LA Film Permits: City Extends Low-Cost Program to April 2027

422. That is the number of Low Impact permits issued by FilmLA between April 27 and October 31, according to figures released Monday. The city’s film office announced it will extend the pilot program through April 2027, preventing a lapse in services that was scheduled to end on October 31. The extension allows filmmakers to continue applying for reduced-cost permits without interruption.

The cost savings are concrete. Under the pilot, the application fee is $350, a reduction from the standard $931. Notification fees per location drop from $232 to $156. The Los Angeles Fire Department spot check fee of $285 is waived entirely. FilmLA officials calculated that these changes saved participating productions more than $400,000 in combined fees during the first six months of the pilot.

The permit covers up to three filming locations over three consecutive days within city jurisdiction. Productions must limit cast and crew to no more than 30 people on set. The program is open to any production meeting these low-impact criteria, including short films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, and television projects. It is designed primarily for small, independent operations.

Denise Gutches, CEO of FilmLA, said the goal was to simplify the review process when community impact is small. She noted that the volume of applications proved the model works. “More than 400 Low Impact permits later, the pilot has shown that it can meet that goal,” Gutches said. “Extending the pilot keeps the program open while we gather feedback from filmmakers and report back to the City.”

Larry Loaboe, executive director of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, emphasized the financial pressure on independent projects. He stated that lower permit costs allow more filmmakers to work on location with the protection of a permit. “On an independent production, every line of the budget determines what makes it to the screen,” Loaboe said.

FilmLA and the city are using the extension period to collect additional data on application volume, customer satisfaction, and the practical application of eligibility rules. The film office’s Board of Directors funded the staff and technology costs for the initial six-month period and will continue that financial support through the extension. This pilot is separate from a proposed no-cost micro shoot permit approved by the City Council in October, which is currently being finalized by city departments.

Applications for the extended program remain available through the MyFilmLA online portal. Eligibility rules and covered activities are detailed at info.filmla.com. The production and community affairs team can be reached at 213-977-8600.