How to Film in Santa Monica

The City of Santa Monica contracts with Film Santa Monica for permit coordination services for the City. Film Santa Monica accepts applications for permits to film within the public right-of-way, including City parks and facilities.

If any of the conditions below apply, you must provide the additional required documentation prior to pulling the permit.

Conditions 

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  1. Request Film Permit

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    Submit all film permit applications directly to Film Santa Monica through their Online Permit System at www.filmsantamonica.com at least 5 business days before the first day of filming. For more information, please contact Film Santa Monica's Film Permit Concierge Team at (310) 319-6263.

  2. Film Request Gets Reviewed and Issued

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    The film permit request gets reviewed via the Film Santa Monica portal by various City Departments/Divisions (Public Works, Fire, Parking, etc.). The Film Santa Monica Concierge Team will be your point of contact throughout this process. 

    Once approved, the film permit will be issued via the Film Santa Monica portal.

  3. Request Temporary No Parking Signs

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    Contact PW.Permits@santamonica.gov at least 5 business days before the first day of filming to secure temporary no parking in the public right of way. 

    Because all film permit situations are unique, we may request that you fulfill other requirements as a condition of permit release. These requirements may include, but are not limited to:

    1. Performing a filming survey
    2. Meeting with concerned community members
    3. Applying for additional permits (road closure permit)

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