City Guide Filming in Upland, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Application Fee: $800
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 Upland
Skateboarding, museums, and festivals are not the only magical elements associated with the public image of Upland – the city sits in the embrace of San Bernardino County and is a hotspot for cinematic creation, adventure, and wonder. On top of its mention in 2008’s Street Kings featuring Keanu Reeves, the city has also been directly involved in the Hollywood business. Films like Sweet Bird of Youth, Memories of a Lost Love, Deviant Love, Rising Son: The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi, Preggers, Last Mountain, Murderlust, Still Strumming, Deadly Mile High Club, How to Kill Your Roommates and Get Away with It, Santa Cruz: Wheels of Fire, and Who Cares?: The Duane Peters Story are all excellent examples of how the magic and allure of the city have made it to the big screen. The warm summers of California predominate the climate spectrum here as well, and this provides all the warmth and splendor needed to captivate the audience’s attention. While the availability of filming venues and outdoor locations is a major attraction for any prospective film production crew, the actual allure of the city lies in its location and the relatively simpler and production-friendly local filming laws. However, before you pack up your gear and rush towards the city with your crew, it is important to review the filming regulations in Upland to ensure complete preparation on your part. And as always, you can find the most premium filming venues in Upland, nearby, or elsewhere with Giggster to help you make the impact you want with your project!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Upland?
All filming activities in Upland city require a filming permit from the Upland Development Services Department. Even if you’re filming on private property but are using public assets (such as parking) for your film production crew, you’ll have to get a permit. It is best to never presume that you don’t require a filming permit and instead reach out to the Upland Development Services Department to see what you need to do in your specific case if there's any uncertainty. Also, for filming on private property, you'll need written permission from the property owner, as per the filming guidelines in Upland.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this permission is needed on top of the general permissions if any pyrotechnics, such as gunfire, explosion effects, and fire-based special effects, are involved in film production.
Animal Control Permit
for any animals involved in film production, especially those that need to be restrained to avoid any property damage or bodily injury, you'll need a special animal control permit and ensure maximum supervision and control.
Aircraft Usage Permit
this applies to any film production that wishes to use aircraft or helicopters for filming; for low-flying aircraft, a local resident survey will also be needed to ensure that the affected residents and business owners are on board with the idea.
Drone Filming Permit
you can get special permission for filming via UAS or remote-controlled drones if you ensure that the privacy of the local residents will be respected.
Permit Management in Upland
Upland Development Services Department
The Upland Development Services Department handles all matters related to film permit issuance in the city, including issuing special permissions for pyrotechnics and more. You can reach out to the department in-person at the City of Upland, California, 460 N. Euclid Avenue, or access the city’s website for online resources related to film production. Download the film permit application form, fill out all the details, attach the relevant insurance coverage evidence, and then submit it in the office, preferably in person, to initiate the permit issuance process. The requirements for filming permits in Upland are also listed on the application form, so be sure to go through those instructions thoroughly to avoid any trouble later on. You can also reach out to the department staff for further guidance, especially if your case involves the use of special elements. However, do keep in mind that for assistance from the local police and fire departments, you'll have to reach out to the relevant officials on your own – and those departments will decide on the fees for any services rendered. Not to worry, though, you can get much of what was spent on filming in Upland back! Thanks to the filmmaker incentive programs offered by the California Film Commission (which also issues film permits for state-owned properties), you can claim partial refunds and waivers on venue rentals for state-owned filming sites.
What Insurance Do I Need in Upland?
One of the most important prerequisites for filming pretty much anywhere, including Upland, is insurance. Production insurance is important as it safeguards the local government against any liability claims filed by someone who sustains any loss due to the filming activities. Any damage resulting from the film production activities is solely the responsibility of the production, not anyone else. However, one can’t help but think if there is indeed a threat associated with their film script, and perhaps the answer to this is no, but it still pays to be prepared just in case. The insurance requirements vary with the perceived level of risk, so if your script involves elements that are generally considered risky or dangerous, you’ll have to arrange for bigger insurance than you would need otherwise. All film productions are also required to list the city of Upland as additionally insured against any liability claims stemming from the film production activities, alongside all employees, representatives, and officials of the city. The exact wording for this has to be very specific, so be sure to reach out to the Development Services Department for a sample letter of endorsement. Plus, the insurance limits can be higher or lower based on the exact nature of the script and the element of risk associated with it.
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 Upland?
Now that we’ve briefly gone through the filming regulations in Upland, let's see what's in store for you in terms of the variety of filming venues and locations. You’ve got a ton of both indoor and outdoor options in Upland, and many venues combine elements of both, especially outdoor pools combined with indoor spaces. To start, you have the White and Green Infinity Wall Studio, which has a unique design scheme and is equipped with all the features and facilities you need to make every scene appear its best, especially via CGI (green screen). Similarly, the Multipurpose Creative Space is an excellent purpose-built facility that comes with a more natural look, ample light, and vivid contrast. Another realistic option is the Local Health Center which would be perfect for anyone looking to film in a medical setting (or a psychiatrist’s office), due to the space’s ambiance, color, contrast, and lighting. In contrast with these facilities, you also have residential options that combine class, elegance, and the perfect lighting and contrast. For example, the Grand 1935 Colonial Home boasts an impressive interior and just as amazing of a yard outside. The Tropical Hacienda is a themed space that offers both indoor and outdoor elements, accentuated further by the sun rays bathing the whole scene, especially the outdoor pool. The same is also true for the Upland Tropical Fun House, which boasts similar amenities but in a different theme and style. Another option is the Claremont Home, which offers an outdoor pool and a lavish interior, fully furnished, well-lit, and boasting the perfect color palette. A more budget-friendly option is to rent a locally available apartment for those home-based shots – and if you want, you can get a sparsely furnished space, allowing you to add stuff as per your liking to set up a theme. But if none of this has managed to impress you, then this will – it is impossible to look away from this one: the Horror Murder Factory is the perfect themed space for filming dark and psychological horror-style films or a Halloween-themed project. The space comes with a kill room, boiler, and much more. The options are limitless, and Giggster will help you pick the best of the best for a reasonable price!
Special Requirements in Upland
Filming At The Upland Unified School District
You can film at the Upland Unified School District if you secure the necessary permissions and fulfill the school board's requirements. You'll have to reach out to the school administration with the details of your script/filming activities, share your schedule, submit an application for such permission, and share documented evidence for your insurance coverage amounting to $1 million in general liability. After thoroughly reviewing your proposal, the school may decide to let you film on their premises; however, to maximize your chances, be sure to time your proposal for the holidays or vacations so that you can get unabated exclusive access to the school premises.
Filming At Nearby State Parks
State parks abound in California, and the vicinity of Upland is no different, with names like Prado Regional Park and Chino Hills State Park being the most prominent. State Parks are managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and it is up to them to allow you to film there. Once you secure their permission, reach out to the California Film Commission (as only they can offer film permits for state-owned properties) for a free filming permit and site-rental free access to the state park for your project. However, you'll still be required to cover all park dues, like the cost of hiring a park official as a monitor, entry fees, and parking charges.
Filming At Other Special Locales In The City
The city is laden with several points of interest that draw the attention of both tourists and locals. Many of these are considered iconic and central to the history of the city itself. Such locations include: Upland Fire Department Museum Cooper Regional History Museum Inland Empire Museum of Art Madonna of the Trail Historic Route 66 Euclid Avenue Historic Downtown Upland All of these points of interest are managed by different departments and organizations, you'll have to secure additional permission from the management to be able to film here. If you're not sure, just ask the Upland Development Services Department.
Noise Regulations
Generally, there is a strict anti-noise-pollution stance in the city, and this is all the more true for the more affluent areas of Upland. Power generators, automobile horns, loudspeakers, and crew member noise are all examples of what the city deems unacceptable, and this can also land you in troubled waters with the locals. Best to keep the disturbance at a minimum and avoid noise pollution as much as possible.
Filming Beyond The Regular Hours
Normally, there is a strict schedule for filmmakers to adhere to for their project, and that is 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday. You are not allowed to film beyond these hours/days and must carry out all your filming activities (including setting up the stage and pack-up) within this time limit. The only possibility to extend this time limit is to send a special application to the Upland Development Services Department alongside a copy of a local survey showing that the residents are okay with your request.
What Does it Cost to Film in Upland?
On top of the filming expenses and site rentals, you're also responsible for the fees and dues payable to both the Upland Development Services Department and any other local departments whose services you may require on the set, as per the Upland filming laws. Some of the fees are declared in advance, most notably, the permit application fee; however, other dues are decided by the concerned departments, specifically for your case.
Additional Fees
If you need any assistance from the local departments, you’ll have to reach out to them on your own (the Upland Development Services Department won’t do so) and ask for a quote. The costs can add up quickly, but the incentive programs offered by the California Film Commission can give you much-needed support with partial refunds and waivers on rentals for state-owned sites. You are obliged to pay all the dues, but you’ll get value for your investment.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Upland?
The filming regulations in Upland discussed above are only applicable within the geographical limits of Upland, so understanding city limits is important. Nestled in the embrace of northern San Bernardino Valley, the city sits in the vicinity of many natural wonders, such as the Mount San Antonio of the San Gabriel Mountains, which caps at 10,064 feet and is no more than 9.5 miles away from the city, moving northward. But as for the boundaries of the Upland City itself, to the east, Rancho Cucamonga forms a boundary, the southern boundary is marked by Montclair and Ontario, and Claremont marks the western boundary. Lastly, the northern boundary is marked by San Antonio Heights.
Outreach in Upland
You’ll also be required to send notifications to all affected residents at least two days before your filming schedule, but ideally, as soon in advance as possible. The Upland filming laws require you to notify all affected business owners and residents of any filming activity in public spaces or if any public spaces are to be used for film production activities. And you must also list all relevant information, such as whether or not there will be any blocked roads (and suggest alternative routes, if any), filming venues, timing, and so on. The notification must also list the contact details of your representatives so that the people may reach out to you for information or complaints. Normally, a local survey is not needed for film production. However, if any special elements are to be part of the film, such as a low-flying aircraft, pyrotechnics, exclusive access to certain streets, or requesting access to a neighborhood for several consecutive days, you’ll have to get the local residents’ opinions first. Be sure to conduct a survey (if the Upland Development Services Department requires one) a week in advance to be able to share the results with the permit-issuing authorities on time.
Community Management in Upland
The community in Upland is a mix of wealthy, middle-class, and low-income people, so don’t expect any broad generalization regarding what to expect from the locals. However, for the most part, the Uplanders are warm and welcoming people and have witnessed film production activities happening nearby, considering the number of cinematic masterpieces put together here. Plus, since the filming laws in Upland only require you to send notifications to the affected residents, you don’t have to worry much about getting people’s approval; however, if that too is needed, be sure to show enthusiasm and passion (coupled with a nice gesture) to maximize your chances. Just keep the disturbance level at a minimum!
Conclusion
The generally relaxed and flexible filming guidelines in Upland are not the only good thing about filming here. You also have premium filming venues, including some of the finest indoor spaces and venues that combine both indoor and outdoor elements to perfection. And then there are the warm California summers, historic elements scattered throughout the city, the natural surroundings, especially the San Gabriel Mountains, and vibrant local culture, the likes of which are hard to find. Overall, Upland is the perfect package for any filmmaker with its many perks and features, even though the film permit issuance process is not as smooth as it is in Los Angeles and other parts of California. On the plus side, the permit application fee is considerably lower, and once you understand the local filming laws, you won’t face much trouble with the permit application process or the actual filming. The filmmaker incentives offered by the California Film Commission are another major encouragement and offer much-needed help with partial refunds and waivers on venue rentals for state-owned filming sites. So, if you're in town and looking for the best filming venues, you can count on Giggster to share the most premium listings with you in an instant!