FilmLA Extends Low-Cost Film Permits for Small Productions Through April 2027
FilmLA will keep accepting applications without interruption for its Low Impact Permit pilot, which issued 422 permits in its first six months and saved filmmakers more than $400,000 in fees compared with standard pricing.
The city of Los Angeles and its partner film office will extend a pilot program through April 2027 that aims to reduce the cost of permits for television, movie and other productions, FilmLA announced Monday. FilmLA, the film office for the city and county of Los Angeles, said it will continue accepting applications without interruption for its Low Impact Permit Pilot Program, whose operation had been slated to be complete by Oct. 31.
Through the program, filmmakers can apply for Low Impact permits through the MyFilmLA online permit application portal. A permit covers up to three filming locations over three consecutive days within the city's jurisdiction, with no more than 30 cast and crew on set. During the pilot's first six months, from April 27 through Oct. 31, FilmLA issued 422 Low Impact permits, which officials say saved hundreds of filmmakers more than $400,000 in combined fees compared with standard permit pricing.
The pilot program is a public/private partnership between the city and FilmLA, and FilmLA says the extension will also let it establish a new Low Impact Tier for service pricing on city film permits. More information about eligibility rules, including the types of locations and filming activities covered, is available at info.filmla.com.
The pilot is a separate endeavor from the city's proposed no-cost micro shoot permit, which was approved by the City Council in October. Together, the two programs are the city's latest steps to make Los Angeles a cheaper and simpler place for small productions to film on location.
