About The Commission

The Huntington Beach Film Commission (HBFC) is a combined effort of the Huntington Beach Marketing & Visitors Bureau and the City of Huntington Beach dedicated to offering entirely free assistance to film, television, photographic and commercial productions interested in shooting within the City.

Otherwise known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is the premier beach destination of Orange County. Although broadly known for the iconic pier and eight and a half miles of uninterrupted sand, Huntington Beach also has a large variety of diverse locations, making them generally more available for shooting than neighboring cities. Also, due to the open space layout of Huntington Beach, finding space for production tends to be an easier process than more tightly condensed cities.
 

1. Our Vision

The Huntington Beach Film Commission welcomes and encourages the work of local, national and international markets.  With an understanding of the filming process and a thorough knowledge of Huntington Beach, we will help guide productions smoothly and efficiently. We value our clients, and encourage them to take advantage of a City that has much to offer.
 

2. Offered Services:

• Assistance finding and scouting locations
• Acts as a liaison between the City of Huntington Beach and filmmakers to encourage an easy permit process
• Assistance with script breakdown 
• Provides resources that allow productions to stay within their budget
• Assistance with assembling cast and crew
• Assistance in obtaining a 30-Mile Zone (Studio Zone) waiver through IATSE
• Helping to promote a smooth production process while working within the community.
• Assistance finding necessary services such as rental cars, caterers, etc.
• Operates an on call hotline that provides free information and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. FAQ’s:

Q:How soon can I obtain a permit?
A:Typically, for a 48-hour turnaround, the application, insurance, and business license must be submitted to the City Permitting Office no later than Tuesday of any given week. They cannot guarantee approval of rush applications.
 

Q: Does Huntington Beach require permits or fees to shoot on private property?
A:The city does require a permit, insurance and a potential business license to film on private property. However, no permitting fees are required to be paid to the city if staying on said private property.
 

Q: How do I apply for a film permit?
A: Fill out the application and return by fax or mail to the Huntington Beach Film Office, located at Lifeguard Headquarters
 

Q: Is Huntington Beach in the 30-Mile Zone?
A: Parts of Huntington Beach are located within the 30-Mile Zone and other areas are just adjacent. Due to this close proximity, IATSE has allowed for the processing of waivers on a case by case basis, which the Huntington Beach Film Commission is ready and willing to assist you in obtaining.
 

Q: How can the Huntington Beach Film Commission help me find locations for my production?
A: You can visit the Locations Library (hyperlink) for an idea of what Huntington Beach has to offer. We highly encourage calling the film commission at 714-969-3492 to discuss what you are looking for and allow us to make suggestions. The HBFC can also assist in breaking down your script to ensure that you find the ideal locations for your production.
 

Q: Does the Huntington Beach Film Commission assist with CA State Property as well?
A: Certain beaches and wetlands of Huntington Beach are considered part of the State, and are permitted through the California Film Commission rather than the City of Huntington Beach. However, the HBFC still provides scouting and assistance to these areas, and provides liaison services between the filmmaker and the State of California just as it does with the City of Huntington Beach
 

Q: Does Huntington Beach have any incentives?
A: Huntington Beach has the benefit of being adjacent to the 30-Mile Zone without the difficulties of dealing with a tightly condensed city. This means less street closures, less upset locals and an easier process overall. We also have a large local resource base and a widely untapped location market.
 

In terms of financial incentives, the State of California offers tax credits on qualifying shoots. More information can be found here.

Q: Are the free Huntington Beach Film Commission services available to independent and student features as well?
A: Absolutely. The Huntington Beach Film Commission welcomes and encourages productions of all levels to take advantage of our services.
 

Q: Is the Huntington Beach Film Commission recognized by the entertainment industry?
A:Yes. An AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) certified program, the Huntington Beach Film Commission is dedicated to upholding and maintaining the highest standards, as set forth by the AFCI and created by experienced Film Commissioners from around the world.
 

Q: I’m a local and need help promoting my film, can the Huntington Beach Film Commission help?
A: The Huntington Beach Film Commission will gladly assist you in marketing by displaying promotional material on our various social media outlets. Please note – this is entirely up to the Huntington Beach Film Commission’s discretion.