If you do not find what you need, please contact Deborah Albre at the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 415-925-2060x10.
Marin County’s stunning natural landscaping, sprinkled with unique and diverse towns and communities throughout, makes it an ideal choice for filmmakers and travel writers of all sorts.
Boasting with lush green hills, ancient redwood forests, miles of coastline, bird habitats, historic buildings, quaint downtown theatres and an array of seasonal street festivals, Marin County is home to many renowned film festivals itself, including:
- Italian Film Festival
- Jewish Film Festival
- Latino Film Festival
- Marin Environmental Film Festival
- Mill Valley Film Festival
- Tiburon International Film Festival
The Marin County Film Resource Center is a department that operates under the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau which was created to serve as an informational resource to the film industry. We are pleased to provide film scouts and production crews with appropriate contact and permit information if planning to film in any public space throughout Marin County. We are a current member of both FLICS and the CFC. Please feel free to visit any of the following resources:
The California Film Commission offers free on-line permitting for all state property including state parks and beaches, freeways, roads, and government buildings. From hospitals and prisons to back roads and mountain ranges, the California Film Commission helps filmmakers gain access to the perfect locations.
Cinemascout is their on-line database featuring California locations available for filming. They also host visitors at their on-site Location Resource Center for personalized assistance when searching for locations.
Production Alert/California Film & Television Tax Credit Program - Status for the Current 2012-13 Fiscal Year: The Film & Television Tax Credit Program is fully subscribed for the current 2012-13 fiscal year. The Film Commission maintains a waiting list for any projects that apply. Applications for the next fiscal year's $100 million allocation of tax credits will be accepted starting June 1, 2013. Assembly Bill 2026 (Fuentes) and Senate Bill 1197 were signed into law September 2012 by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to extend funding for California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program. The two-year, $200 million extension ensures that tax credits will be available through fiscal year 2016-17. More information is available on the CFC's website. Download the tax credit application form and instructions in PDF format here.
The Marin Film Resource Center has partnered with the Film Liaisons in California Statewide as a network of regional film offices and commissions that work cooperatively with the California Film Commission. Our objective is to retain, attract and facilitate feature film, television commercial and print media production in California.
The Reel Directory: Northern California's One Stop Production Resource for Crews, Equipment & Support Services. Serving the Bay Area for 30+ years.
iVisual: An Art Department Resource Guide for Design Media Professional containing Props, Wardrobe, Special Effects and more.
Propville Directory: A Northern California production directory for props, wardrobe, gear, locations, crew and help. Representing equipment rental houses, locations, caterers and everything from props to motor coaches.
Baldwin Productions Services provides locations for Commercial Media.
Mindy Canter with All Location Properties: Creative, experienced, well-connected Location Scout/ Real Estate Broker with over 35 years experience for all media. Exclusive locations. Huge database of contacts. Estates, houses, interiors/exteriors, urban/suburban, commercial/ industrial properties, ranches, farms, forests, mountains, coast, views. Call 415- 388-8059 or email mcanter1@comcast.net
Film contacts, permit application contacts and downloadable permit applications are listed here by city or park in Marin County. You must have Adobe Reader to open the PDFs. 
Get a free download at: Adobe.
Filming in Corte Madera
For the Corte Madera Film Permit Application, click on:
CorteMaderaFilmShootApp.pdf
For assistance with filming in Corte Madera, contact:
Mario Fiorenzini, Film Coordinator/Director of Parks & Recreation
Corte Madera Parks & Recreation
Phone: 415-927-5072
Email: mfiorenzini@ci.corte-madera.ca.us
Filming in Fairfax
For the Fairfax Film Permit Application, click on:
FairfaxFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
For assistance with filming in Fairfax, contact:
Judy Anderson, Town Clerk
Town of Fairfax
Phone: 415-453-1584
Email: janderson@townoffairfax.org
Cynthia Powell, Community Services Office
Fairfax Police Department
Phone: 415-458-2353
Email: cpowell@fairfaxpd.org
Filming in Larkspur
For the Larkspur Film Permit Application, click on:
LarkspurFilmShootApp.pdf
For assistance with filming in Larkspur, contact:
Joan Lang
City of Larkspur
Phone: 415-927-5024
Email: jlang@larkspurcityhall.org
Filming in Mill Valley
For the Mill Valley Film Permit Application and Business License Forms, click on:
MillValleyFilm-PhotoShtApp.pdf
For assistance with filming in Mill Valley:
Regarding Authorization & Rates:
Seth Allingham, Facility Supervisor of Parks & Recreation
Mill Valley Parks & Recreation Department
Phone: 415-383-1370
Email: sallingham@cityofmillvalley.org
Permit & Business License Information:
Liz Miller, Permit & Business License Coordinator
Phone: 415-388-4033
Email: lizmiller@cityofmillvalley.org
Public Works Officer who reviews permits, evaluates traffic/parking/etc.:
Julie McClure, Public Works
Email: jmcclure@cityofmillvalley.org
Filming in Novato
For the Novato Film Permit Application, click on:
Novato Film Permit and Hold Harmless.pdf
For assistance with filming in Novato, contact:
Sergeant Oliver Collins
Novato Police Department, 909 Machin Ave.
Phone: 415-899-7026
Email: ocollins@ci.novato.ca.us
Filming in Ross
For the Ross Film Permit Application, click on:
Filming Motion Pictures, Still Pictures or Television
Ross Town Hall
Police Cheif Jim Rice
31 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (at corner of Lagunitas Road)
Ross, CA 94957
(415) 453-1453 ext. 101
www.townofross.org
Filming in San Anselmo
For the San Anselmo Photo Shoot/Film Permit Application, click on:
San AnselmoFiim-PhotoShtApp.pdf
(Please note: On page 1 of their application, it asks for # of essential vehicles and # of non-essential vehicles. To find out what qualifies for essential or non-essential, you must contact Dana directly as this portion will go through their Ordinance Office.)
For assistance with filming in San Anselmo, contact:
Dana Unruh, Film Permit Contact
San Anselmo Police Department
Phone: 415-258-4610
Email: dunruh@sananselmopd.org
Filming in San Rafael
For the San Rafael Film Permit Application, click on:
SanRafaelFilmShootBizLicApp.pdf
For the San Rafael Parade Permit Application, click on:
Parade+Permit.pdf
Find photos and more on filming in San Rafael by going to: www.sanrafaelfilm.com
For assistance with filming in San Rafael, contact:
Brian Auger, Events Coordinator & Film Contact
City of San Rafael — Redevelopment Agency
Phone: 415-485-3465
Email: brian.auger@ci.san-rafael.ca.us
Filming on Stinson Beach
- For Film Permit Regulations, click on:
MarinCountyFilmPermitRegs.pdf
For assistance with filming on Stinson Beach, contact:
Berenice Davidson, Civil Engineer
Marin County Department of Public Works
Phone: 415-499-3770
Email: bdavidson@co.marin.ca.us
For all permit inquiries contact:
Melinda Moses, National Park Ranger
Special Parks Uses Office
Phone: (415) 561-4301
Email: melinda_moses@nps.gov
Filming in West Marin
Bolinas: Bolinas Fire Cheif Anita Brown (415) 868-1566
Fairfax-Bolinas Road: MMWD, Laurie Offenbach (415) 945-1180 or Email: loffenbach@marinwater.org
Marshall: Lori Kyle (510) 666-0069 (East Shore Planning Group)
Nicasio: Primary, "Spike" Drady (415) 662-2057 or Stan Loar (415) 662-2244
Point Reyes Station: Public Works Dept (415) 499-6528 or Land Dev/Engineer (415) 499-3755
Tomales: Bert Crews, (707) 878-2927 Email: brcrews@mac.com Website: http://www.bertcrews.com/tfc.pdf
Other areas: Filming in Kent Woodlands (415) 721-7429.
Filming in the Sleepy Hollow area of Greensburg and Whiteplains Streets, contact Carolyn Goodman (415) 250-6264.
Check with the Department of Public Works staff on all special requirements
Click here for all West Marin Film Permit Regulations
Please note that the above areas for West Marin will need the required permits through the County's Departement of Public Works with a ranger on site.
1. Filming in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)
Find more information on filming in GGNRA areas by going to:
www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/permits.htm
Film Permit Applications:
- For GGNRA Small Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRASmlFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
- For GGNRA Large Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRALrgFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
For assistance with filming and still photography in the GGNRA (North of the Golden Gate Bridge), contact:
Melinda Moses, Park Ranger
Special Parks Uses Office
Phone: (415) 561-4301
Email: melinda_moses@nps.gov
2. Filming in Point Reyes National Seashore
Film Permit Application available through Kevin Mckay only.
For all inquiries regarding filming in Point Reyes, contact:
Kevin McKay, Park Special Uses Coordinator
Special Park Uses Office
Phone: 415-464-5111
Email: kevin_mckay@nps.gov
3. Filming in Muir Woods National Monument
For all commercial media inquiries contact:
Melinda Moses, Park Ranger
Special Parks Uses Office
Phone: (415) 561-4301
Email: melinda_moses@nps.gov
Film Permit Applications:
For GGNRA Small Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRASmlFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
- For GGNRA Large Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRALrgFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
Find more information on filming in GGNRA areas by going to:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/permit-forms.htm
For all public service media inquiries contact:
Alexandra Picavet, Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Office, Golden Gate NRA
Phone: 415-561-4732
Email: alexandra_picavet@nps.gov
(Permits not required for public service related photos and filming.)
Contact the local state parks rangers to get initial approval of film activity. The final permit is issued through the California Film Commission State Parks coordinator
1. Filming in Angel Island State Park
For all inquiries contact:
Casey Dexter-Lee, Film Coordinator
California State Parks, Angel Island Sector
Phone: 415-789-1384
Email: calee@parks.ca.gov
Website information: www.parks.ca.gov
2. Filming in China Camp State Park
For all inquiries contact:
David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator
California State Parks Marin District
Phone: 415-898-4363
Email: dkopler@parks.ca.gov
Website information: www.parks.ca.gov
3. Filming in Mount Tamalpais State Park (Mt. Tam)
Permits may be required through both Mt. Tamalpais State Park Office and the
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Office (GGNRA) based on exact location of shoot.
David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator
California State Parks Marin District
Phone: 415-898-4363
Email:dkopler@parks.ca.gov
Website information: www.parks.ca.gov
- For GGNRA Small Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRASmlFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
- For GGNRA Large Film or Photo Shoot Application, click on:
GGNRALrgFilm-PhotoShootApp.pdf
4. Filming in Olompali State Historic Park
For all inquiries contact:
David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator
California State Parks Marin District
Phone: 415-898-4363
Email: dkopler@parks.ca.gov
Website information: www.parks.ca.gov
5. Filming in Samuel P. Taylor State Park
For all inquiries contact:
David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator
California State Parks Marin District
Phone: 415-898-4363
Email: dkopler@parks.ca.gov
6. Filming in Tomales Bay State Park
For all inquiries contact:
David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator
California State Parks Marin District
Phone: 415-898-4363
Email: dkopler@parks.ca.gov
Website information: www.parks.ca.gov
A permit is required whenever filming takes place on state property. The California Film Commission is a one stop shop for State permits and will assist you in obtaining the required approvals from the CHP, Caltrans, State Parks, Facilities and the State Fire Marshal, where necessary. All State Park permits will need to go through the State of California Film Commission before getting local approval.
California Film Commission
Phones: 800-858-4749 or 323-860-2960
Fax: 323-860-2976 or 323-860-2972
Email:filmca@film.ca.gov
7080 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 900
Hollywood, CA 90028
Website: www.film.ca.gov
Location/Librarian Specialist: Lisa Mosher (ext. 123)
1. CA State Buildings and Facilities: Catherine Adamic, Permit Coordinator
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 107
Fax: 323.860.2972
Email: cadamic@film.ca.gov
2. Filming in San Quentin State Prison
For all inquiries contact:
Permit Coordinator for CA State Buildings & Facilities - Prisons (San Quentin)
Catherine Adamic, California Film Commission
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 107
Fax: 323.860.2972
Email: cadamic@film.ca.gov
Local Marin Contact:
Sam Robinson, Public Information Officer
San Quentin State Prison
Phone: 415-455-5000
Email: samuel.robinson@cdcr.ca.gov
3. CA State Parks and Beaches: Helene Dervishian, State Parks Coordinator
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 106
Fax: 323.817.4126
Parks Fax: 323-860-2976
Email: hdervishian@film.ca.gov
4. Filming on Caltrans Highways, Roads, Buildings and Facilities
All Caltrans permits are issued through the California Film Commission
David Booth, Permit Coordinator for Caltrans
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 104
Fax: 323.860.2976
Caltrans Fax: 323-860-2976
Email: dbooth@film.ca.gov
Fees: No location fees. $140 review fee for Caltrans and hourly charges if necessary for rangers. Fees vary based on activity.
For California Highway Patrol support, contact the CHP Film Media Relations Officer at the CFC:
Officer Miguel D. Luevano, California Highway Patrol Liaison
Phone: 323.860.2960 x 103
Once the application and paperwork has been approved through the CFC, traffic control for the actual filming on roads or highways may be made by contacting:
Officer Powell, California Highway Patrol in Corte Madera
Phone: 415-924-1100 x 216
Email: jpowell@chp.ca.gov
1. Filming in Marin County Parks
For all inquiries contact:
Chief Park Ranger Rob Ruiz
Marin County Parks and Open Space
Phone: 415-507-4045
Email: rruiz@marincounty.org
2. Filming in Marin Open Space Preserves
For all inquiries contact:
Supervising Ranger Richard Gibson
Marin County Parks and Open Space
Phone: 415-473-6232
Email: rgibson@marincounty.org
3. Filming in Marin Municipal Water District
For all inquiries contact:
Laurie Offenbach, Film Permit Coordinator
Marin Municipal Water District
Phone: 415-945-1180
Email: loffenbach@marinwater.org
4. Filming on County Roads, Highways and Unincorporated Areas of Marin County
For Film and Encroachment Permit Regulations, click on:
MarinCountyFilmPermitRegs.pdf
For assistance with filming on open roads in Marin County, contact:
Berenice Davidson, Civil Engineer
Marin County Department of Public Works
Phone: 415-499-3770
Email: bdavidson@co.marin.ca.us
For Marin County Maintained Roads, contact:
Jeanene Gibson, Permit Engineer
Phone: 415-499-6530
Email: jgibson@co.marin.ca.us
A Film and Encroachment Permit must be obtained from DPW for filming on
County roads. Film permit applications must be submitted a minimum of
three days in advance of requested dates of filming. The filming fee is
$550 per day plus a one-time encroachment fee of $193. Permit needs to be
kept at the site.
For time restrictions on County-maintained roads, click here.
Once the application and paperwork has been approved through the county, traffic control for the actual filming on roads or highways may be made by contacting:
Officer Powell, California Highway Patrol in Corte Madera
Phone: 415-924-1100 ext. 216
Email: jpowell@chp.ca.gov
Filming on the Golden Gate Bridge
For all inquiries contact:
Mary Currie, Public Affairs Director
Phone: 415-923-2222
Email: mcurrie@goldengate.org, 30-day advance request required
View California Film Commission's Production Alert here
Marin Court Application: film.ca.gov/CountyCourts
Superior Court of California/Marin County: Marin County Superior Court
Kim Turner, CEO
kim_turner@marincourt.org
Bill Bretag, Financial Services Assistant
P.O. Box 4988 San Rafael 94913
415-444-7376 and 415-444-7011
Film Permit Applications — PDFs:
1. Corte Madera
Corte Madera Film Shoot Application
2. Fairfax
Fairfax Film or Photo Shoot Application
3. Larkspur
Larkspur Film or Photo Shoot Application
4. Mill Valley
Mill Valley Film or Photo Shoot Application
5. Novato
Novato Film or Photo Shoot Application
6. San Anselmo
San Anselmo Film or Photo Shoot Application
7. San Rafael
San Rafael Film Shoot Business License Application
8. County of Marin Permit for County Maintained Roads
Marin County Film & Encroachment Permit Application
9. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GGNRA Large Film or Photo Shoot Application
GGNRA Small Film or Photo Shoot Application
Additional GGNRA Permit Information You must have Adobe Reader to open the above PDFs.
You can get a free download at: AdobeReader
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