FilmLA is expanding its purview. The organization, which already handles production permitting in other areas of Los Angeles County, announced a new partnership Friday with Manhattan Beach to handle the city’s film-permitting process.
The partnership is temporary — for now. As part of a one-year pilot program, FilmLA will serve as the centralized coordinator of film permits and related services for the city starting May 1. That will help streamline Manhattan Beach’s permitting process with permitting for the 16 other jurisdictions FilmLA covers, making things a little easier on local productions.
“We’re thrilled to partner with FilmLA to streamline the permitting process here in Manhattan Beach,” Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser said in a statement. “FilmLA’s long-standing experience supporting productions across the region, combined with its expertise in multi-jurisdictional permit coordination and proactive community relations, makes them an ideal partner for our city.”
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Per FilmLA, the tony surfside city recently adopted more film-friendly policies by reducing some of its filming-related fees and revising filming policies to more closely align with the California Film Commission’s Model Film Ordinance. The city’s departments will retain their roles as reviewers and approvers in the permit process when the deal kicks in next month.
Situated between El Segundo and Hermosa Beach and home to about 35,500 residents, Manhattan Beach boasts such sites as its century-old pier, walking and biking path called the Strand, Sand Dune Park and a walkable downtown featuring boutiques and eateries.
“This partnership was a natural fit given our long history of coordinating permits for Los Angeles County beaches and coastal jurisdictions throughout the region,” FilmLA CEO, Denise Gutches said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the city to make filming more straightforward and accessible for productions of all sizes and are excited to highlight Manhattan Beach as a prime filming location.”
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.