City Guide Filming in Ventura, CA
Production Permit Fees
- Student fee: $50
- Other types of filmmakers fee: $200
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability
- Drone or Aviation Insurance
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Ventura
Welcome to San Buenaventura (“Ventura”), the historic city on the Central Coast of California, where recreation, outdoor pursuits, arts and culture, and film production are all premium experiences. This beautiful city, located about sixty-eight miles northwest of Los Angeles, is nicknamed Southern California’s whispered secret but is certainly no secret for all its pleasures, delightful activities, and memorable adventures. Filmmakers and tourists alike are among those who love spending time in the city because of its fascinating locations that encourage diverse pursuits.
For production companies, Ventura is the ideal destination for various kinds of filming activities, be it feature films, commercials, television shows, student productions, music videos, or any other commercial filming exercise. Just as Ventura has been welcoming visitors and recreation buffs for a long time, it has also been a popular film production area, dating back to the early 1900s. It’s hard to pass up the opportunity to set up stages and production equipment in Ventura’s top-class locations that offer breathtaking views that are hard to match or replicate.
Some of the popular productions done in Ventura include Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019), Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Licorice Pizza (2021), Boogie Nights (1997), That '70s Show (1998–2006), Scarface (1983), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), and Cleopatra (1917). If you’re looking for an amazing place for your next project, don’t miss out on what this city offers. Find your filming location in Ventura now using Giggster!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Ventura?
Certain activities will require a permit, others do not.
Production activities that do not require a film permit to take place in the city of Ventura are as follows:
Those conducted by media teams employed by a news entity that is broadcasting news about happenings in the city that are of interest to the public
Those within an established or fixed business location for production in the city
Those conducted on private property that does not interfere with or obstruct any public facilities or spaces for the entire period of filming
On the other hand, if you will be carrying out any of the following activities while in Ventura, you need a film permit:
Commercial production of motion pictures, videotapes, television shows, adverts, etc.
Filming activities that will interfere with the ordinary use of public and city facilities, public rights-of-way, sidewalks, parking facilities, etc.
If your production will involve the use of pyrotechnics, explosives, or fires, you will need to obtain a Fire Permit before you can engage in production activities in Ventura. If you are ever in doubt about whether you need a permit for what you intend to do in Ventura, simply reach out to the City’s Community Partnerships Division for clarification.
Permit Management in Ventura
Office of the Community Services Administrator
In Ventura, the Community Services Administrator receives film applications and is also responsible for issuing and revoking film permits to production companies that wish to do business in the city. The Community Services Administrator, upon receiving the application, forwards it to reviewing officers for their recommendations. These reviewing officers may include the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the Public Works Director, the Parks Director, or any other department in the city that will be affected by the proposed project.
After careful review and investigation, if the application comes back without any concerns, the Community Services Administrator decides on whether to issue the permit or not. The applicant can be asked to attend a meeting with the city agencies regarding the production.
The film permit application process in the city of Ventura is as follows:
The filmmaker completes the application form and submits it at least thirty business days before the proposed date of filming.
The filmmaker accompanies the application with the payment of the non-refundable application fee.
The application is reviewed by appropriate City departments for recommendations.
The filmmaker submits the certificate of insurance in line with the city requirements at least five business days before filming.
If the application is considered ready for approval, the filmmaker will be contacted to review and sign the permit.
The filmmaker will pay any additional fees deemed necessary for the production after the review process and thereafter the film permit will be issued.
If there are other special requirements for production, the filmmaker will be notified so that they can comply with them. Depending on the nature of the project, these special requirements may include police, fire, traffic control requirements, etc.
What Insurance Do I Need in Ventura?
As a filmmaker that intends to film in the city of Ventura, there are insurance requirements that you must comply with, especially if you require a permit for filming. The City’s Risk Manager determines your project's insurance requirements based on its nature and scope from the information in your film permit application.
The extent and nature of your film project may also require that you pay a Performance Bond. However, you must indemnify the City using a Hold Harmless Agreement as well.
In general, the basic production insurance requirements for obtaining a film permit in the city of Ventura are:
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 Ventura?
As a filmmaker, you probably know about the various unique filming locations in the city of Ventura that suit different production requirements and offer great filmmaking opportunities. The city’s historic structures, ocean views, beaches, marinas and harbors, and business and residential districts all make filming here a memorable experience.
Visit Downtown Ventura to explore spots such as the Mission San Buenaventura, dining shops, galleries, museum, the Ortega Adobe, and the city hall. There’s no way you can miss the statue of Junipero Serra here too. Besides, if you’re looking for wine bars, restaurants, and breweries, Downtown Ventura is the place to go to find these perfect spots for your project desires.
The streets of Ventura are great places for filming as well, as they feature beautiful murals that tell the story of the city. These murals are one of a kind and add that extra spice when used as a backdrop in projects. Ventura Avenue is one of the places to go to see just what these beautiful works of art entail.
As for the architectural styles that are predominant in the city of Ventura, you will find Spanish Colonial style structures as well as California Rancho-style, Cape Cod, Contemporary, and Victorian-era homes. Broadly speaking, Ventura is home to arts as well, with several art studios, theaters, and entertainment venues scattered around the city.
Special Requirements in Ventura
Ventura Harbor
The Ventura Port District manages the permitting process for filming on the Ventura Harbor. Filmmakers are required to complete an application form and submit it to the Ventura Port District at least ten business days before the date of production. Thereafter, a representative of the Port District will contact the filmmaker to discuss the details and requirements for the production and what they need to do to get the necessary approvals for filming. Feature films, commercials, TV series, and music videos are common kinds of projects on the Harbor.
As a filmmaker seeking permission to film on Ventura Harbor, the following considerations are essential:
Protect, hold harmless, and indemnify the Ventura Port District from any claims or demands arising from an incident or event during filming.
Comply with foot traffic regulations over Ventura Port District property.
Alcohol is prohibited unless applicable agencies grant permission for its use.
Pay a refundable deposit of $250.
Arrange for a lifeguard who will be on-site for all filming activities near/on the water.
Provide public liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit not later than fourteen days before the date of filming and name the Venture Port District as an additional insured.
Here are some of the fees required for filming in Ventura Harbor:
Non-refundable permit application fee of $100.
Late film permit application fee of $175 (for applications submitted in less than ten business days).
3.5% service fee on credit card purchases.
Launch Ramp use fee of $250 for six hours.
Harbor Patrol Officer fee of $75 per hour (4-hour minimum).
Ventura County
The Ventura County Film Commission manages the permitting process for all productions (web productions, music videos, commercials, TV series and movies, feature films, as well as student productions) scheduled to take place on public and private property within the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Students must contact the Film Permit Coordinator regarding their production. Personal filming activities do not require a film permit here.
In Ventura County, there are two types of film permits that filmmakers can apply for – ministerial permits or discretionary permits. Ministerial permits limit the number of filming days allowed, especially when the filming is in certain zones. Discretionary permits, on the other hand, are not limiting but entail a more intensive review process.
Standard film applications require three business days for processing, while those applications that require waivers require five business days. For a permit to be considered by the Ventura County Film Commission, the filmmaker must submit a Property Owner Authorization Form indicating that they have permission for filming from the property owner, and a Site Plan Map.
Depending on the nature of your production, you may require additional permits such as Encroachment Permit and Fire Permit to film in Ventura County. You will not require insurance if you’re filming on private property, however, you will require one if you intend to film on property that is owned by the County and operated by the General Services Agency; on the right of way; County roads; or by County parks.
Filming fees for production in Ventura County are non-refundable and they include:
Film permit application fee of $324 when applying.
A film location fee of $243 for the first location and $166 for each additional location.
Film permit amendment fee of $162.
A business license fee of $150.
Fire Department Review Fee of $228.
Animal Services Review Fee of $50.
What Does it Cost to Film in Ventura?
Before any filmmaker will be granted a permit to film in Ventura, they must have paid a certain stipulated amount for the permit application:
Additional Fees
In addition to the film permit application fee, production companies will be informed about the additional fees that may apply to their productions based on the City services the project would require. Such services may include Police, Fire, Code Enforcement, or Parks & Recreation personnel services, among others. The filmmaker will usually get the invoice before the final permit is issued and would be required to pay before filming commences.
If the filming will require the removal of parking at a meter space Downtown, the filmmaker must pay $50 and the cost of the metered space for as many hours as is used. Each metered space costs $1 per hour between 10 am and 9 pm.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Ventura?
The city of Ventura is bordered on the western end by the Ventura River and in the northern areas by the steep slopes of the Ventura foothills. Oxnard Plains and its flatlands lie to the east of Ventura, while the Santa Clara River forms the southern boundary of the city. Nearby municipalities to the city of Ventura include Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Santa Clara.
Camarillo
To film in the city of Camarillo, a producer must apply for a film permit at least seven days before the start of filming. In addition, the producer may be required to obtain a city business tax license or other permits from some agencies because of the nature of production. All film permit applications must go to the Department of Community Development.
To film on multiple properties in Camarillo, the filmmaker must provide authorization from the property owner(s). For residential neighborhood filming, the filmmaker must provide approval from the Homemaker's Association as well.
When applying for a film permit in Camarillo, a filmmaker must present the following: The completed film permit application. A site plan. The filming fees. A Certificate of Insurance as well as an Endorsement Form. Authorization from the property owner. VCFPD Questionnaire for Filming.
The production insurance requirement in Camarillo is commercial general insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The city must also be included as an additional insured on the certificate of insurance. Vendors associated with the film production are required to provide the same insurance coverage as well.
Oxnard
Producers that intend to film in Oxnard must submit their permit application form at least seven business days before the start of filming either via email or directly to the City Manager’s Office. Productions that require street closure or special requests, in general, must be submitted at least 14 days before the start of filming.
The following are required as part of the application for a film permit in the city of Oxnard: A location filming permit application. A Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement. An Insurance Form (with limits not less than $1,000,000. A Film Permit Attestation Form. Oxnard Fire Department Questionnaire and Fire Permit for Filming. A Sample Site Plan. A notice of proposed filming, certification of notifications, and certification of permissions to the neighborhoods that will be affected by filming may be required from the filmmaker if deemed necessary.
The cost of the film permit in Oxnard is $100, while the location fee for a property is $300. Shooting on public property for multiple days costs $200 per day. A Fire Permit also costs $150.
Port Hueneme
A filmmaker requires a permit to film on public and private property in the city of Port Hueneme. These locations include streets, parks, piers, sidewalks, beaches, and other facilities under the control of the city. The city requires advance notice of five business days for film permits in general. Productions that require Police and Fire services must be submitted at least fifteen business days before the start of filming.
There is no fee for the film permit application. However, if there is a need to make a change to the permit, the filmmaker will pay a non-refundable rider fee of $25. Moreover, a filmmaker must pay a refundable deposit ($750 per day), use fee, and business license fee ($79 per year) before being issued a film permit. Furthermore, the production team will reimburse the city for any costs incurred during production.
Filming on the public right-of-way in Port Hueneme requires an Encroachment Permit. Producers that intend to use special effects during filming must obtain authorization from the Ventura County Fire Protection District and have a licensed Pyrotechnic Operator on hand for the entire period of the special effect production. Using aircraft for filming is not allowed in the city except if the US Navy approves it.
The insurance requirement for film production in Port Hueneme is as follows: Comprehensive general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Comprehensive auto liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. The filmmaker must list the City of Port Hueneme as an additional insured. Workers’ Compensation according to statutory requirements.
Santa Paula
Filmmakers are welcome to the city of Santa Paula for production activities as filming is allowed in the city between 7 am and 10 pm. To obtain a permit, a filmmaker must comply with the requirements below:
Submit the permit application and pay the application fee. Complete a harmless agreement that indemnifies the city from any damages or losses that occur during production. Provide public liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and liquor liability of at least $1,000,000 (if alcoholic beverages will be sold or served during production). If a higher insurance minimum is required because of the nature of production, the city’s Risk Manager will inform the filmmaker Pay a refundable bond/cash deposit, if required.
Obtain a Fire permit for special effects such as explosives, fire, and pyrotechnics during production. The filmmaker must obtain the fire permit at least 72 hours before production starts. Notify the residents of the neighborhood within 300 feet of the filming location about the nature of the filming, duration, date, and time. Comply with the additional responsibilities when filming near businesses in the areas of fees and notifications.
Outreach in Ventura
The filming laws in Ventura stipulate that production companies intending to film in the city must reach out to all business owners and residents within a 300-foot radius of the filming location. Such notification must be sent to the concerned host community members at least 48 hours before the date of filming and contain project details such as times, dates, nature, and filmmaker’s contact information. A permit may be invalidated if a permittee does not comply with this outreach requirement.
Community Management in Ventura
Good practice in film production is to maintain a good relationship with the host community. Professional filmmakers know that the community impacts productivity as projects are more successful when there’s a buy-in from the residents around the filming location. You can gain the cooperation of the folks living within the area where you are filming by keeping the filming area clean and tidy, engaging them via public forums and community meetings, and providing service opportunities where available.
Conclusion
The old city of Ventura in California is one of those places where filming is both a business venture and a fun activity. The spectacular views and beautiful settings make the different parts of town inviting and relaxing, which is why filmmakers find it hard to resist visiting the city for a shot or two. As a top filming location on the coast of California, a production exercise here is never a waste.
The Community Services Administrator in Ventura works hand in hand with the various city agencies to review all film permit applications to ensure that they comply with Ventura’s filming laws. Any filmmaker that presents all the supporting documents for a film permit on time, pays all the necessary fees, and abides by the city’s filming guidelines will have a pleasant filming experience. That could be you today if you find a location of your choice on Giggster and schedule your next production in Ventura.