California Film Production Services
California is the film capital of the world and, ultimately, there is absolutely nothing California cannot offer in terms of its filming locations. In fact, being the third largest state in America, California is enriched with filming opportunity, and California’s filming locations can be divided into four large regions.
Whatever the requirements of your production company, you’ll find a suitable filming location within California’s diverse landscapes, large cities and unique locations.
Hollywood alone has been home to numerous blockbusters, including Blade Runner (1982), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Pulp Fiction (1994) and Singin’ in the Rain (1952).
Filming in California
What’s more, the opportunity for incredible filming doesn’t stop in Los Angeles county or Hollywood. California is also the film set of other famous films, like Boogie Nights (1997), The Big Lebowski (1998) and Beverley Hills Cop II (1987).
California’s vast filming opportunities and diverse options for film sets, inevitably makes the state a popular location for many filmmakers.
Why Choose Need a Fixer For Your Production?
Whether you’re working on a feature film, TV production, documentary or promotional material, our entertainment specialists can support you every step of the way. Our producers work on many projects, including independent films and large scale productions.
We know how to help you find the right cast and our filmmakers can act as a director, producer and editor or any other role. If you already have a team but would like some extra support, we’re happy to join you on this exciting journey.
NEEDaFIXER can help your production company select the most suitable location for your shoot and help with all aspects of filming. We can provide you with an expert film crew, from cameramen to directors, all with outstanding knowledge of California as a filming location.
As well as large cities and film studios for urban, environmentally-controlled shoots, California is blessed with beautiful mountain areas, vast valleys and stunning coastline. Our fixers can help you choose the destination of your shoot, as well as advise you of the best time to shoot, and more.
Fixers in California
If you are looking to film in California, NEEDaFIXER can help you organise every aspect of your shoot. We have sound knowledge of the filming in California, as well as professional filming techniques and more. Our expert film fixers can help you with:
Costs and Financing
Public location filming permits are free, although film permit applications should be submitted with 4 days’ notice before the first day of shooting. Applications require proof of insurance. If your film requires the closure of a dual-carriageway, 16 days notice is needed. NEEDaFIXER can help with further location-specific requirements.
Crews and talent sourcing
Because California is the filming capital of the world, the State is populated with a talented and professional film crew. From aspiring students to Hollywood actors, and the most sought-after creative directors, California is an attractive location for the most talented and passionate filmmakers in the film industry. NEEDaFIXER can help you source the world’s best crew, depending on your film’s budget size.
Translation
English is, of course, native to California, but should you need any translation services, our fixers are more than happy to arrange this.
Travel
California is well serviced by both international and domestic flights. The major airports in California can be divided into the following regions:
The San Francisco area has 3 major airports: San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
Sacramento has one major airport: Sacramento (SMF).
There are 5 major airports situated in Los Angeles: Los Angeles International (LAX), Bob Hope Airport aka Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Santa Ana Airport (SNA) and Ontario Airport (ONT).
Our fixers can help you with the logistics of your travel. After all, the scope of California is around 900 miles in total and, therefore, planning your journey is essential. California has excellent rail and bus services, as well as a number of smaller airports.
Accommodation
There are film-friendly hotels in abundance throughout the whole of California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and more. Our fixers can advise you of the most suitable accommodation for your filming requirements.
Visas
All visitors to America need an ESTA visa. What’s more, shooting with a large amount of equipment, also requires an ‘I Work’ visa, which is specifically for press, radio, film and other media platforms.
Although many people will only require a visa for a duration of stay exceeding 90 days, requirements are dependent on your country of origin. Therefore, having expert help from our fixers can ensure all your film crew can enter California with the correct entry paperwork.
Set Construction and studio sourcing
Home to the big five studios, the use of the studios in California tend to be on the more expensive side but indeed offer phenomenal facilities. After all, we’re all familiar with 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, RKO Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. Set construction is, of course, another possibility that our fixers can help you with should you prefer this option overuse of the studios in California.
Tax incentives and credits
California’s film incentives are administered by the California Film Commission through the Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0 – a $750 million-a-year programme running through June 2030 that offers a refundable tax credit of 35–40% on qualified in-state spend, with additional 5–10% uplifts for productions that shoot outside the Los Angeles zone, use local labour, or carry out qualifying visual effects work. NEEDaFIXER can advise whether your feature film or television project qualifies and help you navigate the California Film Commission application process and budget around your qualified spend.
Safety and travel advisories
California is generally a safe place to visit and, in most cases, it is possible to obtain a visa for an extended stay of over 90 days.
Popular Filming Locations
California’s popular film locations can be divided into four areas: Los Angeles, Southern California, Central California and Northern California.
The first, Los Angeles, is one of the most famous, and popular, filming locations in the world. Not only does Los Angeles offer excellent filming neighbourhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica, but LA also offers further filming locations of interest including the Hollywood sign and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as contemporary mansions, highways and overpasses (that can even be closed especially for filming). What’s more, filmmakers may take advantage of Los Angeles’ university campuses, 1950’s diners, Universal Studios, Warner Bros Studios and more.
Southern California also has numerous filming locations that are popular amongst different filmmakers. From the fantastic cityscapes of San Diego to National Parks and dry lakes, Southern California offers a film destination for a range of scenes.
In Central California, filmmakers are often drawn to Death Valley, as well as deserted towns and various dry lakes.
Northern California additionally offers a fantastic view of the San Francisco Bay Area which offers iconic urban scenes that work well in a range of movies, feature films and more.
Other sites of interest include:
Various cattle and horse ranches.
Locations that show off the 200 different crops that grow in California including fruits like oranges, lemons, peaches and grapes, as well as avocados and other interesting crops.
Beaches and lighthouses.
Museums, like the DeYoung Museum and California Academy of Sciences, in Northern California.
Sport stadiums and ski resorts.
Los Angeles Theater.
Manhattan Beach Pier.
If you would like to find out more about shooting locations in California, as well as crew and casting, or any other production services you may need, please contact NEEDaFIXER today.
Films & TV Shows Shot in California
California’s studios and locations have hosted countless productions across film and television. On the big screen the state has doubled for everything from the dystopian Los Angeles of Blade Runner to the Hollywood of La La Land and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. On the small screen, long-running television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, 9-1-1, The Rookie and Curb Your Enthusiasm shoot in and around Los Angeles, while Northern California has featured in shows like Big Little Lies (Monterey) and Silicon Valley (the Bay Area). Whether you are producing a feature film, a streaming series or a documentary, NEEDaFIXER can scout the right California filming locations for your scenes.
The California Film Commission & Tax Credit
The California Film Commission is the official state body serving productions that film in California. It administers the Film & Television Tax Credit Program, issues filming permits for state-owned property, and provides free location support. The 2025 expansion lifted annual funding to $750 million and raised the base tax credit to 35%, and California has been actively winning television and feature productions back to the state. NEEDaFIXER works alongside the Commission and local film offices to keep your shoot permitted, compliant and on budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the California Film Commission tax credit work?
California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0, administered by the California Film Commission, offers a refundable tax credit of 35–40% on qualified in-state spend, with 5–10% uplifts for filming outside the Los Angeles zone, qualifying visual effects, or local labour. Feature films, indie features and television series can all apply, subject to the programme’s minimum-spend rules and annual funding categories. NEEDaFIXER can help you assess eligibility and budget around your qualified spend.
Which TV shows are filmed in California?
Many major television series shoot in California, including Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, 9-1-1, The Rookie and Curb Your Enthusiasm in the Los Angeles area, plus Big Little Lies and Silicon Valley further north. The state’s deep crew base and studio infrastructure make it a natural home for both film and TV production.
How easy is it to get permits?
Film permits in California are relatively easy to get. Although the permits for filming in public locations are free, there is a small application fee that needs to be paid when applying. The application usually takes 4-5 business days to process. Any drone permits or road closure permits take roughly 16-24 business days to obtain. All types of permits need proof of insurance in order to apply successfully.
Do I need a visa or work permit?
If you are a small crew flying over without gear, the easiest way to enter the US is to apply for an ESTA online. If you are planning on coming over for a larger shoot and bringing equipment with you, the best visa option would be the I-Visa for Foreign media and journalists – this is an application process done in your home country before arrival at an embassy.
Can I hire equipment once there?
Definitely! Los Angeles is home to some of the biggest and best gear rental houses in the world. You are able to find any type of camera, lighting or grip package you will need and tailor it to fit your shoot and budget. San Fransico and San Diego also have great options for rental equipment, so wherever your shoot in California, you will be covered.
What is the climate like?
Los Angeles is sunny about 80% of the year, with temperatures ranging from 25-35 degrees in the summer and 10-20 degrees in the fall and winter months (celsius). We do get smatterings of rain throughout March and April, but usually only for a few days here and there throughout the months.
As California is quite a large state, we have many different climates and environments throughout, from forests and mountain ranges up north to the dry and rocky deserts of Joshua tree and the beautiful coastline from San Diego to San Fransisco.
Testimonials
’You guys were amazing! You delivered perfectly at short notice in a foreign country, introduced us to a lovely crew in both and really went the extra mile in making sure it was all taken care of and confirmed properly. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to working together again.’
Davo McConville
Free Lance Producer - Black Dog / RSA’I have met NEEDaFIXER in Greece! It was LOVE from the first sight. Since then, I cannot imagine my production without them! They are like Family! Always helpful. Always happy. Always with loads of energy… & always with PASSION for what they do!’
Katarzyna Chmielarz
Producer / GPDContact us About Your Production
If you’d like to know more about our services, including feature films production, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team of experts are ready to answer your questions and can offer advice about public health regulations, safety protocols, finding the right cast and crew – and anything else.
You can use the contact form below, or get in touch via email or telephone. We can’t wait to discuss your project and how our production services can help you.
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