Los Angeles to Offer Reduced-Price Film Permits for Low-Impact Productions in New Pilot Program with FilmLA

The City of Los Angeles will soon offer reduced-price film permits for shoots that have a low impact on the surrounding community as part of a pilot program with FilmLA.

Beginning on April 27, 2026, the Low Impact Permit Pilot Program will allow filmmakers working on low impact film shoots to obtain City of Los Angeles film permits at a significantly reduced price. The standard permit fee to shoot in Los Angeles is $931. Under the pilot program, certain productions shooting for up to three days and up to three locations will pay just $350. The city will also waive a $285 fee for spot checks by the L.A. Fire Department.

Projects considered “low impact” will typically have a small cast and crew of 30 people or fewer and be able to fit their cars into parking areas on private property. These projects also will not have filming activities requiring public safety oversight from city workers and are usually smaller budget productions. Low-impact notification fees will be $156 per location, as opposed to the standard notification fee of $250 per location.

The program leverages FilmLA’s permit coordination expertise and MyFilmLA technology to make participating seamless for qualifying permit applicants. FilmLA’s Board of Directors has pledged to contribute funds from its operating reserve to cover the FilmLA staff and technology cost of the program for up to six months. The City of Los Angeles, by waiving collection of the LAFD Spot Check Fee, will make Low Impact Tier permits even more affordable for filmmakers.

Aligned with Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 11, the program advances FilmLA’s goal to encourage on-location production in the region by making permits more accessible and affordable. FilmLA’s Low Impact Permit Pilot Program is a unique filming incentive created through public/private partnership.

The City of Los Angeles, under the leadership of Mayor Karen Bass, is leaving no stone unturned in its commitment to support our signature entertainment industry,” said Board of Public Works President and City Film Liaison Steve Kang. “FilmLA, as the City’s partner in film permitting and production coordination, plays a central role in that effort. Improving affordability for filming in Los Angeles remains a top priority. I want to thank the FilmLA Board for its leadership and financial support of this first-of-its-kind incentive.”