Film & Photo Permits

Filming In Ventura

The historic City of San Buenaventura ("Ventura"), incorporated by the California legislature in 1866, has a number of unique locations of interest for major motion picture production companies, television, commercials, still photography and student productions. Historic structures, harbors and marinas, beaches, ocean views, residential and business districts can all be found within the City of Ventura. For complete information visit the Film Ventura website. The City of Ventura coordinates all on-location productions in the City of Ventura. This coordination includes safety reviews by Police, Fire and Public Works.

Film Ordinance

Film permits are governed by the City of Ventura’s Municipal Code, Division 8, Chapter 8.120.

Film & Photo Permit Process

Step One

Download and complete an application.

Step Two

Submit your completed application with fees.

Film/photography application, along with the non-refundable application fee, should be submitted a minimum of 30 City business days before your proposed film/photography event. This time frame allows staff to receive all the necessary City of Ventura department approvals associated with the planning and execution of your film/photography event. 

Step Three

Application review, routing, and approval.

Once your completed application is submitted, and non-refundable application fee paid, your application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review and approval. During the review process, you will be contacted if any adjustments or changes need to be made to your film/photography event for it to meet City safety guidelines, rules, and requirements.  Specific requirements and any additional fees will be included in a detailed agreement to be signed by you (the "Permittee") prior to the film/photography event.

A Certificate of Insurance and endorsement page naming the City of Ventura as an additional insured will be required prior to the release of any commercial film and photography permits. The mandatory wording for liability insurance and required certificate of endorsement page must specify, as an additional insured, the following:

The City of San Buenaventura, its officers, officials, employees and agents
501 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001

Step Four

Sign your permit and pay remaining fees.

Once your application has been reviewed, routed for approval, and the final version of the permit completed, you (the "Permittee") will be contacted to review and sign the permit as well as pay any remaining fees.

"Sharkzilla" filmed on San Buenaventura State Beach, July 26, 2012 for the Discovery Channel's Shark Week.

Sharkzilla 1