Good Neighbor Filming Policy
These filming conditions reflect common sense and courtesy, balancing the needs of the film industry with the preservation of Windsor Square’s quality of life. Developed in collaboration with FilmLA, they apply to all filming permits in the area bounded by Arden Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, Van Ness Avenue, and Wilshire Boulevard.
Permit Evaluation Criteria
FilmLA evaluates all permit requests for Windsor Square using the following criteria:
- Frequency of filming per block near the requested location and parking areas.
- Duration and frequency of recent filming.
- Proximity of concurrent filming activities.
- Historical use of the area for filming.
- Recent problems or complaints.
- Number of filming days requested.
- Production company size.
- Proposed activities (e.g., special effects, excessive noise, cranes).
- Other relevant factors specific to the situation.
Note: No permits are guaranteed without this review, which ensures consistency with public health, safety, general welfare, and applicable land-use ordinances.
Special Conditions
The conditions below are included in the terms of all permits issued for filming in Windsor Square, in addition to FilmLA’s standard permit terms. While these conditions are part of issued permits, they do not determine whether a permit will be granted. Permit issuance decisions are at the discretion of the appropriate City or County department (or their designee, including FilmLA).
Notification Requirements
- Permit Submission: Production companies must submit permit requests to FilmLA at least three business days before filming or substantial set preparation begins.
- Resident Notification: Affected residents must be notified at least two days prior to the first filming day or substantial set preparation, using FilmLA’s approved notification form. The notice must include the filming address, dates, hours, and a contact phone number.
- Liaison Notification: A copy of the permit application must be emailed to the Windsor Square Association liaison upon submission to FilmLA: Jeryl Bowers, info@bisonrootstheater.com, phone (213) 926-3800.
- No Modification: Signature surveys, private negotiations, or other attempts to modify these conditions are strongly discouraged.
Filming Hours
- Standard Hours: Filming is permitted from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No vehicles or persons may arrive to the film location prior to 7:00 AM, nor depart after 10:00 PM, Monday through Friday. These time restrictions must be strictly adhered to.
- Weekend and Holiday Restrictions: Filming is generally not permitted on weekends or holidays unless approved by FilmLA. Approval requires a Community Filming Survey to identify neighborhood concerns.
- Extensions: Any filming, prep day, pre-production or strike/wrap activity beyond standard hours (before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 PM) requires a Community Filming Survey to identify neighborhood concerns. Approved hours must be specified on the permit.
Frequency Limits
- Annual Cap: No block may be used for filming for more than 14 days per calendar year.
- Project Duration: No single filming project may occupy a block for more than five consecutive days.
- Respite Period: A minimum 30-day respite is required between filming projects on the same block.
- Enforcement: FilmLA tracks and enforces these limits. Residents can report concerns to FilmLA or the Windsor Square Association liaison.
Parking Rules
- Production Vehicles: Film production trucks may park only on the side of the street of the location house, ensuring no interference with gardeners, residential construction, trash collection, or resident safety and access (e.g., driveways).
- Cast and Crew Vehicles: Personal vehicles of cast, crew, or service providers are prohibited from parking on area streets. Off-site parking must be arranged, with shuttles to transport personnel to and from the location.
- Generators: Generators, equipped with proper noise shields, may park only in front of the location house or a neighboring house with written consent.
Equipment Rules
- Sidewalks and Public Areas: No equipment may be placed on sidewalks or parkways, or left in public view, except as necessary during active filming or while moving between production trucks and the location house.
- Craft Services and Catering: All craft services, catering, food preparation, and dining equipment (e.g., tables, vehicles) are prohibited on streets, sidewalks, or parkways and must be kept out of public view on private property.
Monitoring and Compliance
- FilmLA Monitor: A FilmLA monitor will be assigned to each filming project to ensure compliance with permit conditions. The monitor will arrive one hour prior to the permit start time, remain throughout all filming-related activities, and ensure proper departure.
- Resident Access: Residents can obtain the monitor’s contact information from FilmLA’s notification or by contacting FilmLA (details at filmla.com).
- Filmmaker’s Code: Cast and crew must be informed of the Filmmaker’s Code of Professional Responsibility to promote respectful conduct.
Violations
Violations of these conditions may result in permit revocation or other administrative actions by FilmLA or the relevant City/County authorities.
Contact Information
- Windsor Square Association: Jeryl Bowers, info@bisonrootstheater.com, phone (213) 926-3800.
- FilmLA: For general inquiries or to report issues, contact FilmLA on (213) 977-8600 or at https://filmla.com/who-we-are/contact-us/