California Regional Film Office Partnership

The California Regional Film Office Partnership is a network of film offices across the state that provide localized support and assistance with location searches, permitting, and other services to support and promote production statewide.

Since 1985, the CFC has been dedicated to facilitating, retaining, and attracting film production throughout California by providing production assistance, location guidance, permitting support, and troubleshooting services. Acting as a liaison between the entertainment industry and government entities at all levels, the CFC aims to streamline the filming process and create a film-friendly environment across the state. A critical aspect of this mission is its collaboration with local in-state film offices and commissions.

About the Regional Film Partner Program

The Regional Film Partner Program is a cornerstone initiative by the California Film Commission to build and maintain close partnerships with local film commissions throughout California. This program enables the CFC to work directly with designated cities, counties, and public agencies—known as Regional Film Partners—who are committed to supporting and facilitating film production in their areas. Regional Film Partners serve as essential local extensions of the CFC, providing specialized knowledge, logistical support, and streamlined services to meet the needs of both domestic and international productions. By fostering these partnerships, the CFC creates a unified network of film-friendly communities across the state, enhancing California’s appeal as a premier destination for filming.

Eligibility and Designation

To qualify as a Regional Film Partner, a city, county, or public governmental agency within California must have jurisdiction over filming within its geographic area. Each entity is responsible for designating a local film office or commission to act as its official Regional Film Partner Designee. While both cities and counties are eligible to apply, the CFC ensures that no two Regional Film Partners represent the same specific geographic area.

Participating entities must remain independent of any production companies or related vendors and cannot be affiliated with for-profit businesses or labor unions to ensure unbiased support for the industry.

The Public Entity and its employees shall not be controlled by a labor union, private for-profit business organization or proprietary commercial entity.

Regional Film Partner status will be reviewed every five years.

Responsibilities of Regional Film Partners

Regional Film Partners play an essential role in the California film ecosystem by:

• Responding Promptly: Answering requests from film, television, commercial, and still photography productions, ideally within one business day.
• Offering Local Knowledge: Providing insights on local filming locations, business practices, and permitting processes to assist production teams.
• Troubleshooting: Resolving local issues and streamlining access to required permits.
• Community Engagement: Balancing production needs with community sensitivities and promoting film production as a positive local economic driver.
• Permitting Data: Submitting annual film permit data by January each year to be included in the CFC’s statewide permit data report.
• Cost Recovery: Charging only for actual service costs, as Regional Film Partners operate on a nonprofit basis.

Benefits of Being a Regional Film Partner

Regional Film Partners benefit from close collaboration with the CFC, which is frequently the first contact for production companies seeking film locations throughout California. Participation offers several advantages, including:

• Location Requests: The CFC connects Regional Film Partners with location inquiries from production companies, expanding local filming opportunities.
• Resource Sharing & Networking: Partners can collaborate on economic development strategies, permitting solutions, and best practices, building a network of film-friendly communities across the state.
• Marketing & Visibility: Local filming locations are featured on CinemaScout®, the CFC’s Location Resource Center, increasing exposure to domestic and international productions.  Regional Film Partners are also featured in Location California magazine published annually.
• Guidance on Film Ordinances: The CFC assists in developing model ordinances that streamline policies and attract production to local jurisdictions.
• Support for Permitting & Troubleshooting: CFC staff offer expert assistance with complex permitting issues and on-the-ground troubleshooting to keep productions on schedule.
• Production Tax Credit Program Guidance: Regional Film Partners can receive guidance on how to support productions in accessing California’s tax credits, making their areas more attractive for eligible projects.
• FLICS Membership: Partners may be eligible to apply for Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) membership, gaining access to industry resources, networking, and promotional opportunities.

Application and Approval Process

To become a Regional Film Partner, the Public Entity and its designated office or nonprofit submit an application package to the CFC. This package includes necessary exhibits, such as a letter or resolution designating the Regional Film Partner Designee. The CFC reviews each application against specific criteria, conducts interviews with the proposed Designee, and notifies applicants of the decision within 45 days.

Once the CFC endorses a Regional Film Partner, the entity can start providing support to productions, promoting local filming opportunities, and actively participating in California’s statewide filming network.

APPLICATION PACKAGE 

Termination of Designation

A Regional Film Partner’s designation may end if:

• The supporting Public Entity rescinds its endorsement.
• The Regional Film Partner requests removal from the program.
• The CFC finds that the Regional Film Partner has not met its responsibilities or has violated program requirements.

In these circumstances, the Regional Film Partner and Public Entity receives notice in writing from the CFC that it has been found to have violated one of the requirements of the program and has been terminated.

Ongoing Contact Information 

Regional Film Partners will be responsible for maintaining updated contact information with the California Film Commission.  Failure to update contact information may result in removal from the program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For questions about the Regional Film Partnership, please contact the Deputy Director of the California Film Commission at filmca@film.ca.gov  

To request a state-wide location search, please use the online submission form here, and your request will be sent directly to our Location Resource Specialist.