PLEASE NOTE: All Aerial, FX and firearms activity must be listed on your permit application and disclosed to your FilmL.A., Inc. permit coordinator. FilmL.A. carefully coordinates these activities with local elected officials.

AERIAL ACTIVITY

In order to permit aerial activity outside normal FAA policies and procedures (such as low level helicopter flying, all aircraft stunts, and landings), it is required that the production pilot submit a "Movie Manual" to the FAA for their review and acceptance, and that an outline and/or flight plan for such activity also be submitted to the FAA. Landing and/or refueling in areas not certified for landing and/or refueling requires a permit from the region's local Fire Department and a fire official needs to oversee, on site, the landing and/or refueling area.

Aerial activity requires additional insurance coverage.

Once all these criteria are met, FilmL.A. includes these activities on the permit.

FIREARMS AND GUNFIRE

Gunfire is a complex production activity that requires extensive information gathering by your FilmL.A., Inc. permit coordinator and detailed coordination with the production company, local community representatives, and the Police or Sheriff's Department. Gunfire can be automatic, semi-automatic, or single shot, and may be conducted with a range of blank loads. Each variable requires specific management from the permit coordinator depending on the area in which the activity takes place, the time of day, interior or exterior, nature and size of the facility, etc.

Specific questions about the permissibility and conditions of simulated gunfire must be discussed with the FilmL.A., Inc. permit coordinator on a case-by-case basis to clarify all issues and eliminate possible miscommunication before a permit is issued.  One should not assume that firearms and gunfire will be allowed in any area in the City/County.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Special effects (FX) are any activities that require the use of flammable materials, explosive devices or open flames to produce an effect. The local Fire Department normally issues the FX permit. Permits are issued to state-licensed pyrotechnicians following local policies and guidelines. Fire Department walk-throughs may be required to ensure public safety and protection of property.

FX normally require the assignment of Fire Department personnel for oversight. FX may require extensive notification to residents and businesses affected by the activities. When FX, having the potential of disturbing or frightening affected residents, are performed outside the hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, a survey of affected residents may also be required.

FX also require coordination with representatives of local elected officials to advise them of the nature and extent of the activities and provide adequate time to deal with community concerns as well as notification of local police authorities.  Special effects use also requires additional insurance coverage.

FX activities will be placed on film permits only when all the above criteria are met and FX permit documentation has been provided to FilmL.A., Inc. One should not assume that special effects will be allowed in any area of the City/County.