Why does
Pasadena allow filming to occur?
Ever since
1896 when Thomas Edison Company
filmed in our fair city, Pasadena has been a popular filming location for the
entertainment industry.
According to a 2001 payroll audit by the Motion Picture
Association of America, $333 million dollars in production payroll is paid to Pasadeneans
employed in film production each year: a major benefit to our local economy ensuring the
funding of vital community services such as police and fire.
The number of filming days allowed in a residential neighborhood is limited to 6 days
per calendar quarter (15 days in a non-residentially zoned area) by the Zoning Code. The
City of Pasadena has a Film Office that issues film permits and works with the
neighborhoods and film companies.
What can I
expect to occur during filming?
There are three types of companies which film in Pasadena: motion
picture/television companies, commercial companies, and
industrial/educational/student/video productions. A production can have anywhere from
one pick-up truck for an educational film to 15 trucks for a major feature film.
Student/educational/video productions are small and not very noticeable. They
usually involve a maximum of 12 people, a small van and a few cars.
Commercial companies will usually bring 5 small 20 foot trucks on location and 15
to 30 people. The trucks usually carry prop equipment, electrical cables, dollies and a
camera. A small shuttle van will shuttle the crew to the location. They usually film
during normal waking hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and cause minimum disruption in the
community. Over 75% of the production that occurs in Pasadena is commercial.
Motion picture/television productions include the same equipment as commercials as
well as motor homes for their actors and a catering set-up. Motion picture/television
trucks tend to be longer (a maximum of 65 feet) because they need a larger variety of
materials. The crews are also larger, usually 35-125 people. Film crews are required to
base camp their personal cars, catering set-up, motor homes and most of the trucks on
private property. You may notice that the police officer will stop traffic intermittently
when the companies back their trucks onto the property when they arrive. Shuttle vans will
pull up in front of the location property throughout the day to pick up personnel.
How will I
know when a film company wants to shoot in my neighborhood?
The City requires that film companies provide a written notice on their company stationery
to all property owners/tenants within 300 feet of the filming location on each side of the
street. This notice includes the company name, the dates and times of the proposed
filming, the geographical area affected, the area to be posted with "no parking"
signs, and any construction and set removal plans.
What are
signatures of permission?
Signatures are required at all times from property owners and tenants affected by filming
or parking in front of their property. Signatures guarantee that those directly impacted
have been notified. Additional signatures must be obtained if a company proposes to film
past 7 p.m., but no later than 10 p.m.: a majority 51% of signatures within 300 feet of
the filming location on both sides of the street. After 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m., 90%
signatures are required (Sunday – Thursday) & 75% on Friday and Saturday.
How will
the city know where the company will park and conduct the filming activity?
All film companies who plan to park or film on the street must prepare a parking plan. The
parking plan shows the exact locations where the vehicles will be parked on a street. The
addresses of surrounding properties are listed on the parking plan along with the width
and length of the roadway. The Film Liaison compares the parking plan with the signatures
of permission. If a vehicle is placed on the map in front of a property where a signature
is not listed, the Film Liaison will deny the parking until a signature is obtained. A
copy of this map is provided to the on-site police officer who is assigned to the shoot to
ensure permit compliance.
What can I
do if I have special concerns regarding the company's activity?
Any property owners/tenants with concerns regarding the company's activity should inform
the company representative, usually the location manager, who will be stopping by for your
signature. Most companies will be very interested in meeting your needs, since they want
to establish a positive relationship with the Pasadena community. However, you are
certainly encouraged to notify the Film Office of any concerns at (626) 744-3964
before the filming occurs. The Film Office may attach special conditions to the
permit which address your specific concerns.
If you have some difficulties when the company is on location, immediately notify the
Pasadena police officer at the location. The police officer is an employee of the City,
not the film company. They are there to ensure that the company is in compliance with the
permit requirements. If you believe that the police officer is unable to resolve the
situation, you may request that the officer contact the Film Office staff who can be
reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by cell phone.
How does
the city determine if my neighborhood is a frequently filmed area?
If a total of 6 days of filming have occurred
in a residential neighborhood (15 days in commercial area) over a 90 day period of time,
the area is considered frequently filmed. Hours of filming and parking will be limited.
Construction and set/prop removal days will be included as part of the quarterly filming
allocations on these permits. The Film Office may add other special conditions or deny a
permit altogether in an area which has met this legal definition.
How do I
rent my house to the film industry?
Contact the Film Office at (626) 744-3964
and we will send you an information packet regarding registering your house with the City
of Pasadena on our web site and in our library. You may register on-line as well. Go to: Register Your
Property.
Also...
The California Film Commission has
created a booklet called "Your Property in a Starring Role"
(within the "Filming in your Community" link). This guide provides
important information and sample contracts for those who are interested in this
opportunity. The California Film Commission has a location library which features pictures
of locations around the State. The Commission also maintains a list of location managers
and production companies which they will mail to you. This will allow you to mail a
brochure with pictures of your house directly to the people who scout for locations. The
California Film Commission's number is (323) 860-2960.
If I
decide to host filming, what can I do to create a positive relationship with my neighbors?
The most important thing you
can do is be involved! It is recommended that you do the following:
When a company plans to film
at your property, volunteer to walk around with the company representative while they
notify your neighbors and obtain signatures.
Encourage your neighbors to
call you directly if they have questions or concerns. Be responsive to their needs.
Request that the film
company show you a copy of the approved film permit.
Designate someone in your
family or among your employees as a monitor. This designee should be present during all
filming hours and watch to ensure that the company is complying with the permit.
If you host filming more
than once in a great while, show your appreciation to your neighbors. Acknowledge their
support by inviting them to dinner, sending them a beautiful gift basket, or throw a block
party once a year and invite all your neighbors.
You can also simply talk to
your neighbors on a regular basis. Find out if any problems occurred and what could be
changed so filming will run smoothly next time.
