COVID-19 Resource Center

Last update: Thursday, January 21 @ 3:15 p.m.

At the instruction of our government clients, FilmLA is currently accepting applications for permits to film on-location.

Local authorities confirm that while Stay at Home Orders are in effect for California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles, on-location film production may continue to occur, subject to strict adherence to health and safety guidelines.

As of today, much of the film industry remains on an extended holiday hiatus, as filmmakers implement County guidance to voluntarily reduce and/or limit activity during to the COVID-19 surge. Updates on the industry’s return to work are issued monthly by FilmLA, and available below.

The LA County health protocols applicable to film production are available from the County’s website (also available in Spanish). These protocols must be agreed to as a condition of film permit release.

FilmLA has issued supplemental guidance for filmmakers seeking permits to film at this time. We also invite you to view our list of Frequently Asked Questions, latest update on restart progress, and current list of areas open to filming.

In order to allow time for government review and community notification, we are making every effort to process applications according to normal deadlines, however, some requests may require more time and review.

December Update on Production Restart Progress
Filming Status, by Area of Service
Frequently Asked Questions
County Public Health Posters & Guides
External Resources

By order of state and local authorities, on-location filming was completely shut down in the City and County of Los Angeles from March 20 through June 11, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting March 12, filming permissions were dialed back by several jurisdictions in Greater Los Angeles, as described in this timeline of events.

On June 5, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that counties throughout the state could begin reopening to film, television and commercial production starting on June 12.

Governor Newsom’s decision followed the June 1 release of new Health and Safety Guidelines, prepared by the Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee (IWLMSC) Task Force. These guidelines serve as a resource to the industry. You may access those Safety Guidelines here, as well as a supplemental guide prepared by unions and guilds, “The Safe Way Forward”.

A modified health order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health followed on June 12, authorizing filming to resume.

DECEMBER UPDATE ON PRODUCTION RESTART PROGRESS

Over the last twenty-nine weeks, FilmLA has processed approximately 4,213 film permit applications spanning 2,985 unique projects.

Film permit applications declined steeply last month, dropping 24.9 percent from November levels to 613 permits in December. This is the second straight month that permit requests dropped. In November, monthly activity slipped 7.6 percent from October levels to 813 permits.

The activity decline started early and deepened throughout December. The week before Christmas, FilmLA issued 143 permits, then 58 the week of the holiday (12/14-12/20), and 50 the week of New Year’s (12/28-1/3). With just 21 working days in December, FilmLA released an average of just 29 film permits per day—the lowest daily output since last August.

See the news release

Filming Status, by Area of Service

County of Los Angeles (unincorporated) – Accepting Applications
- County-owned buildings – Call Solution Services
- County beaches – Open to Filming
- County parks – Open to Filming, check park of interest for availability
City of Los Angeles – Accepting Applications
City of Diamond Bar – Accepting Applications
City of South Gate – Accepting Applications
City of Industry – Accepting Applications
City of Lancaster – Accepting Applications
City of Palmdale – Accepting Applications
City of La Habra Heights – Accepting Applications
City of Vernon – Accepting Applications
City of Monterey Park – Accepting Applications
City of Santa Monica – Accepting Applications
City of Newport Beach – Accepting Applications
City of San Dimas – Accepting Applications
City of Fullerton – Accepting Applications
Culver City – Accepting Applications
City of Gardena – Accepting Applications

School Districts

Los Angeles Unified School District – Accepting Applications
Burbank Unified School District – No applications accepted
Glendale Unified School District – No applications accepted
Lawndale Unified School District – No applications accepted
La Cañada Unified School District – No application accepted
Norwalk – La Mirada Unified School District – No applications accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Production Logistics

Do Stay at Home Orders enacted Nov/Dec affect current rules for filming?

As of today, filming continues to be permissible with a valid permit. To obtain a permit requires that filmmakers comply with health protocols outlined in the Health Order amended by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health on June 12, 2020. These orders are subject to further amendment. The latest will always be available from LA County and linked to from the COVID-19 Resource Center of the FilmLA website.

Current orders impose requirements on film productions regarding workplace social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hours of filming activity, regular sanitation and employee testing. The protocols do not limit the size of productions in terms of people, beyond what is safe and practical for social distancing in a confined space.

What type of health protocols apply when filming on-location?

Filmmakers are required to comply with health protocols outlined in the Health Order amended by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health last updated on June 12, 2020. These orders are subject to further amendment. The latest will always be available from LA County and linked to from the COVID-19 Resource Center of the FilmLA website.

How will the film industry keep cast and crew members safe?

To obtain a permit, filmmakers are required to comply with Health Orders last amended by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health on June 12, 2020. These orders are also available on the FilmLA website. These orders currently impose strict requirements on production regarding workplace social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular sanitation and employee testing. The protocols do not limit the size of productions in terms of people, beyond what is safe and practical for social distancing in a confined space.

In addition, several sets of precautionary guidelines have been developed by the film, television and commercial production industry. All are similar. Many companies will operate under new Health and Safety Guidelines that were released June 1, 2020 by the AMPTP’s Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee (IWLMSC) Task Force. The Task Force was comprised of health experts and high-level representatives of studios and entertainment unions. You can read these guidelines, as well as the supplemental document developed by various unions and guilds, “The Safe Way Forward”.

Who will enforce health protocols on set?

Local health authorities require that every production designate a COVID-19 Compliance Officer (COC). This is not a City or County Official; your compliance officer can be any appropriate individual of authority employed and trained by the production. The COC should be on set whenever possible and be responsible so that all cast and crew adhere to County Public Health safety and infection guidelines. The County Health Order guidelines are written in the form of a checklist of requirements for the COC to follow. The checklist is attached to every film permit released by FilmLA.

FilmLA does not know of any organizations offering to certify individuals to serve in this capacity. The County Department of Public Health is not certifying or training COCs, as it is the responsibility of the production to ensure proper training for these staff members.

Are there limits on the number of cast or crew I can bring?

Do the County’s Health Protocols apply to student film productions?

Do any limitations apply when filming on public property?

As of right now, some publicly owned locations such as Los Angeles City Hall and the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration are off limits to filming. Others are available, on a case by case basis. We invite you to contact FilmLA’s Solution Services team with questions.

The locations you select will need to be able to safely accommodate your production while observing health protocols including social distancing, sanitation standards, and regular testing requirements. FilmLA will also be paying attention to base camp and posted parking requirements, intermittent traffic and pedestrian control, extras holding areas and crew feeds during the permit process.

What rules apply for municipal and FilmLA employees?

Supervision by municipal and/or FilmLA employees is a condition of filming at many locations. In compliance with the requirements of Appendix J of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Orders, all municipal and FilmLA employees assigned and/or required to perform on-site duties on film locations will observe the following:

Using approved personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, as issued by their agency.
Following physical distance requirements (6 feet minimum), whenever possible.
Observing sanitation practices, as applicable, per Appendix J.
Agreeing to on-site screening questionnaires (including temperature checks) if requested.
Limiting personal interaction to essential activity only.

Municipal and FilmLA Employees shall not be required to be tested by production representatives for COVID-19 prior to performing their duties as assigned. Productions may have additional requirements for their employees, vendors and visitors. Municipal and FilmLA employees shall not be subject to such requirements. Productions should plan to adapt on-site practices to observe the preceding procedures.

What forms of payment may be used while the FilmLA office is closed?

Community Questions

What protections exist for communities that host filming?

FilmLA will continue to encourage productions to follow all State and County guidelines that are set in place for safety. FilmLA does not set the terms for filming taking place on-location. Public authorities do that through a process we help coordinate.

Every filmmaker who receives a film permit agrees to comply with Public Health Orders last amended by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health on June 12, 2020 and subject to change. Currently, these orders impose strict requirements on production regarding workplace social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular sanitation and employee testing.

At FilmLA, we have modified our business practices to minimize health risk to communities when filming happens on-location. As examples, all of our field employees – the folks who deliver Notices of Filming door-to-door – undergo health checks when reporting to work and are equipped with company issued personal protective equipment including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and “no touch” tools. Our Hollywood office is also closed at this time, with most of our staff working remotely.

Are Community Filming Surveys allowed at this time?

When Greater Los Angeles reopened to filming on June 15 after the COVID-19 shutdown, City and County partners directed FilmLA to temporarily suspend use of Filming Surveys during the permit process. This action was taken out of an abundance of caution, and with consideration for communities affected by COVID-19.

Since then, FilmLA and City and County representatives including experts from the LA County Department of Public Health have worked together to update the Filming Survey guidelines. A new process, based heavily on the protocols applying to door-to-door visits by US Census workers, was adopted by City and County authorities. The new process allowed Filming Surveys to resume, while safeguarding the health and safety of residents, business owners and production company personnel.

Are FilmLA Monitors available for work at this time?

Yes, FilmLA Monitors are available to oversee productions when ordinarily required. They are under instructions to socially distance at the periphery of the filming location. For their health and safety, Monitors undergo health checks when reporting to work and are equipped with company issued personal protective equipment including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and “no touch” tools.

FilmLA Monitors are available to ensure compliance with FilmLA coordinated permit. While they do not have authority to serve as COVID-19 Compliance Officers or to enforce County health protocols, observable violations will be reported to government permit approvers and public health authorities as appropriate.

Who can we contact if they see productions not complying with guidelines?

Does FilmLA collect or publish results of COVID-19 testing for local cast and crew?

No. Although routine COVID-19 testing is required of entertainment industry employers working during the pandemic, testing results are not reportable to FilmLA. As outlined in Los Angeles County Public Health Order Appendix J, production officials must report positive Coronavirus diagnoses above a specific threshold to County authorities. FilmLA also does not track or issue reports regarding productions shut down due to mandatory quarantine.

Government Resources

Who can I contact for further questions in the County?

What other resources can I use to get information about COVID-19?

Los Angeles County Posters and Guides

The County of Los Angeles Public Health has provided various posters & guides for employers and businesses to help with practicing safety measures, as productions resume. Click each thumbnail image to access a printable PDF.

Guidances for Managers – .PDF Guides

Guidances for Workers – .PDF Guides

Vaccination Guide – FAQ and Timeline

Los Angeles County

External Resources

In the wake of COVID-19, a number of organizations have stepped forward to offer information and/or economic relief for entertainment workers and industry-affiliated businesses. FilmLA will continue to expand and update this list of third-party links as new information becomes available.

Organization	Description
The Actors Fund	Providing emergency financial assistance and counseling to all entertainment workers.
AICP – Association of Independent Commercial Producers	Offers webinars and guidance to help members lead the industry through a myriad of issues affecting the business as a result fall out due to the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. The AICP also regularly maintains an updated set of COVID-19 guidelines for commercial production here.
American Federation of Musicians Local 47	Offers a list of resources for members of AFM Local 47. It is updated regularly with news and resources for musicians about Coronavirus/COVID-19.
American Guild of Musical Artists	AGMA Relief Fund: Any AGMA member in good standing is encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the AGMA Relief Fund.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)	Offered major donation to support film industry workers. The donation will be split between the The Actors Fund, the MPTF and the Academy Foundation. Some $4 million of the donation will be split equally between The Actors Fund, which supports behind-the-scenes workers as well as performers, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), which has offered essential relief to those in need since 1921. Both organizations provide immediate assistance to individuals working in the film industry during times of crisis.
Animation Guild – IATSE Local 839	Provides resources for Animation Guild Members
Artist Relief	Sundance Institute, plus various arts organizations and leading national grantmakers, have launched an emergency COVID-19 relief fund that is issuing grants to select qualified recipients.
ASCAP	Resources and Facts for ASCAP members.
Directors Guild of America (DGA)	Resources for DGA members. Contains information about the DGA COVID-19 Relief Fund: Will cover medical costs associated with COVID-19. Members can apply for short-term, interest-free loans
Entertainment Industry Foundation	EIF has partnered with Music for Relief to provide funds
Field of Vision	Documentary Freelancer Relief Fund: Field of Vision and Topic Studios have created a $250,000 fund to provide grants for freelancers working in the Documentary field. The fund will distribute unrestricted grants of up to $2000 to support personal financial needs during the COVID19 pandemic to freelancers who have experienced hardship from loss of income or opportunity as a result of the pandemicWe will be disbursing funding in two different blocks. One in April, and one in May. We know that people’s situations are changing, and so wanted to ensure there were two different timings to accommodate evolving need.
Freelance Co-op Emergency Fund	Part of our mission of making creativity sustainable is supporting freelancers in uncertain and unprecedented times.
From the Heart Productions – Documentarian Emergency Fund	From the Heart Productions, which supports filmmakers with unique projects that contribute to society, created the Documentarian Emergency Relief Fund to provide monetary assistance to documentary filmmakers, such as for meeting essential life expenses, so they can continue working on their projects. If you have any questions, please email documentarian.relief@gmail.com
Help Feed the Frontlines	Organization co-founded by some local moms & a dad, many of whom work in the entertainment industry
I.A.T.S.E. Cares	A joint effort by the union’s Young Workers Committee and its Disaster Response Committee, the new IATSE Coronavirus Active Response and Engagement Service is a buddy system where members in need may sign up to have a volunteer check in with them as often as they choose. Extending its annuity hardship withdrawals for those who need financial aid stemming from job losses. Committed $2.5 million to entertainment charities.
Los Angeles – Mayor’s Economic Relief Package	Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses in the city of Los Angeles can apply for no-fee loans of $5,000–$20,000.
Leveler	A tool for people with job security to help people whose work status has been impacted by COVID-19. The list includes freelancers, service industry, and gig economy workers
Local 600 – International Cinematographers Guild	Information and resources for Local 600 members.
Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles	The COVID-19 Crisis Fund will support critical needs identified by the City as it responds to the pandemic. The Mayor’s Fund, a 501c3, can quickly take in and disburse funds and is uniquely aligned with the City.
Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) – Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund	Assistance with issues including health insurance, mental health assistance, rent, food, and other essentials
Netflix – Relief Fund	Established a $150 M relief fund. Most of the funds will go toward hardest-hit workers on Netflix’s own productions around the world. The company had already committed to paying workers two weeks pay following the production suspensions last week. To date, Netflix has also announced $1M additional relief funding for film & TV production in the UK, India and France.
SAG-AFTRA	The guild’s two major divisions – the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) have created a COVID-19 fund
Senior’s Guide to Mental Health During COVID-19	Relevant information for both caregivers and seniors to maintain mental health during this crisis
Sony – Global Relief Fund for COVID-19	This pledge will provide assistance in three areas: individuals engaged in frontline medical and first responder efforts to fight the virus; support for children and educators who must now work remotely; and support for members of the creative community in the entertainment industry.
Teamsters 399	Allowing out-of-work members to apply for jobs at local grocery stores through the union.
WarnerMedia	$100 million in relief funds for crews impacted by COVID-19
	Warner Bros. is also supporting Actors In-Training through a casting initiative intended for actors in their final year of schooling (18 years of age and older). For details, see the article on Deadline.com
Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneers Foundation Fund	To request assistance for financial aid, please call (888) 994-3863, ext. 6003, or https://wrpioneers.org/contact/. A social worker will contact you to set up a phone interview to discuss eligibility and the application process. In most cases, grants can be processed between 3-5 business days after we receive the completed application.

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