Last update: May 4th, 2022 @ 3:05 p.m.
This page summarizes policies and procedures related to on-location film production during the COVID-19 pandemic. This overview is specific to Greater Los Angeles.
This page is updated whenever significant policy changes are introduced by our government partners, with the potential to affect how on-location filming is conducted within local communities.
On 1/24/22, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued new guidance, "Business Safety - Special Conditions for Professional Performers." This guidance reflects changes in isolation and quarantine rules and explains the requirements to allow a professional performer, who is still within 10 days of being exposed to someone with COVID, or of being newly diagnosed with COVID, to unmask indoors to perform.
Most of the filming taking place in our region also continues to be subject to industry-specific workplace safety rules, which are reviewed periodically and enforced by entertainment unions. We invite you to learn more about these rules below.
Please note that as a contractor to the County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, and other LA-area municipalities, FilmLA does not have policymaking authority or enforcement power regarding matters of public health and workplace safety. We are in regular contact with organizations, such as the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, CalOSHA, and other entities, that do have this discretion.
The latest updates from FilmLA on Film Industry Workplace Safety and State and Local Health Orders are available below. We also invite you to view our Permit Application Suspension Policy, list of Frequently Asked Questions, and current list of areas open to filming.
FILM INDUSTRY WORKPLACE SAFETY
Today, most L.A. based film, television and commercial projects operate within workplace safety guidelines developed by the industry in consultation with medical experts. These guidelines, codified in a Return to Work (RTW) Agreement, are enforced by industry labor unions for their members’ protection.
The current RTW Agreement, originally introduced in July 2021, has been extended past March 15, 2022 and is enforceable indefinitely. Among other measures, the agreement covers COVID-19 testing and PPE requirements; guidance for producers who enact mandatory vaccination policies; and rules for safe cast/crew travel and transportation.
The RTW Agreement was preceded by Health and Safety Guidelines released in June 2020 by the AMPTP’s Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee (IWLMSC) Task Force, as well as a supplemental white paper, The Safe Way Forward, jointly authored by safety committee representatives from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and the Teamsters.
STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH ORDERS
LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has stated in its most recent Health Officer Order that masks must be worn at all times when indoors in public settings, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status.
For film productions, this means that when filming interior scenes, all cast and crew must wear a mask except when absolutely necessary to perform a task that cannot feasibly be done while wearing one. For more information, please see the LACDPH Public Health Order on page 5, section 4.h.
Previously, in connection with the State of California’s decision to move into a new reopening phase, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a new Health Order entitled “A Safer Return Together at Work and in the Community” and new Best Practices Guidance for Businesses to Prevent COVID-19.
These actions removed strict capacity limits, physical distancing requirements and many other previously required safety modifications applicable to local businesses, while encouraging vaccination to protect the community. County-authored protocols specific to film, television, and commercial production, codified as Appendix J, were also retired through this action.
PERMIT APPLICATION SUSPENSION POLICY
Given the increase in COVID-19 transmission in California and its potential to impact the business operations of our customers, FilmLA has temporarily updated its permit application suspension policy.
Beginning December 28, 2021, FilmLA customers may, upon written request, suspend an in-progress permit application for a grace period of up to 60 calendar days, citing a COVID-19 related interruption. The 60-day suspension period will begin on the date the application was first submitted to FilmLA.
Once a suspension request is approved by FilmLA, no further work will continue on the application, any conditional approvals will be withdrawn, and no new fees will be assessed or monies refunded to the customer. Any City/County fees that cannot be canceled will be due and payable according to established payment terms.
Once an application is reactivated at the customer's request, the application will go back into the normal processing queue for fulfillment.
Please note that once an application is suspended and reactivated, it cannot be suspended for a second time.
FilmLA may remove this exception and return to standard application policies at any time. All suspensions already approved by that time will continue until the applications are reactivated or the 60-day grace period expires.
Any suspension not reactivated within 60 calendar days will expire and the be treated as a customer request to cancel. No application fees will be refunded
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 – Accepting Applications – NEW!
- 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