Filming Guidelines

If you're considering our neighborhood as your next shooting location, make sure to apply for a filming permit with FilmLA.

Suggested Community Donation (for production companies and location renters)

In addition to FilmLA's permit requirements, please consider a donation directly to the Monte Nido Valley Community Association. The Association works hard on local land use policies to maintain the rural character of the community such that it presents a rare, proximate option for filming locations close to the nexus of film production in Southern California. FilmLA does not provide any funds directly to our community. 

Monte Nido Filming Requirements 

• Permits for Filming: A temporary use (filming) permit is required for all on-location filming on public property

• Application Submission: Processing for on-location filming requires a minimum of five full business days prior to first activity date. This does not include the date of submission. Please be advised certain activities may require more advance notice.

• Filming Survey: MNVCA may require a filming survey, designed to demonstrate that affected residents/businesses have been individually contacted and to solicit individual concerns (if any) regarding the requested activity. FilmLA will provide a survey form, guidelines, sample letter, and a sample map, but the production company is responsible for surveying affected residents and businesses. 

  • Community Survey Information and Forms

• Parking for Filming-Related Activities: Signatures for parking in permitted areas will be required.

• Filming Hours: Normal filming hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Any request for filming outside these hours may require a filming survey showing significant support of the requested activity from the affected residents.

• Neighborhood Notification: FilmLA's standard notification service satisfies all neighborhood notification requirements for this jurisdiction.

• Restoration: The permittee shall restore the site to the original condition upon completion of shooting unless otherwise approved by the property owner.

• Gunfire / Firearms: Gunfire or the brandishing of firearms must be identified in the permit request. This activity requires a Sheriff Deputy be present to ensure safety and proper notification to appropriate law enforcement offices. Gunfire requires extensive notification beyond the standard 500' to ensure all those potentially affected by filming are aware of the activity. If deemed necessary, a Filming Survey may be required showing significant support of the requested activity from affected residents.

• Special Monitors: When necessary, a FilmLA Monitor will be assigned to an individual production which includes filming that occurs on City-owned property, complicated filming activity and frequently filmed areas, etc. The cost of a monitor will be billed to the production company.

Monte Nido Fire Department
The Fire Department will review all filming permit requests. The review of all permits is meant to assure overall safety and adherence to applicable laws and codes. On the application, production companies must provide a complete description of activity, all set construction areas, painting & storage areas and a plot plan of all areas to be utilized. The MNVCA will make a Fire Safety Officer assignment on an as needed basis (special effects, large number of extras, open facility etc.). Walk-throughs of locations will be required on a case-by-case basis and may incur additional fees. When a production company has requested special effects, a licensed special effects person is required to contact the Monte Nido Fire Department at (818)222-1099 to obtain a special effects permit.

• Fire Department Guidelines

  • A film permit must be on site at all times 

  • Access

    • Fire lanes shall be kept clear (20 feet)

    • Hydrants shall not be blocked

    • Fire Department connections and standpipe connections shall remain clear at all times

    • Filming location and associated areas shall be cleaned and maintained on a daily basis

  • Parking

    • All vehicles shall be parked in designated and properly maintained areas

  • Smoking & Open Fires

    • Monte Nido is located in a fire hazard severity zone. Smoking is not permitted on film shoots

    • No open burning allowed (makeshift fire pits, fireworks, etc.)

    • The sprinkler system shall be fully operational. Fire extinguishers shall be present and ready to use

  • Flammable Liquids and Gases

    • All flammable liquids and gases must be stored in approved containers and kept away from heat sources

    • Pressure vessels shall be secured and identified as to contents

    • Supply and receiving vessels shall be bonded together

    • There shall be proper ventilation to prevent any accumulation of flammable vapors

  • Electrical and Lighting

    • Cables shall be properly protected, bundled, and kept clear of exit areas

  • Exits

    • All designated exits signs shall be kept clear and visible

    • There shall be no flammable liquids, LPG stage tanks, or pyrotechnics kept near any exit

Insurance Requirements
Filmmakers seeking permits to film on-location in Monte Nido must have insurance on file with FilmLA.

Fees
When you request a film permit from FilmLA, you agree to pay all FilmLA required fees and charges, including, but not limited to: permit application fees, notification fees and monitoring fees. Total fees applied to your permit will vary depending on the location(s) used, type of production, and the impact and duration of your proposed filming activity. 
Government-required fees must also be paid when you retrieve your permit. Please note that FilmLA does not set or control the filming-related fees charged by its government partners. Contact FilmLA Solution Services to discuss which if any additional fees will apply to your specific production.