The California Film Commission (CFC) is headquartered in the heart of Hollywood, situated at 7080 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90028. This central location allows the commission to stay deeply integrated with major studios and the local production supply chain. The office is generally open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

For initial inquiries, producers are encouraged to call the main switchboard at 323-860-2960. If you are reaching out regarding a specific state-owned property, you may be redirected to a specialized location manager. Email communication is highly effective for document submission and can be directed to info@film.ca.gov for general routing.

The Permits Department is perhaps the most active division within the commission. If your production requires filming on state highways, in state parks, or at any California state building (such as the DMV or state hospitals), you must secure a permit from the CFC. Unlike municipal permits, these are often processed through the CFC’s online portal, but direct contact is vital for complex shoots involving stunts or pyrotechnics.

To reach a permit coordinator directly, use the dedicated line at 323-860-2960 and ask for the “Permit Desk.” You can also email permit-specific questions to permits@film.ca.gov. It is highly recommended to reach out at least four business days prior to your desired shoot date for simple permits, and up to several weeks for high-impact activities.

The California Film & TV Tax Credit Program (Version 4.0) is a major draw for production. Navigating the application process requires precise timing and adherence to specific expenditure criteria. Because the application windows are brief and high-stakes, direct outreach to the Tax Credit team is essential for verifying your project’s eligibility before the submission window opens.

For questions regarding tax credit applications, allocations, or reporting, contact the team at 323-860-2960 and request the “Tax Credit Division.” You can also send queries to taxcredit@film.ca.gov. Note that the team cannot provide legal or financial advice, but they can clarify guidelines regarding “qualified expenditures” and “uplifts” for filming outside the Los Angeles zone.

Yes, the commission provides a free tool called CinemaScout, which contains over 250,000 digital images of locations throughout California. While the tool is user-friendly, the “human intelligence” component is equally valuable. The CFC’s location managers have encyclopedic knowledge of state-owned properties—from brutalist prisons to pristine coastal highways—and can provide insights that a digital database might miss.

If you are struggling to find a specific “look,” you can contact the Location Department directly at 323-860-2960 and ask to speak with a location coordinator. They can help you identify state properties that fit your creative vision and provide immediate feedback on permit feasibility. For technical assistance with the CinemaScout portal, email locations@film.ca.gov.

A common point of confusion for independent producers is the distinction between the State Film Commission and local/regional film offices. The CFC handles state jurisdiction, but if you want to film on a city street in San Francisco, a local park in San Diego, or a beach in Malibu, you must contact the respective local film office.

The CFC maintains a comprehensive directory of over 50 regional film offices across the state. If you are unsure whose jurisdiction a location falls under, the CFC permit team can usually provide the correct contact information. Always verify if your location involves a “mixed” jurisdiction, such as a state highway passing through a city center, as this may require multiple permits.