Filming

Thank you for choosing to locate your production in the City of San Diego. Through the combined effort of the City, County, and Port, San Diego has held a starring role in productions ranging from commercial still photography to televisions series to major feature films. The city’s unparalleled weather, beautiful scenery, and quick, no-cost authorization process are just some of the incentives San Diego has to offer for your production.

The San Diego Film Office provides the core and boutique services of a traditional film office for the San Diego region, including permitting and connecting productions to the right contacts with our partner cities, production facilitation, locations 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 a number of locations that include 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 any water contact or 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).

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