December 11, 2024
·

Exploring Essential Los Angeles Gov’t Forms for Productions

Daniela Bailes
Free ebook
Download Now
Free Template
Download Now
About the author
Daniela Bailes

Daniela Bailes is a working film and television writer whose work travels across genres. A proud alumnus of the Yale Writer’s Conference in New Haven, she was mentored by literary luminaries before being selected for the National Hispanic Media Coalition TV Writer’s Program, a feature writer on the Latinx Black List, and as a participant in the Sundance Episodic Lab. Her most recent work was staffing on the upcoming Paramount science-fiction series, The Shift, also selling a feature script to A+E Networks.

Follow the Wrapbook Team

Disclaimer

At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice.  You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.

Last Updated 
December 11, 2024
Free Resource

Government Form Center

Find Forms

Why Los Angeles remains a filmmaking hub

Los Angeles has made its mark as the global center of filmmaking. The city boasts an unparalleled concentration of resources and talent that make it an ideal location for productions of all scales. 

A vast network of equipment rental houses, prop houses, and sound stages provides filmmakers with the tools they need to bring their visions to life. From state-of-the-art cameras to intricate sets, everything is within reach.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, Los Angeles is home to a thriving community of highly skilled professionals. A diverse pool of directors, writers, actors, cinematographers, and crew members of all levels of experience reside in the city, ready to collaborate on projects. 

This wealth of talent ensures that productions can assemble top-tier teams, regardless of budget or genre.

The city's strategic location and diverse landscapes also contribute to its appeal. From glimmering beaches to urban landscapes to dense forests, Los Angeles offers a wide range of filming locations. 

This allows filmmakers to capture a variety of moods and settings. Add in the city's excellent climate, and you can see what makes it an attractive destination for productions year-round.

Search the Los Angeles government forms you may need

To ensure a smooth production process in the City of Angels, you must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines.

By completing the necessary Los Angeles city forms, you'll guarantee compliance and safeguard your production. Let's explore some forms you might need to get you started.

General production forms

Before diving into specific permits, let’s explore some general production forms that are essential for any production in Los Angeles. 

FilmLA Business Credit Application

The FilmLA Business Credit Application is a crucial document for production companies filming in Los Angeles. By establishing a credit account with FilmLA, you can streamline the permit process and simplify financial transactions. 

This allows you to focus on the creative aspects of your project rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. A FilmLA credit account offers several benefits, including the ability to pay for permits and fees online, receive expedited permit processing, and access exclusive resources. 

By completing the credit application, you're essentially opening a line of credit with FilmLA, making it easier to secure the necessary permits and licenses for your production.

FilmLA Authorization To Verify Business Credit History

A FilmLA Authorization to Verify Business Credit History is a document that grants FilmLA permission to check your company's creditworthiness. This verification process is often required to ensure that production companies can fulfill their financial obligations, such as paying permit fees and location rentals.

Exploring Essential Los Angeles Govt Forms for Productions - Wrapbook - Filming
From tentpoles to passion projects, LA has you covered.

By providing this authorization, you're helping FilmLA assess your company's creditworthiness and determine the appropriate level of security for your production. This process is essential for establishing trust and credibility within the Los Angeles film industry.

Labor and employment forms

A significant aspect of production planning involves managing your workforce. To ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, several forms are essential for hiring, paying, and managing your crew – including the below. 

Application For Permission To Employ Minors In The Entertainment Industry

If your Los Angeles-based production is the next Clueless or Fast Times at Ridgemont High, you'll need to obtain a permit from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) before hiring any minors. This permit ensures that child performers are working in safe and legal conditions.

To apply for this permit, you'll need to complete the Application for Permission to Employ Minors in the Entertainment Industry

This form requires detailed information about the minor, the production, and the specific roles they will be performing. By submitting this application, you're demonstrating your commitment to complying with child labor laws and protecting the well-being of young performers.

EDD Disability Insurance Provisions pamphlet DE 2515

The EDD Disability Insurance Provisions pamphlet (DE 2515) is a crucial resource for production companies in California, including those based in Los Angeles. 

This pamphlet provides essential information about the state's Disability Insurance (DI) program, which provides partial wage replacement to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.

As a production company, understanding your obligations under the DI program is vital. This pamphlet can help you navigate the complexities of DI, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and employer responsibilities. 

Tax and financial forms

To ensure financial compliance and accurate tax reporting, several forms are required for productions in Los Angeles. These forms help manage the financial aspects of your production and meet fiduciary obligations.

California Film & Television Tax Credit Program 3.0 Fringe Benefits Chart

The California Film & Television Tax Credit Program 3.0 offers significant financial incentives to productions that film in Los Angeles. To qualify for these tax credits, productions must adhere to specific guidelines, including those related to fringe benefits.

The California Film & Television Tax Credit Program 3.0 Fringe Benefits Chart provides a detailed breakdown of the eligible fringe benefits that can be included in the calculation of tax credits. 

By understanding these guidelines, production companies can maximize their tax credit eligibility and reduce their overall production costs.

Business Entity Records Order Form

A Business Entity Records Order Form is a document used to request official copies of business records from the California Secretary of State. 

This can be particularly useful for production companies in Los Angeles, especially when conducting due diligence on potential partners or vendors.

By submitting this form, you can obtain important information such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and annual reports. This information can help you assess the legal structure, financial health, and reputation of a business entity. 

By using this form to gather essential information, you can make informed decisions and protect your production from potential risks.

Specific permitting forms

For productions involving unique activities, special permits may be required. These permits ensure compliance with specific regulations and protect public safety and property. 

Application For Film Permit To The Department Of Animal Services

If your production in Los Angeles involves working with animals, you'll need to obtain a permit from the Department of Animal Services. This permit ensures that animals used in the production are treated humanely and that all necessary safety precautions are taken.

To obtain this permit, you'll need to complete the Application for Film Permit to the Department of Animal Services. This form requires detailed information about the animals involved, the specific activities they will be performing, and the safety measures in place. 

By submitting this application, you're demonstrating your commitment to animal welfare and complying with local regulations.

Wrapping up

Los Angeles is a city of dreams, but it’s also a city of permits. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can streamline the process. 

Wrapbook’s Government Forms Database is your ultimate resource for accessing and completing essential Los Angeles city forms. By utilizing this platform, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Free Resource

Government Form Center

Find Forms

Navigating Los Angeles’s complex production landscape can be daunting. Securing the perfect location and assembling your team is just the beginning. You’ll also need to tackle that production paperwork.

Let Wrapbook be your guide. We’ll break down the essential Los Angeles city forms you need to know, from permits and tax credits to labor forms. With our help, you can focus on what truly matters: making sure your production is a success. 

Wrapbook’s Government Forms Database

Feeling overwhelmed by the tangled web of Los Angeles production forms? Don’t let red tape derail your production. Wrapbook’s Government Forms Database is your ultimate solution.

Our user-friendly platform provides instant access to the essential Los Angeles city forms you need. From film permits to tax credit applications, we’ve got you covered. No more hunting down outdated forms or navigating confusing government websites. 

Wrapbook is a force multiplier that allows you to streamline your workflow while staying compliant.

Stay In The Know

Sign up for the Wrapbook newsletter where we share industry news along with must-know guides for producers.

Book a Demo

Meet with a Wrapbook expert to create a plan for your payroll.