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Sacramento Film and Media, established in 2020, provides essential service to those interested in filming in the area, leverages regional location assets, strengthens local crews, assists local filmmakers and attracts out-of-town productions.

Sacramento Film and Media also carries out film permitting and provides location assistance, production information, ordinance and regulatory information, internships, and grant opportunities.

Do I need a permit?

Filming on public or private property in the City of Sacramento intended for commercial use requires a film permit. This includes web content, commercials, TV shows, movies, student films, or any professional filming that impacts public spaces or requires city services like street closures, parking, or police support.

How to apply

Apply on the Film Permit website.

Requirements and guidelines

Insurance is required for ALL productions, no matter how small.

Insurance Requirements

  • Submit Certificate of insurance showing at least one million dollars ($1 million) for General Liability. 
  •  Submit an additional insured endorsement for General Liability listing “The City of Sacramento, its officers, agents, officials, employees, and volunteers” as additional insureds. 
  •  Proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage along with a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement. 
  •  If Permittee has no employees, submit a Workers’ Compensation Exemption Letter. 
  •  Certificate Holder: City of Sacramento, 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 

Additional information can be found on the permitting page of the website.

Fees

Sacramento Film + Media charges a permit fee of $100 plus service fees for two consecutive weeks or 10 locations, whichever comes first.

Processing time

Once all paperwork is received and if the shoot is simple and does not require parking, ITC, street closures, neighborhood notification, or pyrotechnics, permitting can usually be completed in three (3) business days. If any of the above are required by the various departments it can take up to ten (10) business days.

Helpful resources

Information regarding grants and additional resources can be found on the website.

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