Film Rules and Frequently Asked Questions
FILMING POLICY (MUNICPAL CODE, CHAPTER 11.46)
The City of Santa Clarita’s “Filming Policy” was established and enacted by the Santa Clarita City Council and is included as part of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (Chapter 11.46).
GENERAL FILMING RULES
Production companies filming in the City of Santa Clarita are required to abide by the General Filming Rules in addition to all Local, County and State rules, regulations and laws regarding filming.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question regarding filming? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find your answer below you can ask our office at (661) 284-1425 or film@santa-clarita.com
If I am filming on private property do I still need to get a film permit?
If I am filming on private property do I still need to get a film permit?
Yes, in most cases. Unless you are shooting within a certified sound stage, you will still need a permit to shoot on private property.
Do I need to have all of my documents before submitting an application?
Do I need to have all of my documents before submitting an application?
No, once you have completed your film permit application (**pdf link to application**) and emailed the application to film@santa-clarita.com, you can submit any remaining documents as you receive them. Be sure to allow for enough time to review or correct any documents. Please see our Apply For a Film Permit (**Link to Apply For a Film Permit page**) page for additional information on the permitting process.
Do I need a film permit if I’m filming a student project?
Do I need a film permit if I’m filming a student project?
Yes, all student projects need a film permit. Most student projects end up costing $0 dollars and provides a great learning experience on the filmmaking process.
How do I know if my project qualifies as a “student” project?
How do I know if my project qualifies as a “student” project?
To qualify as a “student” project you will need to use your school’s insurance and letter from your professor or advisor with the title and dates of your project. Please refer to the Student Filmmakers section of our website for more information.
I received a notification about filming in my area. What should I do if I have questions?
I received a notification about filming in my area. What should I do if I have questions?
The letter or door hanger notification is your first resource for filming information. The notification will give you a generalized idea of what to expect and who to contact. Please refer to the Receiving a Film Notice or Survey (**Link to “Receiving a Film Notice or Survey Page”**)of our website for more information.
I have concerns about a film shoot. How do I resolve the issue/voice a concern?
I have concerns about a film shoot. How do I resolve the issue/voice a concern?
If you have concerns related to filming it is best to call the Santa Clarita Film Office and/or speak directly with the Location Manager for the particular project. Most issues can be resolved over the phone. However, if you’d like to submit a formal letter, you may submit it to the Santa Clarita Film Office at film@santa-clarita.com Please call the Location Manager or Film Office as the concern is happening so we can address the issue immediately.
How do I get my home or business used as a location for filming?
How do I get my home or business used as a location for filming?
Location management companies actively promote filming at the locations their company represents. A list of local location management companies is included on the Resource Library section of our website. Please refer the Filming On Your Property (**link to “Filming On Your Property page”**) portion for more information on listing your property on our Location Library and best practices.
How do I promote my business or myself to the film and entertainment industry?
How do I promote my business or myself to the film and entertainment industry?
The Santa Clarita Film Office offers an easy way to list your business for free on our website under the Resource Library section. Click ‘Add Your Resource to our Library” and follow the simple instructions.
I want to change or delete my listing on your website. How do I do that?
I want to change or delete my listing on your website. How do I do that?
If you would like to delete or change any information you have provided for our web site, please send us an e-mail to film@santa-clarita.com detailing the title of the listing and the requested changes. A member of our staff will make the changes in a timely manner and inform you of the revised listing.
Where can I find out what is filming in Santa Clarita? What information can I get?
Where can I find out what is filming in Santa Clarita? What information can I get?
For safety and security reasons Film Office staff cannot release specific information about where productions are filming. Any information that we can provide is posted on the Filmed in Santa Clarita section of our web site or on our social media pages after projects have premiered.
Can I watch on-location filming?
Can I watch on-location filming?
In most cases production companies’ close sets when shooting on location. Crowds of on-lookers can create potential hazards for the production and the neighborhood in which they are working. Luckily, some productions may be open to viewers, but production may limit viewing to specific areas. When in doubt, always check with a location crew member if you’re interested in observing. However, be sure to wait until all filming has stopped before approaching crew, and as a general consideration, remember to be quiet and respectful while filming is in progress.
How can I be an extra?
How can I be an extra?
Most of the time extras are already selected by the time production is filming in Santa Clarita. For more information on becoming an extra, please visit the Local Film Jobs and Resources (**Link to Local Film Jobs and Resources**) page.
How do I get a job in the Film Industry? I work in the industry but I want to work locally.
How do I get a job in the Film Industry? I work in the industry but I want to work locally.
The Santa Clarita Film Office does not obtain specific listings relative to available Santa Clarita area entertainment industry positions. Please visit the Local Film Jobs and Resources (**Link to Local Film Jobs and Resources**) page for various links to other pages which host entertainment industry related jobs on their website.
How do I get a job with the Santa Clarita Film Office?
How do I get a job with the Santa Clarita Film Office?
The Santa Clarita Film Office is part of the Economic Development Department with the City of Santa Clarita. All available positions are posted by the Human Resources department. You may check out the job listings on the City’s webpage.
I’ve reviewed the entire web site and still have questions. What now?
I’ve reviewed the entire web site and still have questions. What now?
Give us a call at (661) 284-1425 or email us at film@santa-clarita.com. We’re here to help you, whether you have questions about the permit process, need location assistance, would like to share your concerns regarding filming or anything else filming related.
