FilmLA, partner film office for the City and County of Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions, has issued an update regarding regional filming activity following the reopening of most areas in L.A. County to production.
After receiving the go-ahead from local authorities to begin processing film permits, FilmLA resumed remote office operations on June 15. Limited filming activity was underway in the region by June 19.
Since then, FilmLA has received approximately 577 film permit applications from 422 unique projects. Daily application intake has increased marginally over time, growing from approximately 14 applications per day in late June to 18 per day in late July. This is around 34 percent of the application count FilmLA would expect under normal conditions, upheld principally by activity in the advertising industry (still photography and commercials). TV reality production has also started to resume; FilmLA cautions that overall activity will remain low until scripted television and feature production pick up–which is expected in early September.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that there are few other industries seeking to reopen as responsibly as the film business,” noted FilmLA president Paul Audley. “Hundreds of smaller projects have successfully applied safe set practices as outlined in state and local public health orders. Meanwhile, continuing dialogue between studio and labor representatives is driving focused attention to cast, crew and vendor safety and compliance.”
Currently, all 16 of the city and county jurisdictions served by FilmLA are open to filming, while one of the six school districts served by FilmLA has also reopened to host filming and base camp parking on campus.
FilmLA’s COVID-19 Resource Center lists the areas served by FilmLA and their current filming availability. This page also includes links to resources from film industry organizations and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, including mandatory Health Orders that apply to filming on location.
“As production continues to pick up, it’s essential that the hosting communities are assured about the industry’s commitment to safety,” added Audley. “Being closed to the public, the physical film production environment is among the safer work settings available to essential workers in California. The presence of a film company, working with a valid permit and adhering fully to County health orders, is something we hope local communities will welcome.”
