City Guide Filming in Visalia, CA
Production Permit Fees
Minimum Insurance
- At least $1 million in commercial general liability coverage per project.
- At least $1 million in auto liability coverage for each car used in the shoot. A Non-owned Auto Endorsement to your General Liability Policy is adequate if you use rental cars or other non-owned vehicles.
- Workers' Compensation following the California Labor Code
- Your film production company must list the City of Visalia and Tulare County Film Commission as supplementary insurers.
Additional Permits
- Police and Fire Requirements: Organized through the Tulare County Film Commission where needed.
Discounts
About Visalia
Visalia is located in the heart of California's Central Valley, making it a convenient location for filmmakers looking to shoot in the region. While the city is relatively close to Los Angeles and other major cities in California, filming in Visalia is more cost-effective than shooting in larger cities due to lower costs for accommodations, transportation, and permits. This can help keep production costs down.
Visalia also offers a wide variety of locations for filming, including parks, forests, mountains, and urban settings. This makes it a wonderful place to film a wide range of projects. This can provide filmmakers with flexibility and options when scouting locations. Visalia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This provides filmmakers with good weather for shooting most of the year.
The city's unique location and varied landscapes make it a versatile location for film and television production. Some films that have used Visalia as a backdrop include Grapes of Wrath, Lost on Purpose, Night of the Dog, The Visitation, Wag the Dog, and more. The community in Visalia supports film production and may be willing to help with logistics and other issues that arise during filming.
In addition, California offers a film and television tax credit program to encourage productions to film in the state. Visalia may also have incentives or subsidies for film productions. But, to shoot a commercial film in the city, it is essential to adhere to the Visalia filming guidelines and regulations to avoid potential conflicts with the authorities. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and successful filming experience.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Visalia?
It is generally required to obtain a filming permit in the City of Visalia if you are planning to shoot a film, TV show, commercial, or other production. Filming permits are issued by Tulare County Film Commission, and they will evaluate the request to film in the chosen location and, if approved, will determine the necessary permits and fees.
Location Permits:
These allow the film crew to film at a specific location, such as a public park or a private residence.
Non-profit Filming:
In California, non-profit organizations generally do not need a film permit for filming activities on public property as long as the filming is not disruptive and does not involve the use of special effects, pyrotechnics, or hazardous materials. However, if your non-profit organization plans to film on private property, you will need to obtain permission from the property owner.
Special Effects Permits:
These allow the use of pyrotechnics, explosives, or other special effects in the filming process.
Animal Control Permit:
If your production involves the use of wild animals or the filming of wildlife, you may need to obtain a special permit from Animal Services.
Permit Management in Visalia
Tulare County Film Commission
The Tulare County Film Commission was formed to promote filmmaking in Tulare County and to support and help the film industry. With Tulare County's diverse landscapes and natural beauty, the possibilities for the site are endless. Beginning with the feature film Blue Streak O'Neil in 1926, feature films and commercials were shot in this area. The agency is part-funded by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), California Film Commission (CFC), and Filming Liaisons In California, Statewide (FLICS).
Apply to the Tulare County Film Commission to obtain a filming permit in Visalia. The application process typically involves providing information about the project, including the dates and times of filming, the locations where filming will take place, and the number of people involved in the production. In addition to a filming permit, you may also need to obtain other authorizations or approvals, such as a special event permit, if your project will involve large crowds or other activities that could impact the community.
What Insurance Do I Need in Visalia?
Film insurance protects production companies, corporations, or other film-related initiatives against costly liability claims. You'll want to be covered if something is broken, lost, or stolen. If someone is injured or sick, you'll want to get insurance coverage for that. Film production insurance benefits everyone involved, not just the production company.
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 Visalia?
Despite its size, the City of Visalia has retained a lovely small-town air devoid of skyscrapers and brimming with outdoor amenities. Visalia is pure California: colonial architecture, pleasant weather, sunny skies, and a welcoming community. This creative city also has numerous studios suitable for sound recording and photography.
Numerous community parks, nature trails, and other attractions offer filmmakers places to shoot their films. For a start, Mooney Grove Park features a variety of landscapes and locations, including a lake, a grove of trees, and a historic mansion. It could be a great filming location for a period piece or a romantic scene.
Sequoia National Park is located about an hour from Visalia and is known for its giant sequoia trees and rugged terrain. The monument contains several unique features, including the Jennie Lakes area, the Boole Tree Loop, and the Converse Basin Grove. It could be a setting for a nature or adventure film.
Downtown Visalia is also a historic downtown area of Visalia that features a variety of architectural styles. There are blocks of renovated historical structures, and a unique combination of old and new establishments adds to the charm. Downtown is a prototypical hub, very walkable, located just one block from the conference center. You can use this location for a film set in a small town or city.
Additionally, Tulare County Fairgrounds offers a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, including a rodeo arena, a grandstand, and a livestock area. It could be a good location for a film set at a fair or another large event.
Visalia Fox Theater could be an ideal location for a film set in a theater or other performance venue. The Visalia Fox Theatre is a historic movie theater in downtown Visalia. It was built as part of the Fox Theatre series and modified to a three-screen multiplex. After a brief hiatus, it was repaired by a community group and reopened as a live performance auditorium.
Recreation Ballpark is also an ideal location for film production. This is a baseball field in Visalia that is home to the Visalia Rawhide. The ballpark was built in 1946, but it has undergone numerous improvements since then, and it can presently house up to 2,468 people. It has lately undergone significant upgrades, so its amenities are on par with those seen in major league parks but on a smaller scale.
Special Requirements in Visalia
Tulare County Parks and Reservation
The County of Tulare has the ability to approve applications for Special Events at County Parks. Special Event Permits are not issued unless the application is approved by a Tulare County authorized agent.
An application must be completed at least 60 days before the filming project to conduct a special event at a County park.
A copy of your ABC Permit and insurance must accompany this application.
National Parks Service (Sequoia & Kings Canyon)
Filming and photography will be permitted within the park as long as the activity is in line with the park's mission.
The Superintendent may grant permission to film or videotape within park facilities only where the activity has a meaningful and accurate link with the historic resource, or the production will add to the public understanding and enjoyment of the historic resource.
Production companies must meet performance bond and liability insurance requirements, and as a condition of the filming permit, you must reimburse NPS for all costs incurred in writing the permit, providing protection services, monitoring, or otherwise supporting filming activities.
State Park (Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park)
To engage in the commercial use of State Parks, filmmakers must register and have an approved special event permit.
While conducting commercial fitness/recreational activities on State Parks grounds, the permission must be displayed. The permittee must contact the park's entrance station Park Aide upon entering the park and before engaging in commercial or leisure activity.
The insurance certificate is required, with the State of California listed as an additional insured for $1,000,000.
If your production company breaches any of the requirements of this permit, it will be terminated at the end of the project for which it was issued or at any period upon writing notification from State Parks. In the event of termination for breach of the filming permit, you shall forfeit all permit fees and may be refused issuance in the future.
Encroachment
Encroachment applications must be made in writing or in person as soon as possible but no later than ten working days before the event.
A traffic/barrier plan is required. This should include all moving routes, the direction of travel, any street or lane closures, and signage arrangements.
At each intersection of the designated closure, standard barricades with signs must be put across the street. This obligation is your responsibility. The City will not provide or post barricades or signs.
What Does it Cost to Film in Visalia?
No information is available about the cost of a filming permit application in Visalia. Film permit fees in Visalia may vary based on the time the permit is needed, the size and complexity of the project, and any additional resources or services required by the film crew.
Additional Fees
To determine the cost of a filming permit in Visalia, contact Tulare County Film Commission directly. They will be able to provide you with more information about the specific fees and requirements for obtaining a filming permit in Visalia. Remember control and street closure management.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Visalia?
Visalia is a city located in Tulare County, California, in the San Joaquin Valley region of the state. It is situated about 35 miles southeast of Fresno and about 60 miles northwest of Bakersfield. The City covers an area of approximately 21 square miles and is situated at an elevation of approximately 300 feet above sea level.
A number of smaller communities and unincorporated areas, including Goshen, Exeter, Farmersville, and Woodlake, surround Visalia. The City is also bordered by the Sequoia National Forest to the east, which is home to the famous Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Visalia is located within the Tulare County Agricultural District, which is known for its production of a variety of crops, including grapes, almonds, pistachios, and cotton. The City is also home to a number of dairy farms and cattle ranches. Visalia is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, which is known for its hot, dry summers and mild winters. It experiences an average of about 300 sunny days per year and has a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and wet, cool winters.
Visalia is located within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which is responsible for regulating air quality in the region. The City has a number of parks and recreational areas, including Mooney Grove Park, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
It is a city with a rich history and diverse geography, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Its location in the Tulare County Agricultural District, surrounded by smaller communities and the Sequoia National Forest, and within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, all contribute to its unique character and the opportunities it offers to its residents and visitors.
Outreach in Visalia
Compliance with the Good Neighbor Policy is one of the grounds for a street closure in the City of Visalia. This necessitates the submission of a survey, including the signatures of property owners whom the planned roadway closure will impact. This survey must demonstrate that at least sixty percent (60%) of the properties affected by the closure support the street closure.
It should be noted that compliance with the Good Neighbor Policy does not ensure receipt of a Street Closure Permit; other issues, such as the influence on traffic flow and public safety, are also taken into account.
Community Management in Visalia
The support of the local community is required to ensure a smooth and successful shoot. Good communication with relevant stakeholders is crucial in creating a good relationship. So, inform them about the film production in advance and provide them with information about the shooting schedule, parking arrangements, and any other logistical details. This can help minimize disruptions and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Consider appointing a liaison between the film production team and the neighborhood. This person can help address any concerns or issues arising during the shoot. Establish clear rules and boundaries for the film production team, such as noise levels, access to certain areas, and parking restrictions. This can help ensure that the shoot goes smoothly and that the neighborhood remains a pleasant place to live during the production.
In addition, some neighborhoods may be willing to allow film production in exchange for compensation, such as financial compensation or other perks. This can be a way to build goodwill and mitigate any impacts of the shoot. Finally, learn how to be responsive to concerns. If residents or businesses have concerns or complaints during the shoot, address them in a timely and professional manner. This can help maintain good relations with the community and ensure a successful shoot.
Conclusion
The City of Visalia is a popular film and TV production location due to its diverse landscapes, varied architecture, and favorable tax incentives. The City is home to several film studios and has provided the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. One of the benefits of shooting film in Visalia is its diverse array of locations. The City offers diverse landscapes and environments representing different parts of the world, from parks to mountains and forests.
Additionally, Visalia's varied architecture can provide the setting for various cities and towns, from modern metropolises to small, quaint towns. In addition to its practical benefits, Visalia is home to a highly skilled and experienced film industry workforce. TProducers and directors have access to a talent pool. Besides, Tulare County Film Commission can be a valuable resource for film production companies looking to shoot in the City of Visalia. They can help with the permitting process, location scouting, and other logistical support and work to ensure that film production is conducted respectfully and considerately.