Welcome to the City of Ontario Film Permits!
The Communications Department serves as the liaison office to production companies and businesses to coordinate Film Permit Applications.
Film Permits are required for any commercial film activity that occurs within the City of Ontario, whether on public or private property. Film activity includes still photography, film or video production. Any person desiring to use any property for the purpose of staging, filming, making, capturing, taking or recording of images for any commercial or business purpose shall obtain a Film Permit.
To get your film project in Ontario started, fill out our online application or contact us today.
Email: FilmPermits@OntarioCA.gov
Please read the Regulations & Instructions document before filling out application.
All applications must be filled out online: Film Permit Application.
If you need to amend an application already submitted, use the Film Permit Addendum Form.
All payments and supporting documents must be submitted ten (10) business days (weekends and holidays are not considered business days) before the first prep/scheduled day of filming. If you are requesting street closures or would like to utilize stunts/special effects/pyrotechnics in your production, you must have those Permits routed through the appropriate Departments and approved prior to the ten (10) business day deadline to include with your Film Permit.
Upon receipt of a completed Film Permit Application, the Communications Department will begin coordinating logistics and approvals with City Departments in accordance with all applicable terms, conditions, and operational guidelines. Please note that submission of an Application does not guarantee issuance of a Permit.
Downloadable Files
Commonly used places for filming in Ontario:
- Historic Euclid Avenue
- Ontario International Airport
- Toyota Arena
- Ontario Convention Center
- R. Jack Mercer Ontario Community Bandstand (located at Euclid Avenue and C Street)
- Ontario Town Square
Need Visuals? Check us out!
DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Film Permits are required for individuals and businesses wishing to conduct commercial film, television, video, still photography and all other media use projects taking place on public or private property,
IS THERE A FILM PERMIT APPLICATION FEE?
Yes. Each Film Permit Application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable processing fee in the amount of $246. (rates subject to change)
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PERMIT?
The amount of time necessary to issue a Film Permit depends on the complexity of the filming production. Production is required to submit a Permit ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled filming date. If the production is large and complex, it is recommended to apply at least fourteen (14) business days prior to the scheduled filming date.
IF I AM FILMING ALL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Yes, Film Permits are required for any commercial film television, video, still photography and all other media use projects taking place on public or private property.
DO I NEED A PERMIT IF I AM DOING A PHOTOSHOOT?
Film Permits are required for any film activity that occurs within the City of Ontario.
I'M A STUDENT, DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Yes, you need a Permit and are subject to the same rules as a professional production company. However, you will be covered under your school’s insurance. In order to tie you to your school’s insurance policy to the City, please submit a copy of your current valid student identification, a letter for the instructor, and your class schedule, highlighting the class for which you are completing the production. When applying for a Permit, please list your school’s name as the production company.
HOW DO I HIRE POLICE/FIRE PERSONNEL?
The Communications Department will coordinate with the Police and Fire Departments who will then assign personnel for the production.
I’VE ALREADY SUBMITTED A FILM PERMIT APPLICATION, BUT SOME OF THE DETAILS HAVE CHANGED. CAN I CHANGE MAKE CHANGES TO MY APPLICATION?
Yes. Please fill out an Addendum and indicate the changes to production.
CAN I FAX OR E-MAIL IN A PERMIT REQUEST?
No, all Film Permit Applications must be submitted online.
HOW CAN I PROMOTE MY BUSINESS/PROPERTY FOR FILMING?
Email FilmPermits@OntarioCA.gov to request promotion of your business or property for filming in the City.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO CAN I CONTACT?
Please email FilmPermits@OntarioCA.gov.