Preparing to Film in the City of Lancaster and the City of Palmdale
Do I need a permit?
Any filming that occurs within the City of Lancaster or the City of Palmdale requires a film permit. Exceptions are news crews, family videoing, and filming that takes place entirely in a certified sound stage.
How much time will it take?
Permits with few requirements which do not impact public safety can be obtained within two business days. However, more complex and detailed permits may take up to seven days.
Where do I go to get the permit? How much will it cost?
All permits for the City of Lancaster and the City of Palmdale are processed by FilmLA, Inc. Contact FilmLA by telephone at (213) 977-8600 or go online at www.filmlainc.com.
For additional information, please contact Pauline East at Antelope Valley Film Office at (661) 723-6090.
What Other Forms and Requirements are necessary to complete the permit?
To complete the permit process, please be prepared to submit the following:
$1,000,000 Liability Policy with the endorsement page
($5,000,000 liability policy required when using helicopters.)
Copy of Workers Compensation Policy if not evidenced on insurance certificate.
Hold Harmless Agreement signed by an authorized company representative. See Forms online at www.avfilm.com.
A private property authorization form must be completed and signed by the property owner and authorized company representative. See Forms online at www.avfilm.com.
Specific Insurance Requirements are as follows:
Each City has specific requirements for the Insurance and endorsement -
For Lancaster naming "City of Lancaster, Its officers, servants, agents, employees and volunteers" as additional insured.
For Palmdale naming "City of Palmdale, the Palmdale Community Redevelopment Agency, the Palmdale Civic Authority, the Palmdale Housing Authority, and the Palmdale Industrial Development Authority, their employees, officers, agents, and elective and appointed boards" as additional insureds.
Pemittee shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend, in any actions at law or in equity from and against all claims, losses, damages, including property damage, personal injury, including death, and liability of any kind, nature and description arising out of or in any way connected with the work performed pursuant to the permit by Permittee, or any contractor or subcontractor. This indemnification shall extend to claims, losses, damage, injury and liability for injuries occurring after completion of the work, as well as during the work’s progress.
The following may also be required:
Traffic Control Plan - Required if filming will necessitate intermittent traffic control or any impact on the flow of traffic. ITC is allowed on most roadways, but
is limited to two (2) minutes at a time. Production companies are required to use California Highway Patrol and / or Los Angeles County Sheriff(s) for any filming requiring ITC.
The production company is responsible for ordering and paying of the required officer(s)
Posting "Temporary No Parking"
Production is responsible for posting signs 48 hours prior to it being effective. If the signs are not up 48 hours prior, the signs are NOT enforceable. Signs may be picked up at the Film Office. City staff will inspect to ensure everything is posted properly.
