The city of Manhattan Beach will partner with FilmLA to centralize film permitting services under a one-year pilot program, officials announced Friday.
The program is scheduled to begin May 1.
Under the agreement, FilmLA will serve as the city’s coordinator for film permits and related services, allowing productions to use a single application process for Manhattan Beach and 16 other jurisdictions served by the nonprofit.
FilmLA is the nonprofit film office for the city and county of Los Angeles and works with local jurisdictions to coordinate film permitting and production.
Manhattan Beach officials recently approved changes aimed at making filming more accessible, including reducing some fees and updating policies to better align with the California Film Commission’s model film ordinance.
While FilmLA will handle application processing, city departments will continue to review and approve permits.
“We’re thrilled to partner with FilmLA to streamline the permitting process here in Manhattan Beach,” Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser said in a statement. “FilmLA’s long-standing experience supporting productions across the region, combined with its expertise in multi-jurisdictional permit coordination and proactive community relations, makes them an ideal partner for our City.”
FilmLA CEO Denise Gutches said the partnership builds on the organization’s experience coordinating permits for Los Angeles County beaches and coastal communities.
“We look forward to working with the city to make filming more straightforward and accessible for productions of all sizes and are excited to highlight Manhattan Beach as a prime filming location,” Gutches said.
Last week, the county Board of Supervisors approved a pilot program allowing the use of drones for permitted film and television projects in Venice Beach, with requirements including FAA-certified pilots and approved flight plans.
Officials said the program is part of broader efforts to support production of the “Baywatch” reboot, which has faced logistical challenges in Venice Beach but is continuing to film in Los Angeles County.
Separately, FilmLA and the city of Los Angeles are preparing to launch another pilot program Monday aimed at lowering the cost of permits for small-scale productions.
The Low Impact Permit Pilot Program will allow filmmakers working on projects with minimal community impact to obtain city permits at a reduced price, part of a broader effort to encourage on-location production in the region.