Los Angeles Extends Discounted Film Permits Through April

FilmLA will continue accepting applications for its Low Impact Permit Pilot Program through April 30, 2027. The extension keeps discounted permits available without interruption after the pilot had been scheduled to end October 31, 2026, while the city reviews other permitting approaches.

The program is for productions using no more than three shoot sites during a three-day period inside city limits, with no more than 30 cast and crew members. Eligible applicants pay $350 for an application, compared with $931 for a standard permit, and $156 per location for notifications, down from $232. A $285 fire department spot-check fee is waived.

From April 27 through October 31, FilmLA issued 422 Low Impact permits. Officials said the reduced fees saved filmmakers more than $400,000 combined. The program has served projects including short films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, television and scripted features.

Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s cost reductions and efforts to cut red tape had saved local productions more than $400,000. She said small and independent productions are important to Los Angeles’ creative economy.

The pilot is separate from a proposed no-cost micro-shoot permit approved by the City Council in October, which is still being finalized. Eligibility details, including covered locations and filming activities, are available through FilmLA.