As production dwindles, L.A. to offer cheaper film permits for 'low-impact' shoots
This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Los Angeles will soon offer reduced-cost filming permits for shoots that demonstrate a “low impact” to the surrounding community, a move that comes as the city tries to lure more production.The cost of film permit shooting at three or fewer locations will be reduced by as much as 58%, according to the nonprofit FilmLA, which tracks production days in the greater L.A.region and is helping to fund the pilot program for up to six months.
Hollywood Inc.As other countries have built up their incentive programs, production infrastructure and crew expertise, filming has increasingly moved overseas.The current standard permit fee is $931.
The fee for a low-impact permit is $350.Low-impact notification fees will be $156 per location, as opposed to the standard notification fee of $250 per location.Projects considered “low impact” will typically have a small cast and crew of 30 people or fewer and be able to fit their cars into parking areas on private property.
Such projects also will not have filming activities requiring public safety oversight from city workers and are usually smaller-budget productions.Hollywood Inc.
Hollywood’s workers have endured the pandemic, strikes and production slowdowns in L.A.Now they’re up against an onslaught of layoffs throughout the industry.The pilot program, which is a partnership between FilmLA and the city of L.A., starts Monday.
“We believe that when community impact is small, regardless of the project type or production budget, the city and FilmLA review process should be simple,” FilmLA Chief Executive Denise Gutches said in a statement Tuesday.“With this pilot program, the city will offer low impact filmmakers full permit protections at the lowest possible cost.”As part of the partnership, the city will waive collection of its Los Angeles Fire Department spot check fee, which currently costs $285.
Business Owners of indepe...