Permits

All students are required to acquire permits, or provide proof, such as a written letter or document from a city office, indicating that a permit is not required.

Request for On-Campus Film Permit

Permission is required for student filming on CSULB property and both CINE and the Campus Events Office (CEO) must review and approve all CINE content to be filmed on campus. Student productions are not permitted to interfere with official CSULB activities at any time and must follow all CSULB and CINE Policies. The first two weeks of a semester will have limited use and any filming will require special approval. If any locations need to be changed and/or added/taken off please contact CINE-Production@csulb.edu for an Addendum to On-Campus Film Permit.

Who is this document for?

  • Requests for On-Campus Film Permit is for only CINE graded class assignments. 
  • All other requests, such as faculty requests for alternative class time locations, non-CINE student productions, and club projects (including CINE clubs) should contact the Campus Events Office (CEO) directly and not use this form.

Application Process

  1. Communicate with the Campus Events Office as soon as you know you may want to film on campus. The Campus Events Office can help you find locations for your production, but this must be done well before you submit your application.
  2. Submit Application via DocuSign
    • Application Deadline
      1. All productions
        • Speak with the Campus Events Office before submitting your application 
        • This will speed up the process and reduce the needs for edits
      2. Scripted production
        • 15 business days in advance of the filming date.
      3. Creative Non-Fiction
        • May submit their applications 5 business days in advance, but must still contact the Campus Events Office well in advance so they are aware of your production
      4. Late requests will not be accepted.
  3. DocuSign application process
    • Complete the On-Campus Film Permit application via DocuSign.
      • Do not email the application, it must be completed through DocuSign. 
    • Student fills out application and attaches required documents
    • The signature process for approvals is then sent automatically to each person in sequential order. 
      1. DocuSigned by your professor
      2. DocuSigned by Production Office
      3. DocuSigned by Campus Events Office
    • You will receive a copy of the completed application after all signatures have been completed.
    • Campus Events Office will email the On-Campus Film Permit separately
      • You are not approved to film until you receive the final On-Campus Film permit.

Important Notes

  1. Your production must have an approved and up to date Production Registration on file with the CINE Production Office.
  2. You must submit all needed documents and may be asked for additional documentation upon review of your application.
  3. You may need to do a walkthrough of the location.
  4. Additional fees for university services, such as police, grounds restoration, traffic control, parking, and any other University services may be required and must be paid for by the student/production. 
    • These costs will not be covered by the University or department.
  5. Once you receive an approved Film Permit, you must always have a printed document available during filming.
  6. This permit may be modified or revoked at any time by your Professor, Campus Events Office, or CINE.
  7. For filming in CINE facilities, CINE students must get prior approval from the department before submitting to Campus Events Office.   
  8. Regarding the required attachments: Campus Events Office will review Request Form and script (for Narrative) or film/scene summary (for Creative Nonfiction). The script/summary is reviewed for any items that may not be appropriate for filming on campus and relay findings (if any) to students. The script/summary and supporting material will also be reviewed for safety, security, and trademark issues. Public Affairs may be consulted if necessary.
  9. Campus Events Office will notify the student by phone and/or email once approvals have been granted and issued (or if they are denied). (ES obtains approvals from several other entities, based on application.) Once approvals are ready, the student may pick up a hardcopy at the front desk in the University Student Union, Campus Events Office, USU- Rm. 221, weekdays between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

The City Of Long Beach and Film LA may only require a student letter and not a Certificate of Insurance to be sent to them. In this case, you should still fill out our Certificate of Insurance request and indicate that you need a letter. The department will not help the production receive any city permits on the production's behalf.

Local City Specific Documentation for Permits 

  1. FILMLA
  2. City of Long Beach Permit Requirements 
    • 3 business days minimum required for permit. May require extra business days depending on impact to area.
  3. City of Lakewood Permit
    • 10 business days minimum required to process a request to film.
  4. City of Carson Permit Requirements 
    • Student films are waived from permit fee with use of Student Verification Letter.
    • Permits must be submitted 5 business day in advance for processing. 
    • Filming hours are 7:00am - 10:00pm.
  5. City of Anaheim Permit Requirements 
    • Permit applications must be submitted 5 working days in advance.
    • Student productions are waived the business license requirement.
  6. City of Huntington Beach Permit Requirements 
    • Reduced Permit fee with Student Verification Letter.
    • 10-15 Business Days minimum for permit.
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan is required for filming.
  7. City of Cerritos Permit Requirements
    • 2 Business days minimum for permit. Packet must be completed prior to submission.
    • Forms required to receive a permit:
      • Cover letter with full description of production
      • Film Permit Application
      • General Filming Rules
      • C.O.I. with City of Cerritos being named additionally insured
      • Payment of Film Permit Fee
      • Approved LA County Fire Department Film Permit
    • Filming hours are 7:00am - 10:00pm.
  8. City of Torrance Permit Requirements
    • 10 Business days minimum for permit. 
    • Location Agreement must be provided to city.
    • Additionally insured specific wording:
      • The City of Torrance, City Council, members of the boards, commissions, every officer, agent, official, employee and volunteer.
  9. City of Orange Permit Requirements
    • Application package need to be submitted 10 business days prior to filming date.
    • Applications submitted after 3pm will be considered the next workday.
    • Must submit COVID-19 Safety Plan with Film Application.
    • Parking plan will need to be submitted with Film Application.
    • Filming Hours are 7:00am - 10:00pm.
  10. City of Irvine Permit Requirements
    • Permit fees will be waived with valid proof of enrollment.
    • 3 business days prior submission required.
    • Name City of Irvine as additionally insured.
  11. City of Downey Permit Requirements
    • 7 Business Day minimum required for permit.
  12. City of Norwalk Permit Requirements
    • 2-7 Business Day minimum required for permit.

Restricted Locations On-Campus

  • Puvungna 22-acre land on Bellflower and Determination Drive
  • Public Restrooms
  • Brotman Hall
  • Building and Corporate Names

Filming date restrictions: