City Guide Filming in San Francisco, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: $525 per day
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability Coverage
- Protection for Equipment
- Worker's Compensation
- Auto Liability
- Waiver of Subrogation
Additional Permits
- A police officer costs an average of $130.13 per hour
- A Muni Inspector costs between $140.19-$172.59 per hour
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA):
- o Cable Car: $468 per hour
- o Historic: $243 per hour
- o Vintage: $362 per hour
- o Motor: $186 per hour
- o Trolley: $179 per hour
- o LRV: $395 per hour
- o GO-4: $113 per hour
Discounts
- Student Fee: Free
- Nonprofits Fee: Free
About San Francisco
While the film industry might have started in Hollywood, San Francisco is an iconic production destination with a long history as the backdrop of many films. From cinema classics to the biggest blockbusters, the Bay Area has made several appearances on the silver screen. There was never a time when the Bay Area was not a focus for ambitious filmmakers wanting to use the city as a film location, produce film there, or just want to hang out or dine out.
In a city this beautiful, it’s no surprise that San Francisco features blockbuster movies like The Rock, Star Trek IV, Bullitt, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and The Matrix Resurrections. Murder in the First, Nash Bridges, Silicon Valley, and Tales of the City are also a few of the many popular TV shows set in the city.
If you have decided to shoot your film in San Francisco, we are confident you’ll find the right location. But, before you begin filming in San Francisco, there are certain important things you need to consider. You can't simply rent a movie set in San Francisco and shoot whenever and wherever you want.
This city has its own set of San Francisco filming laws and regulations, and you will need to obtain a film permit before filming in San Francisco. If you are new to the Bay Area, you may not be well informed about film permits. If you’re going to film in the Bay Area, you can find your next San Francisco filming location with Giggster.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in San Francisco?
You need a filming permit in San Francisco before you can shoot a film on the city property, either for a commercial or non-commercial purpose. You are only excepted if you need it for private family use. The film permit is a certificate issued by Film SF (the body responsible for issuing a permit) that allows filmmakers to work in the city. Film permits are required so that San Francisco can strike a balance between allowing the production crew to work and ensuring the community's rights are protected.
This film production permit, however, does not give you permission to film on city beaches, parks, or private properties. Check out their Film SF Contact page to find the right person to talk to about these and other areas. Acquiring a permit in San Francisco is a little less complicated than, say, getting film permits in Long Island, but there are a few basic requirements you must meet.
Student Filming
SF film doesn’t charge students for a film permit in the city. A student filmmaking project is defined as a school assignment that is under a university providence insurance coverage.
Non-profit filming
While you do need a permit for non-profit filming, the permit fee is waived. However, you’ll need to submit a copy of your IRS 501c form.
Late-Night or Early-Morning Filming
A permit is issued for filming between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm. While you can get a permit for movie productions outside of these hours, City Noise Ordinance is taken into consideration.
Permit Management in San Francisco
Film SF
As part of the Mayor’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development, Film SF is the body tasked with overseeing guidelines, procedures, and permits for film productions in San Francisco. The agency handles permitting on a wide variety of projects, ranging from still photography and student films to feature films and TV series. You can also access city resources such as filming on city-owned property, scenes available in the San Francisco Rebate program, and vendor discounts when you obtain the SF film permit.
To get a film permit in San Francisco, you must first secure production insurance, complete the application and give notice to the community. Depending on the type of film and where you intend to shoot, other specific San Francisco filming regulations may apply. You may need to contact multiple government agencies in order to obtain a San Francisco Permit.
Fortunately, the agency liaises with the local government legislators and agencies, creative organizations, the San Francisco Police Department, Fire Service, the hospitality industry, local unions, the film community, and several media outlets. So, in addition to being responsible for the production permit, they are also the first source for any inquiries and can connect you to the best contacts for your needs.
The agency stands ready to help you with San Francisco film production-related questions of all kinds. Staffed by experts, the agency will save you time and hassle. It takes at least 7 business to process the permit, including the application, proof of insurance, and other vital permitting requirements.
What Insurance Do I Need in San Francisco?
Film insurance, also known as film production insurance, protects film production companies and projects from potential liabilities that may arise during the production process. Film production insurance comes in a variety of forms, and due to the various types of films, there are numerous insurance coverage and policies available to filmmakers.
A film production insurance policy is typically purchased by production companies or producers. The type of insurance policies required for a specific film project will be determined during the pre-production phase. Plus, the amount of insurance required for a film permit to be issued in San Francisco will depend on the activity.
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 San Francisco?
Are you looking for a filming location to shoot your next music video, commercial press video, fashion shoot, TV, or other filming projects? San Francisco has a number of fantastic locations where any task can be transformed into cinematic magic. San Francisco, with its iconic landmarks, breathtaking scenery, and diverse range of locations, has a long history as a favorite destination for filmmakers - and moviegoers who want to see where their favorite scenes were shot.
San Francisco is an excellent location for any type of film, combining unique architecture with breathtaking views. The city has some of America's most diverse scenery, with everything from beautiful beaches and wild coastlines to vast cactus-filled deserts, lush vineyards, and soaring mountains.
We recommend taking a stroll through vibrant Chinatown, which is ideal for shooting outdoor scenes. Potrero Hill, one of the Bay Area’s sunniest neighborhoods, was used as the setting for the well-known car chase in the film "Bullitt." There are several outdoor shooting locations in this area, as well as top-notch studios.
Many creative studios and inspiring production facilities can be found in the vibrant Mission District. Another great filming location is Lombard Street, a zigzag avenue used frequently in films to depict the hilly layout of the city. Car chases are usually set there, but film producers also shoot the street from above to have a great view of the city in their film.
Special Requirements in San Francisco
Point Reyes National Seashore
Before filming commercials at Point Reyes National Seashore, filmmakers must obtain permits and report in writing any filming activities that do not meet the definition of low-impact filming to the National Park Service at least 10 days in advance.
When shooting in that wilderness areas, you must adhere to all applicable park laws and regulations, including prohibitions on structures, motor vehicles, installations, motorized equipment, mechanical transport, motorboats, or aircraft landings.
Park Areas
The filming guidelines in San Francisco for these park areas are provided by the San Francisco Recreation and Park and Film SF. So you will need an additional permit to shoot in the parks.
All drone permits require a licensed pilot and a $2M General Liability Insurance policy with the Department named as an additional insured.
The primary purpose of a park is to serve the public. So, if you are granted permission to shoot your film by temporarily excluding the public from the areas you require for production, you must do so with great civility. You must also post a notice with your company's phone number, the time and duration of the closure at the site at least 48 hours before the closure.
You must always follow the directions of the recreation directors, employees, and gardeners. If there is a disagreement, you should get in touch with the permit office.
You are not permitted to use the department’s barrels or dumpsters. You must also remove all garbage generated by your production and/or food catering from the site.
Golden Gate Bridge
Marin Headlands, Conzelman Road, Battery Spencer, Fort Baker, and Cavallo Point areas are under Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) jurisdiction and permit process.
The District has jurisdiction over areas beneath the North Approach Viaduct of the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB) and its permit process.
People are allowed to film outside during the week until sunset. Crew sizes on the sidewalk must not exceed 5 people.
Street and Lane Closures
SFMTA permits all street and lane closures. Before closure applications can be approved, they must be coordinated with the Film Office and the SFMTA.
All closure applications must be submitted at least 5 business days in advance.
Filming with an Unmanned Aircraft System (Drones)
You need to request for an additional permit to use a drone over the Bay Area’s property. And you must deliver all the materials to Film SF at least 7 business days before the requested filming date in order for the agency to consider processing requests for film production permits that include the use of an Unmanned Aerial System. You must submit all the required documentation before the process can begin.
In order to film with a drone, you are required to provide additional insurance as outlined in the Film Permit Application Use Agreement.
Keep in mind that meeting all qualifications required of an Unmanned Aircraft System does not guarantee that permission to fly will be granted.
What Does it Cost to Film in San Francisco?
A San Francisco film permit depends on the type of project and where you want to shoot the film. While there is no application fee for filming in the City, Film SF charges a daily fee for each day you film or park your production vehicle.
Additional Fees
In addition to the permit fees required by Film SF, additional charges are required if you need assistance from other city departments related to film activities.
You must make cancellations by 9:00 AM on the business day before the rental date to avoid fees.
Geographical Jurisdiction of San Francisco?
San Francisco is situated on the United States West Coast, at the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula. Its boundaries include significant stretches of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The city includes several picturesque islands, including Treasure Island, Alcatraz, and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island.
Several parks and nearly all of San Francisco's beaches are part of the local Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fort Funston, Land End, Fort Mason, and Alcatraz are also managed by the GGNRA, and you will require a permit from these agencies to shoot a film in the area.
Golden Gate Bridge and the National Park Service
The Golden Gate Bridge and the National Park Service both require production companies to be accompanied, and there are associated fees with this. Keep the following restrictions in mind when filming on the Golden Gate Bridge sidewalk:
· You are only permitted to film on weekdays, and during public hours you can only shoot on the west sidewalk.
· While on the sidewalk, the size of your filming crew must be kept to 5 at most. Additional filming crew and equipment may be stationed in areas near the Bridge.
Please keep in mind that the agency takes the bare minimum of 30 days to issue permits. The review of the film permit application takes 4-10 business days, and complex requests can take up to 60 days.
Outreach in San Francisco
While Film SF allows you to film between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm, the agency also allows production outside of these hours as it takes into consideration the City Noise Ordinance. However, you are required to notify the impacted residents of the film production activities occurring in their neighborhood. You may also be required to conduct a survey in the residential area you want to film. This survey helps you gauge the neighborhood support and concerns for a planned filming activity.
The survey includes information about the areas you plan to film and hours of filming outside of the 7 am to 10 pm approved by Film SF. For instance, if during the shooting, there are going to be noises, then the residents of the neighborhoods should be aware of it. In this case, you will be more confident and also know that they are not going to complain about your filming activities.
Community Management in San Francisco
Film SF offers more than just permission for shooting films; the agency also offers an extensive community notification program. They offer a neighborhood notification service, which delivers timely notices of filming to the members of the community. While Film SF offers these services that you have already paid for, it is still important to foster a healthy relationship with the local community.
Sometimes the best way to get the community involved is to go out into the community and not wait for them to come to you. You may want to involve your filming crew with the causes and local events important to the local community. This can help increase the awareness of your film production within the community.
Conclusion
It is no secret that San Francisco is one of the most photogenic and iconic cities in the world to shoot films. Thousands of filmmakers want to film in the city. As a major city, San Francisco is full of options that can benefit your film shoot.
Even if you've never been to San Francisco, chances are you've seen it before—on the small or big screen. For decades, film producers from all over the world have known that San Francisco is a suitable filming location: The city has a variety of beautiful settings, and lots of incentives and local support make it an appealing destination for large and small-scale shoots.
There are plenty of scenery and places to choose from for your film. So, planning your shoot will not be difficult with all the great choices. Having said that, applying for a San Francisco film permit must be on top of every filmmaker's production responsibility. Getting a film permit as soon as possible and understanding the jurisdictions ahead of your production will make the process smooth. The permitting process in San Francisco is a way of ensuring that the film production team and the local communities will continue to benefit each other.