Contact the Antelope Valley Film Office after you have selected a location(s) where you want to film. The office is the first stop to developing a relationship with the community where you plan to film your project. Visit the website or contact them directly by phone. While generally helpful, they will inform you that their film permit process is handled exclusively by a company named Film LA, Inc.
Contact Film LA. The Antelope Valley Film Office will provide their phone number. It is listed on their website. Or, you may visit the Film LA, Inc website. There is a wealth of information about the process of gaining a film permit. Register with the Film LA service and begin the application process. Each municipality has its own individual requirements for obtaining a film permit. Film LA serves as a middleman to facilitate all of the paperwork required in a timely fashion.
Secure insurance information needed to complete the application process. An insurance policy with at least $1,000,000 coverage is required and considerably higher if helicopters are to be used. Always check to make sure the appropriate amount of coverage is being carried. The policy must also include worker's compensation coverage. A "hold harmless agreement" must be signed by the person responsible for the production. Also, make sure the insurance form has the City of Lancaster and employees or representatives/affiliates listed as being insured.
Secure a "permission to use" form if you plan to film on private property. This form is available for download at both the Antelope Valley Film office website and the Film LA website. This isn't needed if filming on city owned land.
Complete the permit application. Submit the required documentation along with the application. The application can be completed online or submitted via mail or in person.
Track the permit approval progress. The permit application fee is $150. A $50 per location fee is also added. Additional fees such as the use of a Lancaster inspector run $121 per day. All costs are at the time of publication, so be sure to check the website for accurate cost.
Perform community outreach. This is an integral part of the permit approval process. Though Lancaster welcomes film production, the community still wants to know what you plan to film there, particularly if it may reflect poorly on the community. Special requests such as filming explosions, using gunfire and aerial work require additional scrutiny. The fire, police, transportation and public works departments all have to be involved in special requests. They also require additional fees.