City Guide Filming in Redondo Beach, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $735
- Refundable Deposit: $1,000
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1 million
- Property Damage: $1 million
- Worker’s Compensation: Regulated by federal and state laws
- Automobile Liability: $1 million per incident
- Watercraft Liability: $1 million
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5 million
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2 million
- Product Liability Insurance: $1 million
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1 million
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Redondo Beach
The warm summers and sandy beaches of Redondo Beach are sure to attract budding filmmakers like you to capture the illustrious beauty of the scenery in every shot. Redondo Beach is not all that far from the heart of the U.S. film industry, Hollywood — taking the I-110 N gets you there in a little over an hour. Sitting along the southern section of Santa Monica Bay, the city is one of the three coastal urban centers in the region. Its beach landscape and municipal pier have attracted tourists in the thousands from within the USA and abroad. Sports enthusiasts also head towards the city in swarms due to its many attractions and sport-friendly locales.
The warm climate is perfect for filming around the year, although the winters can and do get chilly. Filmmakers have put together some of their best work in the city and incorporated its unique charm and beauty in their frames. Blockbusters like Collateral, Point Break, She's All That, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Savages, The Hot Chick, The O.C. (Series), and The Terminal List (Series) have been filmed here – and the list goes on! If you have your eyes set on the finest filming destinations in California, Redondo Beach offers many indoor and outdoor attractions for film productions. Giggster can help you find nearby areas for your next filming project.
But it is essential to understand the filming guidelines in Redondo Beach to avoid any troubles later on, and discuss just that in the following sections!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Redondo Beach?
Filming activities need relevant permits in Redondo Beach, but this only applies to film production crews, not solo video-makers (for Instareels, Youtube shorts, or TikTok) or vloggers. As per the filming guidelines in Redondo Beach, all filmmakers need to get a filming permit from the City Business License Department at 415 Diamond St., Redondo Beach, CA, or you can contact them at (310) 318-0663. But before you can do so, you should also contact the Redondo Beach Fire Department for their approval. Move ahead with the rest of the process once the local fire department approves.
Besides general filming permits, the following may also be relevant to your case:
Fire Prevention Officer Approval
you’ll need to get a fire safety approval for your film project before you can get a filming permit from the City Business License Department
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permit is needed if explosives, gunshots, special effects, and so on are included in your film script
Animal Control Permit
if a dog or a similar animal that needs to be restrained is part of the film, you’ll need an additional permit for your film shoot
Student Filmmaker Permit
if you produce your student ID, a letter from your school stating your intent to film, and COI from your institute, you can get a filming permit free of cost
Non-Commercial Filming Permit
charges for filming permits are also waived for non-commercial filmmakers
Permit Management in Redondo Beach
City Business License Department
The City Business License Department issues filming permits to film productions in the city once their request to shoot their film has been pre-approved by the local fire department. This prerequisite is mandatory for all film productions, even those filming in a residential space, such as an apartment or house rented for this purpose. Filming is not allowed without filming permits in Redondo Beach; you first need to contact the concerned authorities and get permission for your film project. Then, move ahead with your project legally.
Also, note that you should liaise with the local fire and police departments if their services are needed for your film production. The City Business License Department has shared a six-page permit application form that you can find online, download, fill out, and then submit to their office for further processing of your request. Unlike many other cities, there is no online portal for you to use for your permit application — you will have to do this the old-school way, but overall, the laws are not too harsh. And if you're ever confused about what to do next or how to get approval for certain things, you can always contact the department's focal person at (310) 318-0663.
What Insurance Do I Need in Redondo Beach?
Insurance coverage for film productions is a prerequisite for filming in Redondo Beach and anywhere in the USA. While not all film scripts may pack a sizeable threat of things going downhill, most accidents don’t give a warning. The affected parties can sue the city and get compensated by your insurance coverage if a mishap or an accident happens during the filming or as a direct result of the activities involved. Production insurance is thus a necessity, but the exact extent of it mainly depends on your filming script. For instance, if you need airplanes or cars involved, you’ll need more insurance coverage than otherwise. While there is no single formula for all, it is still essential to have a general understanding of the production insurance requirements in Redondo Beach:
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 Redondo Beach?
The city's charm is not lost indoors, as numerous filming locations offer a unique atmosphere and feel. For example, the Large Photography & Video Studio is a purpose-built facility with green screens and more, perfect for your film project. The Modern Event Venue is another example of a purpose-built facility with a coworking lounge and espresso bar. You will also find the Fully Equipped Production Studio to be up your alley if your project requires ample lighting and picture-perfect contrast.
For something more natural, you can try the Near-Seaside Fitness and Wellness Studio Space, which is commonly used for yoga sessions and more — plus, it comes flooded with natural light, offering a calming ambiance that is not found everywhere. The same can be said about the Classy Modern Lounge and Office (Near-Seaside), which provide a natural sense of calm. Similarly, you can try the premium-level Rental Fitness Area with a Classy Lounge and Office Space, which delivers natural calm and stimulation.
Alternatively, you can rent out houses. One iconic example would be the Bat Cave (remember Batman?), which leaves no room for ambiguity about what kind of space this is, plus there are exotic cars. In contrast, the Shipping Container House is more down-to-earth. For something in between, you can try out the So Cal Home, which offers a colorful and bright interior plus an outdoor pool.
From purpose-built indoor spaces to natural-looking interiors, you can find pretty much any filming destination in the city. You will most certainly be able to narrow your selection to several filming locations that match whatever picture you have in mind for your script.
Special Requirements in Redondo Beach
Filming In King Harbor
To film in the King Harbor, you’ll need permission from the Waterfront & Economic Development Department and the Harbor Patrol Department before you can apply for a permit. You’ll also need watercraft liability insurance if you plan to use a watercraft in film production. Plus, you might also have to hire officials from both departments for on-site monitoring.
Filming In Redondo Beach Unified School District
Filming in Redondo Beach Unified School District is conditionally allowed. You’ll first have to reach out to the school management and discuss your film script and schedule (the bits they need to know) with them and then request them to give their permission for the same. Once you get their approval (you'll have to apply 30 days in advance), you can file the paperwork with the City Business License Department for permit issuance. Insurance requirements are $1 million in general liability and $1 million in property damage compensation.
Timing Restrictions For Film Productions
All film production-related activities, including setting up filming stages and so on, must be completed within the proscribed timeframe. The time limit is 7:30 AM To 5:30 PM for all filming activities, and these are strictly enforced – you can get an extension if needed, but otherwise, no production-related work should be done other than this timeframe.
Noise Regulations For Film Productions
You also need to avoid excessive noise – in case your script involves special effects, gunfire, explosives, and so on, you’ll have to notify the police in advance to avoid any trouble. It is best to keep the decibel level low in the residential areas.
What Does it Cost to Film in Redondo Beach?
As per the Redondo Beach filming laws, you have to take care of some extra fees and costs, on top of the site rentals and cost of filming, to be able to film your project in Redondo Beach. However, most of the costs are left to the discretion of the City Business License Department, i.e., there is no fixed base rate. We have divided the costs into the ones that have a base rate and ones that don't — the former category includes the following expenses:
Additional Fees
On top of these, you may need to pay additional fees for assistance from the city’s officials. However, the cost here will be decided for your case specifically by the City Business License Department:
You don’t have to pay most of these costs as they only apply as and when needed — if your case does not qualify for these expenses, good for you. You can always contact the City Business License Department for more specific information. Following all the filming laws in Redondo Beach may seem tedious, but ignoring these legal regulations can land you in troubled waters and even result in the film being taken down.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Redondo Beach?
Redondo Beach is situated by the coastline in Southern California and covers a total area of 6.2 square miles. Towards the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), one can come across some of the most impressive restaurants in town and enjoy a ton of boating adventures. The city also houses the famous Redondo Breakwall, which is a surf spot frequented by enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Redondo Beach is sectioned very clearly into north and south, and east and west. The eastern side embraces the Pacific coastline. To the north of the city lie Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, both aligned along the coast. Torrance (a city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area) is to the west of Redondo Beach, whereas Rolling Hills and Rancho Palos Verdes are to the south.
Outreach in Redondo Beach
Film production crews are required to circulate a “Notice of Intent To Film” as per the filming laws in Redondo Beach to all affected residents. The circulation must be done radius-wise, meaning that all affected residents and business owners living or operating within 200 feet of the filming location in any direction must be warned about any filming activity, and the notice must be sent three days before the filming schedule. However, in some cases, the city may allow you to send the notification 24 hours in advance instead of 72 hours, but this only applies to quick, one-day shoots.
Community Management in Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is a tourist hotspot owing to its remarkable landscapes and scenic attractions, which appeal to both the locals and the visitors. Plus, since thousands of people pour into the city every year for recreation, vacationing, and sports, it is evident that the city is welcoming and warm at heart, just like its climate. The people are friendly and don’t feel bothered too often by film productions except when there is excessive noise or disturbance. Contact the locals personally to get consent forms filled, so there isn’t any trouble for you.
Conclusion
Warm Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, extensive urbanization, and tourist attractions all packed together — Redondo Beach — what else could you ask for? The city has excitement and allure; you’ll find all you’re looking for to make your film project perfect. Redondo Beach offers numerous filming locations, including indoor and outdoor options, so you never exhaust choices for your cinematic masterpieces.
You’ll find whatever you’re looking for, from purpose-built studios to houses for rent. Community management requirements are so minimal that you won’t have much to stress about — the perfect recipe for a film production paradise.
The filming laws in Redondo Beach are pretty relaxed. There are no harsh conditions for you to worry about, save for the fire safety approval before the permit application and the insurance requirements. You can secure a filming permit for most places in the city, but some require additional permissions may be needed. You can also get technical assistance from the city officials, especially the local fire and police departments (you will reach out to the departments on your own), for all your filming activity.
Downloading the film permit application form, manually filling it, and submitting it may seem laborious compared to using online portals for the same — as with other cities. However, with all that the city has to offer — the locations, ambiance, atmosphere, and beaches — you can let this one slide.
We could discuss more about why Redondo Beach will be perfect for your next film production, but this much should do the trick. You can always count on Giggster to link you with the best filming locations in Redondo Beach and elsewhere for your project!