Culver City, famously known as “The Heart of Screenland”, is making a big play to bring film and television production back to its historic streets. To lower financial barriers for both independent and large-scale productions, the city has expanded its already generous $500,000 incentive program.
Major reductions in administrative costs
Initially launched on December 1, 2025, the incentive program has already successfully driven up permit application volume in the city. However, city officials and FilmLA recognized an opportunity to do even more to encourage extended stays for productions.
As of May 11, Culver City has fully eliminated several standard administrative fees. Because FilmLA already serves as the city’s film permit office, this change means Culver City locations can now be added to FilmLA multi-jurisdiction permits for no additional upfront cost.
For a standard three-day film shoot, the combined waiver of application and daily use fees drops total administrative costs by $1,700 — a nearly 60 percent decrease, according to FilmLA.
The city has also officially lowered its minimum insurance requirements to align with the lower liability limits agreed to by neighboring jurisdictions, making it much easier and more affordable to secure the necessary coverage to shoot.
Existing incentives still in play
The new waivers build upon the original ordinance passed late last year. The program, which remains active through the end of 2026, continues to offer the following benefits:
- Free production parking to ease logistical headaches and costs.
- Partial credits for film permit fees that exceed standard 2024 rates.
- Complete suspension of city business tax collection for qualifying productions.
With zeroed-out application fees, removed daily use charges, and relaxed insurance mandates, Culver City is loudly signaling that its doors — and streets — are wide open for business!