City Guide Filming in Thousand Oaks, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Film permit application fee: $247 (non-refundable)
- Timing: Minimum 3 business days for a simple video shoot
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability: At least $2 Million per occurrence and $4 Million general aggregate.
- Workers’ Compensation: Complying with Workers’ Comp laws in California.
- Automobile Liability: At least $100,000, covering any vehicle used during filming.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Organized through the Special Events Office where needed.
Discounts
About Thousand Oaks
When you come to the City of Thousand Oaks, don’t be surprised if you spot film production crews around town. The film history of Thousand Oaks is a little-known but fascinating one. Hundreds of Hollywood films and television shows have been shot in the city. Contrary to popular belief, Thousand Oaks, with its canyons, farmland, mountains, proximity to Los Angeles, and picturesque beauty, is a Hollywood favorite for filming.
For example, did you know the TV series Spartacus was filmed on a mountainside near California Lutheran University (CLU)? Or Lassie Come Home was shot in Wildwood Regional Park? Few people realize that the zoo portrayed in the 2011 film We Bought a Zoo was Greenfield Ranch in southern Newbury Park! Thousand Oak has appeared in numerous TV series, including True Blood, Monk, Fury, and Criminal Minds, to name a few.
However, filmmakers have a lot on their plates. Filmmaking is a long and complex process that may provide little time for other responsibilities, from script selection and casting to directing and editing. Because of this time commitment, many film producers fail to understand the filming regulations and guidelines. But, to film in Thousand Oaks, you should understand the filming laws and requirements to avoid problems with the authorities.
When shooting in Thousand Oaks, Giggster makes it easy to find the best locations to film in the city. Check out these great locations for filmmakers.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Thousand Oaks?
A film permit is required for any filming within the City of Thousand Oaks, regardless of whether it is private or public. Only family videography, news teams, and filming on a certified sound stage are exempt.
Obtaining film permits from the Community Development Department is crucial in a film's pre-production. This process may vary based on where you are shooting; therefore, the first step will be to research the laws, rules, and permitting agencies for your filming location. But in Thousand Oaks, the first step is to go to the Community Development Department and figure out what kind of filming permit you'll need. It would help if you got started on this as soon as possible. You will need plenty of time to determine whether or not the location you wish to shoot your film is accessible to you.
Animal Control Permit
There are various factors to consider before incorporating animals in films that may have a huge impact on your film project. As a result, you'll need to obtain a permit from the city's Animal Control.
Pyrotechnics Permit
Do you wish to show off fireworks or pyrotechnics (sparklers, bursts, and so on)? You must obtain a permit from the Fire Department.
Encroachment Permit
The City of Thousand Oak Police Department Issue Encroachment Permits. This permit is necessary for street blockage and/or closure, pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic pausing, and/or hindrance.
Student Filming
While a permit fee may be waived, student filming projects require a permit in Thousand Oaks. To receive the permission, the student(s) named on the letter must provide the Student Certification Letter and a valid school ID.
Non-profit Filming
Charitable organizations may be excluded from various permit administration fees if documentation of non-profit status is provided. Prior to the issue of a permit, you must file a 501 (c) letter with the City of Thousand Oaks film office.
Permit Management in Thousand Oaks
Community Development Department
Community Development Department is the recognized agency that manages filming permits in the city of Thousand Oaks. Filming permits in Thousand Oaks provide access to city resources, parking for production trucks, and location assistance with public buildings, parks, and some privately held properties. As a result, the Community Development Department provides a one-stop shop for filmmakers, handling all Thousand Oaks production needs such as permits and city services.
The length of time required to issue a film permit is determined by the intricacy of the filming required. For a basic request, you must submit a permit request at least three working days before the day of filming activities. Complex filming, shooting in sensitive locations, special effects, filming on city property, road closures, intermittent traffic control (ITC), and other factors could lengthen the review time. If such filming activity is required, you should apply for a permit at least five business days ahead of filming.
Keep in mind that if the filming permit terms are breached, the City of Thousand Oaks has the authority to withdraw the permit. The City reserves the right to revoke the permit in its entirety at any time upon written notice to the Permittee from the City Manager, or his designee, for reasons of disaster, emergency, or other change in circumstances that, in the sole discretion of the City Manager, necessitates revocation of the permit.
What Insurance Do I Need in Thousand Oaks?
All production companies must show proof of insurance along with the City Endorsement form to the City of Thousand Oaks. The agency requires that you file insurance with their office or fax proof of coverage to them so they can begin processing it.
Remember that these are the bare minimum. Larger and more sophisticated shoots may necessitate additional insurance, as determined by the Community Development Department.
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 Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks is a magnificent, historic city brimming with charm and character, not to mention distinctive architecture and stunning natural beauty. While more films are being shot here lately, Thousand Oaks has long been a city Hollywood has had a love affair with. Hundreds of movies have been made, set, or both in Thousand Oaks, and it is so distinct that it frequently serves as a character in its own right. There are just so many filming locations available in the city.
For instance, the Thousand Oaks Civic Center has featured in several major productions. The building held Proteus IV in the 1977 film Demon Seed and The Six Million Dollar Man. It is a stunning filming location that can be transformed to shoot different scenes.
Wildwood Park is a popular location for filmmakers. The park contains 14 paths totaling 17 miles and two year-round waterfalls, Little Falls and Paradise Falls. From January through June, Wildwood is famed for its spring wildflower displays. The park has hosted a variety of film and television productions, including Wagon Train, Spartacus, Wuthering Heights, Gunsmoke, and The Rifleman.
The film industry also discovered the beauty of the Conejo Valley. Here, scenes from the films Tarzan, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and Birth of a Nation were shot. Today, the location and surrounding environs provide backdrops for numerous movies, television shows, and commercials.
Over 15,000 square acres have been classified as "Open Space," with over 75 kilometers of pathways. While location options are almost limitless, you can shoot diverse products at the Open Space in the city. Your production can now feature a beautiful natural location. It's easy to see why Thousand Oaks filming sites are always in high demand; it's the epitome of natural beauty.
Honestly, anywhere in Thousand Oaks is fun to shoot, and with the right filming equipment and a good eye, your skills can dazzle any location.
Special Requirements in Thousand Oaks
Conejo Recreation & Park
For the use of any park for film production, a permit must be obtained. You are required to contact the Reservations Office to check availability.
If your application is accepted, the price for filming will be calculated. These fees are computed on a sliding scale based on the size of the film crew, the duration of the shoot, and the District labor required to support it. Prior to the start of filming, the District office must receive payment in full.
The Conejo Recreation & Park District must acquire a current Certificate of Liability Insurance and Additional Insured Endorsement at least ten business days prior to the filming permit date.
Cal Lutheran
Filming on the Cal Lutheran campus requires a filming permit. Filming requests are handled on an individual basis. The campus carefully considers a production company's site requirements in relation to its capacity to meet those needs with minimal disruption to regular campus operations.
Parking Plan
The parking plan should include all equipment and spaces used for parking vehicles related to filming activities. Parking should be minimized as much as possible within residential zones to reduce the impact on the community. If parking at a place other than the filming location fulfills the definition of "staging" in Chapter 8 Film Permits, a separate permit is required.
Santa Monica Mountains
Production companies must contact the National Recreation Area Office for a permit to shoot at Santa Monica Mountains.
Rangers services are required, and the fees range from $60-$100/hr for one monitor plus administrative costs.
An application fee of $175 (non-refundable) must be submitted to get a date. After all of the specifics are finalized, a site visit will be planned, and the remaining balance will be issued with the final permit.
All National Park Service special use permits need a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of $1 Million, designating the National Park Service as the additional insured.
Your production company is responsible for cleaning the areas used for filming and the parking lot at the conclusion of the production.
What Does it Cost to Film in Thousand Oaks?
The cost of film production in Thousand Oaks differs. It all comes down to how complicated your filming permit is, such as blocking a street or lighting something on fire. The first step is contacting the Community Development Department and determining what kind of permit. It would help if you got started on this as soon as possible. When the Police or Fire Safety Officer works for the production company, they should be paid by the production company. Let's go over some of the costs related to obtaining a filming permit in Thousand Oaks, as this will also help you budget for your production.
Additional Fees
While these costs might easily add up, you must meet all requirements. The city may penalize or even shut down your film production until compliance issues are resolved. So be sure to budget for everything you'll need to film in Thousand Oaks to avoid breaking any of the city's rules.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Thousand Oaks?
The City of Thousand Oaks is located in the Conejo Valley, on the southeastern side of Ventura County, adjacent to the western limit of LA County. It is nestled within a lovely plateau surrounded by scenic mountains and tree-dotted hills. It's 24km inland from the Pacific, 62km west of LA, and 38km southeast of Port Hueneme, the only deepwater harbor between LA and San Francisco. Conejo Valley's mountains, hills, and plateau are a geologic record of the Precambrian past that shaped the California landscape into what it is now.
Powerful earthquakes and other natural forces like fire, wind, ice, and water shaped mountains, valleys, lakes, riverbeds, and canyons over millions of years. What is now Ventura County was previously submerged beneath the sea, with volcanoes rising above the surface. Marine fossils such as seashells can still be discovered in the surrounding hills.
Thousand Oaks has been committed to conserving and sustaining its beautiful and natural features since its founding. An elected 5-member City Council with an appointed City Manager oversees city administration and development, with substantial community input. Thousand Oaks has been recognized as one of the safest cities of its size in the country, as well as one of the top ten communities for statewide academic accomplishment, due to its commitment to providing the highest quality community services to its citizens and businesses. While Thousand Oaks is part of Ventura County, you need a separate permit to shoot a film in the city.
Outreach in Thousand Oaks
When Community Development Department concludes that an outreach and filming survey is required, filmmakers are directly responsible for going to the neighborhoods to communicate filming plans and address neighborhood concerns. The notification requires satisfactory completion of a Filming Survey and a reasonable attempt to address any issues raised by the survey.
Signatures of approval must be acquired from a resident of a community or business located 200 feet from the property border. When filming on location for three business days or less, you must get the approval of at least 90% of the homes and businesses within 200 feet of the filming area. When the filming on location is for four days or more, you need the approval of at least 95% of the residents and businesses within 300 feet of the shooting location.
Community Management in Thousand Oaks
As film production grows, many communities in the City of Thousand Oaks are becoming more aware of what to expect. Even at that, it is still important you carry the community along. Knowing what will happen on a shoot will help alleviate a lot of worries. You need the support of the community for your film production is succeed.
They frequently have a lot to say about the continuous film production activity in their neighborhood, and if they are unhappy, their elected authorities will hear about it and probably sabotage your production. Make new friends with your neighbors. Ensure that everyone in the surrounding region, not just those at the location, is on board. Inform them ahead of time. Someone may even offer you their home for filming.
You may also want to perform a gesture of goodwill toward the community by paying reasonable compensation for business disruption, ensuring there are enough police and other security to keep both the workers and the community safe. Also, if there are purchases to be made for the production and nearby shopkeepers sell these things, you may want to buy from them.
Conclusion
Thousand Oaks has been a popular filming location for several years due to its stunning scenery, open areas, and proximity to Los Angeles. However, before shooting, most localities in the city will require you to obtain permission. They will almost certainly have a list of fees related to this form of permission.
If you don't need a public space, shooting on private property can be a lot easier because all you need is written permission from the property owner. However, if you must shoot on public property, you must follow the Thousand Oaks filming rules and regulations to avoid having a problem with authority.
Once you've determined that a permit is required and contacted the relevant entity, the good news is that Community Development Department can work with you. You may be charged a fee, depending on the type of your project, the details of your production, and the location you desire to shoot in. This charge can range from a few dollars in some circumstances to hundreds of dollars if you're working on a larger production.
And, of course, once you've received the coveted green light, remember to strictly adhere to all laws. In any production, putting the concept into action can be a lengthy and difficult process. This Thousand Oaks film regulation guide can help you navigate the process. It can help you find the ideal filming location and acquire the necessary filming permit in no time.