City Guide Filming in Venice, CA
Production Permit Fees
- FilmLA Permit Application Fee: $863
- FilmLA Permit Rider Fee: $28
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability: $1,000,000
- Worker’s Compensation: As dictated by California’s Labor Code
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per incident
- Watercraft Liability: $1,000,000
- Aviation Insurance Coverage: $5,000,000
- UAS/Drone Insurance: $2,000,000
- Product Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
- Liquor Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Venice
Sandwiched between the Pacific coast and the Westside of Los Angeles, the neighborhood of Venice is a remarkable place to be with many sightseeing jewels. Though it does not compare with its namesake in Italy, the neighborhood is by no means unimpressive. Boasting a lively beach community, it is often seen as a resort town with many features that draw tourists in scores to the area – the Ocean Front Walk, beach, and a pedestrian promenade laden with all sorts of vendors, fortune-tellers, and performers being some of the many such attractions. The beach itself is also iconic and seen as one of the best of its kind in Southern California; tourists and locals regularly take to the surfs, sunbathe, and engage in other recreational activities here.
And all of this has not gone unnoticed by the lenses of Hollywood cameras. Some of the most notable films shot here include Thirteen, American Gigolo, Baywatch, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Lords of Dogtown, Fletch, Nightcrawler, American History X, Three's Company, Falling Down, Jackie Brown, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Doors. And the list goes on! Venice has long been featured in some of the most iconic releases, and the neighborhood has an overall film-production-friendly atmosphere which makes it all the more suitable for your next cinematic pursuit.
However, you first need to acquaint yourself with the filming guidelines in Venice to avoid any troubles later on. Although the local filming laws are rather lenient and getting your film permit is not all that hard, it still pays to be prepared. Also, you might be wondering about all the options you have in Venice when it comes to filming venues and studios. Rest assured, this neighborhood houses some of the most impressive filming destinations, and Giggster will help you pick the best of the best filming locations in Venice and beyond!
Let’s dive into the local filming laws first!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Venice?
All film production activities in Venice require a film permit issued by FilmLA if the production crew uses any public property for their filming activity. This includes the use of public parking spaces (even if the actual filming is happening in a private establishment). Though the filming guidelines in Venice are very clear overall, there can still be confusion about specific situations. If this does happen, you can always reach out to the FilmLA staff for guidance about your specific matter. Also, note that besides general filming permits:
Pyrotechnics Permit
if your film production involves the use of explosives, pyrotechnics, gunfire, and fire-based special effects, you’ll have to get a special permit for that and also ensure complete fire safety on the set; plus, for loud noises like gunfire, you’ll also have to inform the LAPD in advance.
Animal Control Permit
if your filming activities involve dogs or wolves, or similar animals that can cause property damage or bodily injury if not restrained properly, you’ll have to get an animal control permit.
Aircraft Usage Permit
for using any helicopters or aircraft in film production, you’ll have to get approval from the local authorities, submit additional insurance coverage documents, and conduct a local resident survey to see if people will mind a low-flying aircraft.
Drone Filming Permit
this permit is applicable in cases where drones or UAS are used for filming or involved in film production; you’ll also have to make sure not to invade anyone’s privacy (one of the terms for this permit) as that can land you in a whole lot of trouble. Additional insurance coverage is also required.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
Non-commercial filmmakers and student film project participants can get their permits for discounted rates.
Permit Management in Venice
FilmLA
As with neighboring areas and the rest of Los Angeles, FilmLA serves as the primary permit-issuing authority in Venice. And they’ve made the acquisition of filming permits in Venice as simple as it can be. You don’t have to visit their office in person or manually fill out downloaded and printed forms. Instead, simply log onto the My FilmLA Portal, which will direct you through the whole process without any hassle. It is pretty much a step-by-step walkthrough of all the required details, allowing you to apply for your film permit from the comfort of your home, and you can even make online card payments.
Besides issuing your film permits, FilmLA will also help you in several other film-production-related areas, such as liaising with any local departments that you might want to get involved in the whole thing. This means that you won’t have to handle the local police and fire departments on your own. Similarly, they offer assistance with serving notifications to the affected residents as is required by the local filming laws. You can also count on them to help you whenever you feel stuck in the process, and they even have a whole library of online resources that you can access to better understand what is expected of you.
Besides FilmLA, you'll also be liaising with the California Film Commission, which only offers permits for state-owned properties, charges nothing for permits, and even offers rental-free access to state-owned filming venues, such as state parks, state-owned buildings, and state-owned beaches. But even if you don't need a CFC permit, you can always benefit from their film production incentive programs, namely the Film California First Program and the Star Program. These programs offer partial refunds on filming expenses and waivers on rentals for certain sites.
What Insurance Do I Need in Venice?
Having production insurance is one of the most basic prerequisites for filming pretty much anywhere, including Venice. While there may not be a serious risk associated with your filming activities, it still pays to be prepared, and this is how the County of Los Angeles sees things. You need to provide insurance coverage so that the local governing body can’t be deemed liable for any damages or losses incurred due to your filming activities. The potential victim may not necessarily be a production crew member; it can also be an innocent passerby caught up in an accident due to your film production activities, even if it is a slip-and-fall accident. You will be responsible for reimbursing the affected parties for their losses, not the government, so understanding the production insurance requirements in Venice is important. We have highlighted the baseline requirements to give you some perspective.
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 Venice?
Now that you’ve understood the basic filming laws in Venice, you might be wondering about the variety of filming venues in the area and if they're any good. You won't be disappointed! Venice has some of the most visually stunning and masterfully designed filming destinations that you can hope for. Purpose-built options like the Venice Sign Studio Loft offer all the color and contrast needed to lighten up every frame. The Modern Boho Bungalow & Photo Studio similarly delivers well on aesthetics, lighting, comfort, and luxury, bringing together all the elements needed for an epic photoshoot or filming. Similarly, the Venice Beach Production Studio offers all the vibes and colors needed for the best results.
For themed studio options, why not try the Artist's Rooftop Daylight Studio which allows natural sunlight to bathe every scene with its magnificence while offering the perfect contrast and color on its own as well? The Westside Industrial Studio Space is a similarly epic-themed option with its industrial vibes, perfect contrast, and well-lit interior. But if you're looking for something more down-to-earth, options like the Upscale Retro Bar might be more up your alley, and this place also serves as a restaurant and music venue. Similarly, the Modern Workspace in Venice is another example of how even the most regular environments can help film productions do magic with the right script!
If you feel a bit too lost in the options we've shared so far, why not try something more homely? After all, there's no place like home – well, in this case, someone else's. The Venice Bohemian Bungalow is the perfect epitome of class and finesse, and it comes with a cinema – what more could anyone ask for? The Venice Beach Spanish-Style House on Walk Street is another example of how diverse and architecturally rich this area is – this house takes class to the next level with its fine furnishing, well-lit interior, and sun-bathed sections. You also have options like the Venice Beach House, which will take you one step closer to the biggest attraction in the area.
With so many options of all shapes and sizes to choose from, it is impossible to miss out on what you need for your script – Giggster is always here to help you pick the most premium filming venues for reasonable rates!
Special Requirements in Venice
Filming At School Districts In Venice
You might be interested in filming in one of the many school districts of the area, such as Dot Green Public Schools, Westminster Avenue Elementary School, and Coeur d'Alene Avenue School. While exclusive access to the school premises is not guaranteed, you can still reach out to the board with your proposal and discuss your filming schedule (best to schedule it during the holidays/vacations) and anticipated activities. You'll also be required to submit $1 million worth of general liability insurance coverage to be allowed to film. Once you secure approval from the school administration, just go ahead with the FilmLA permit application process, get your permit, and start filming.
Filming At Venice Beach
The famous Venice Beach, which draws visitors from around the world, is managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. You’ll first need approval from the department to be allowed to film here, and you probably might not get exclusive access to the premises. Once you submit your application, the required insurance documents (including $1 million in watercraft liability if you want to use water vessels), and supplementary documents, you’ll be able to film here. FilmLA will issue the permit after approval from the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Filming At Nearby State Parks
State parks, like the nearby Will Rogers State Historic Park, are managed by the California Department of Recreation and Parks. You'll need approval first from the department, followed by a film permit issued by the California Film Commission, to be able to film here. Although the permit and the site rental are both free, you still need to pay for the entry fees, parking fees, and monitoring fees for any park official you'll be asked to keep on-site with you.
Special Permission Requirements
The following filming activities would require you to inform the LAPD in advance in Venice:
Using aircraft/helicopters in film production
Using explosives, pyrotechnics, fire-based special effects, etc.
Using gunfire (or gunfire sounds)
Production Crew Meal Service Regulation
You can’t serve your production crew meals in public view, it must either be indoors on in an enclosure.
Regulations Concerning Generator Noise
The constant humming of power generators is not merely frowned upon in Venice, it is also illegal.
Filming Beyond The Regular Hours
If you want to film past the regular hours - 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM - you’ll have to conduct a resident survey and get a positive response before you start.
What Does it Cost to Film in Venice?
Besides the site rentals and assorted filming expenses, there are other costs associated with filming as defined by the filming regulations in Venice. FilmLA is the main point of contact for all film productions, so all the fees are payable to FilmLA, even those that are to be paid to local departmental officials for their services. The costs and fees directly payable to FilmLA include:
Additional Fees
If you need assistance from the local department officials on your film set, you'll have to pay them for their time and services, via FilmLA, as per the following rates:
You will have to pay all the applicable fees to be able to film legally in Venice. Otherwise, you might face serious penalties. Also, if the fees seem excessive, you can benefit from the incentives offered by the California Film Commission, which involve partial refunds and waivers of on site rentals for state-owned properties.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Venice?
As with several other neighborhoods of Los Angeles, there are no official boundaries for Venice. However, you do need some reference to understand the extent to which the filming laws in Venice apply. The most obvious natural boundary of Venice is the Pacific Ocean to the west, which is also the Venice Beach area. To the northwest of the neighborhood lies Santa Monica. To the northeast is Mar Vista. Culver City lies to the southeast of Venice alongside Marina Del Rey and Del Rey. And lastly, we have Ballona Creek to the south.
Outreach in Venice
Normally, all film productions are only required to send written notifications to all possibly affected residents two days in advance, and here too, you can get assistance from FilmLA, so there’s little you have to do on your own. No need to go door-to-door. But, as per the Venice filming laws, there’s an exception here – if you want to film in the same public space for more than three consecutive days, want exclusive access to certain lanes and streets, or need to continue shooting past the normal time limits, you'll have to conduct a local survey. Only when most of the residents and business owners respond positively to your survey will you be allowed to begin your film project.
Community Management in Venice
Overall, the community in Venice is a mix of people of all financial statures, including both the ultra-wealthy and those who live from paycheck to paycheck. While the local community has long witnessed and even enjoyed the presence of filmmakers in the area, there is no knowing to what extent they'll go to accommodate any special requests. If you stick to basics, with two-day advance notification, and avoid excessive disturbance, then there's rarely an issue. However, if you want to get a positive response for a resident survey, you'll have to show passion, enthusiasm, and lots of humility to be able to make a good enough impression to improve the chances of getting a positive response.
Conclusion
Venice has it all – a stunning beach, premium filming locations, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, a vibrant cityscape, and an overall “Hollywood” feel. We’ve also seen how you can comply with the filming guidelines in Venice without much effort. Getting a permit is as easy as things get, plus you can count on FilmLA for technical assistance, help with notifications, liaison with local departments, and more for all that you're paying them. The California Film Commission also sweetens the deal with its incentives, allowing you to enjoy rental-free access to state-owned sites and partial refunds on filming expenses.
Couple all of this up with some of the finest filming spots in Los Angeles, including ultra-luxurious mansions, sunbathed beach houses, public spaces, restaurants, bars, rooftop venues, purpose-built studious, and many more – you've got all you need in one place. Not to mention the world-famous beach! With so many cinematic successes having their origin right here in the heart of Hollywood, what's keeping you from replicating the same success for your project?
Plus, you never have to worry about getting the most suitable and premium filming locations wherever your work takes you because Giggster is here to help!