Nope, Bullet Train, Rick and Morty, The Patient, Cobra Kai, Blonde, and Me Time are excellent examples of how Los Angeles continues to invite film productions with its unparalleled charm and allure. While Palms may not receive the same love, owing to its laid-back setup, the area is impressive nonetheless and offers a plethora of filming destinations, each more impressive than anticipated. Overall, the filming guidelines in Palms are clear and concise, making it the perfect spot for your next filming project, and you can always count on Giggster to help you pick the most iconic filming locations in The Palms.
Now, let’s dive into the local filming laws!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Palms?
All filmmakers need to get the required film permits to be able to film legally in The Palms. Film permits are issued when the film production either shoots on public property or uses public property during their film production activities. In both cases, the filming guidelines in Palms state that you’ll need a permit. Also, it is important to note that a permit generally covers only the basic areas of the film production – for special circumstances, additional permits may also be needed, such as:
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit allows the film production to use gunfire, explosions, fire-based special effects, and similar elements in their script and is issued after a thorough review from the local fire department.
Animal Control Permit
this permit is needed when an animal is involved in film production and if they need to be controlled or restrained to avoid bodily injury or property damage (such as in the case of a dog).
Aircraft Usage Permit
if the film production involves the use of aircraft, then a special permit will be needed for that as well; additional permission (and a local survey) will be required if the plan is to fly low.
Drone Filming Permit
UAS filming is not usually allowed, but you can get special permission to use drones if you assure the local authorities that you won’t violate anyone’s sense of privacy.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
student filmmakers and non-profit organizations can get their permits for a discounted rate.
Permit Management in Palms
FilmLA
FilmLA is the primary issuer of filming permits in Palms and has taken steps to make the whole process as simple as possible. Instead of having to download a bunch of online forms, then fill them up, and then submit them in person, you can do the whole thing from the comfort of your home with minimal hassle. The My FilmLA Portal makes permit issuance as easy as things get. You only have to log onto the portal, create an account if you don’t have one already, fill in the required information step-by-step, and then hit submit. You can even submit your payments remotely via card.
On top of providing the necessary permits, FilmLA will also offer technical assistance as and when needed. They’ll liaise with the local police and fire departments for your film production activities, help you notify the affected residents (or potentially affected residents) about the filming schedule, and more. Plus, you’ll also be working with the California Film Commission, which is an umbrella organization that only issues permits for state-owned properties. On top of that, however, they do offer incentive programs for all, allowing you to claim partial refunds on certain filming expenses and waivers of on-site rentals for state-owned properties.
What Insurance Do I Need in Palms?
Production insurance is the staple of filming requirements pretty much anywhere, and Palms is no different. Insurance coverage ensures that you’ll be able to compensate your production crew (including yourself) or anyone else if they’re hurt or face property damage. The city or any local governing body cannot be held liable for any damage or accident resulting from your filing activities, even if it is a slip-and-fall accident. Instead, you must prove that you can offer reimbursement for any such losses incurred upon the victims of your production crew’s negligence. Even if the risk of an accident is virtually non-existent, you still need to provide insurance coverage just in case. The baseline production insurance requirements in Palms can help you better understand what to expect, but do keep in mind that the exact requirements for insurance coverage vary with every case:
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 Palms?
Understanding the filming laws in Palms is one of the preconditions of being able to shoot your next project here. The other one is to understand your options – you have a ton of different filming locales, each more impressive than the previous one. The Bright Open Plan Warehouse, for example, offers ample space and lighting, perfect for your film shooting activities. The 24/7 Open West LA Studio is another remarkable option owing to its versatility as it houses dance classes, fitness sessions, yoga practice, rehearsals, photo shoots, and even film productions. You can also try out the Beautiful Sound Stage Facility, which offers impressive visuals and acoustics.
The Kitchen Studio Set is a bit unique in that it is rather specialized in the way it presents itself, but it does an excellent job at setting the ambiance for a cooking show/food shoot. Similarly, the West LA Architectural Gem is a majestic filming locale with unmatched design and contrasting features for the perfect shot. You can also try out the Newly Remodeled Fitness Studio, which has a spacious interior, a well-lit atmosphere, and a minimalistic feel – which works well for some.
But for something eccentric, travel back in time and try out the 1926 Spanish-Style West Los Angeles Home which, as the name suggests, has a historic and themed appearance, perfect for delivering a vintage appearance. Or for something belonging to this century, why not try the Hip Westside Craft Studio, which has a modern and chic ambiance to it and features a bright, lively atmosphere, perfect for photoshoots and film production. The Concrete Rainforest is a themed interior that is also very specialized, but its earthy tone and the blend of natural colors make it perfect at what it delivers.
Giggster can help you figure out the most suitable options for your needs; we understand that you don’t just need a space to shoot your film but an ambiance that best reflects the nature and theme of your script. Rest assured, with so many options to pick from, this should not be a problem.
Special Requirements in Palms
Filming At The Los Angeles Unified School District
You can film at the Los Angeles Unified School District, but you need to follow a multi-step process before you can get your permission to do so:
Reach out to the school district administration/board
Discuss your filming schedule and anticipated activities
File an application with the school administration to be allowed to film there
Declare your insurance coverage documentation before the school district
Once you get your approval, reach out to FilmLA
Complete the filming permit application process
Filming At Nearby State Parks
Nearby state parks include Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Topanga State Park among others, and they are all managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Once you get approval for your activities, reach out to the California Film Commission to get your permit, and after that, you're free to film. However, the park may require you to hire an official for monitoring, plus you'll have to pay the entry fees and parking fees (but the site rental will be free).
Special Permission Requirements
In some cases, you’ll have to seek permission for certain actions and activities if they are part of your script, and notify the LAPD in advance to avoid any trouble later on. These circumstances include:
If any helicopters/aircraft are involved
If any explosives, fire-based special effects, gunfire, or pyrotechnics are involved
If any gunfire (or similar sound effects) is involved
Production Crew Meal Service Regulation
You may think that this rule is made up, but that’s not the case – if you plan on serving food to your crew members, you can’t do so in public view. Instead, you must do so in an enclosure or indoors where passersby can’t see.
Noise Regulations
Palms has a zero-tolerance policy for noise pollution and assorted disturbances of this sort – this is especially true for the constant humming of power generators which can bother the locals. You are also advised to report any sudden noises you may be making to the LAPD in advance to avoid trouble later on.
Filming Beyond The Regular Hours
You have between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM for your film production activities, including setting up the stage, packing up, and other activities, not just filming. But you can extend your stay if you first survey the residents with FilmLA and secure a positive outcome.
What Does it Cost to Film in Palms?
Apart from the site rentals and filming expenses, there are some other costs and fees too that you must consider. The filming regulations in Palms dictate that you must pay a certain amount to FilmLA for the services being rendered, and then there are other fees and reimbursements for any personnel you request to be present on the set, such as officers from the local fire and police departments.
Additional Fees
Filming in public areas might necessitate cleanup and restoration, resulting in additional fees, to return the location to its original state.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Palms?
Though there are no official boundaries for Palms, some rough geographical limits have been set in place for convenience. This is important to understand since the filming laws in Palms only apply to The Palms area. The area is bordered by Beverlywood and the Cheviot Hills in the north and is itself to the northwest of Culver City (making the latter its southeastern boundary). To the northwest of the Palms lies Rancho Park, while the Mid-City is to the east, and finally, Mar Vista comes at the southwest. These geographical limits, as we mentioned earlier, are not official, but have instead been set in place to demark the area that falls under The Palms, and this is where all the aforementioned laws and regulations apply.
Outreach in Palms
You’re only required to notify the community two full days prior to the scheduled film shoot as per the Palms filming laws. And here too, the FilmLA staff will help you make all the preparations and will offer technical assistance as and when needed. You don't have to do much labor on your own, as FilmLA offers much-needed help in this regard, saving you the hassle of going door to door. However, if your filming schedule can be a major inconvenience to the people in a neighborhood, you'll have to conduct a survey first before you can get approval. This survey is needed if the film production plans on using the same location for three or more consecutive days, or if they want to film beyond the regularly allowed hours, and so on. If the locals allow it, the film production can go ahead and film their project. But it is still recommended to keep disturbance at a minimum to avoid any issues.
Community Management in Palms
Palms has been long seen as one of the best places to live not only in Los Angeles but in all of California. Owing to its welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted people, the place is nothing short of magical. Most people rent their places, and recreational spots and restaurants are abundant in the area. The area delivers an urban feel and is generally known for its well-behaved people. Everyone loves their peace of mind, though, and won't take lightly being disturbed in the name of film shooting - and the filming regulations in Palms are pretty clear on that too. But most of all, unlike the folks at Beverly Hills, the people here are humble and welcoming, making Palms all the more suitable for your film production endeavors.
Conclusion
The Palms is not just any other neighborhood of Los Angeles. For most, it is the place to be, and it attracts filmmakers very consistently too. We’ve already seen that the filming guidelines in Palms are as accommodating as one would expect from a film-production-friendly place. But other than that, the abundance of filming locations, most of which are finely designed residencies, is another factor – and there’s variety too: cafes, shops, and outdoor locations, all with their unique ambiances and atmosphere.