Thank you for choosing to locate your production in the City of San Diego. Through the combined efforts of the City, County and Port, San Diego has played a starring role in productions ranging from major broadcast commercials, lifestyle brand still photography, television and streaming series, and large-scale feature films. The City’s unparalleled weather, beautiful scenery, regional collaboration and quick, no-cost authorization process are just some of the incentives San Diego has to offer your production.

The San Diego Film Office provides the core and boutique services of a traditional film office for the San Diego region, but without a hefty price tag. Services include permitting and connecting productions to the right contacts with our partner cities, production facilitation, location services, providing resources for the local film industry, and promoting the region as a film-friendly destination. 

The City of San Diego understands that productions may take place within a short planning timeframe and may involve several locations, including public and private property. This web page offers a suite of services to assist you in obtaining the proper authorization to film within the City of San Diego while providing online resources for the local film industry.

Filming requests must be submitted along with the required documentation outlined in the City of San Diego's production guidelines at least three (3) full business days prior to the first date of the production (at least two weeks if the filming activity involves smoke effects/pyrotechnics/SFX; one week if filming activity involves sidewalk, lane, or street closures, intermittent traffic control (ITC), gunfire or weapons, simulated confrontation or fight scenes, "cloned"/faux military or law enforcement personnel/vehicles, recreation of a crime, or other elements that may pose public safety risks).

It is highly recommended you call our offices at 619-685-1340 prior to submitting a filming application to discuss your production needs so that we can best assist you. 

For filming via the City of San Diego public right-of-way and sidewalks, please use our Filming Authorization Application System. 

For filming at any of the City of San Diego's beaches, open spaces or parks, please download and fill out the Parks & Recreation Filming Application, then email it to Film@SanDiego.gov 

For detailed information regarding filming in the City of San Diego, please review the Filming Production Guidelines.