Culver City made things even better.
Six months after the Culver City Council passed incentives to support film and television production, the city has waived key fees and parking restrictions in an effort to attract more production activity to the area once known as the “Heart of Screenland.”
The original ordinance, which went into effect on December 1, included free parking for productions, a partial deduction for film permit fees that exceed the 2024 tax rate, and a suspension of city business tax collection. As of May 11th, more production-friendly incentives have been introduced.
The video and still photography fees that Culver City charges per application will be completely waived, saving you $660 per permit. Minimum insurance requirements for filming in Culver City were also lowered to match liability minimums agreed to by other nearby municipalities.
Culver City will also waive all daily fees for city video permits ($350) and still image permits ($75), reducing costs by up to 60 percent. This additional savings will reduce total administrative costs for filming in Culver City by $1,700 over the course of a typical three-day film shoot from already encouraged levels.
Since December 2025, a total of 15 filming permits have been issued in Culver City, reflecting 17 days of filming.
It was an easy choice for officials to take steps to improve the savings package that Culver City can offer.
“The entertainment industry is part of Culver City’s identity and economic backbone,” said Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza. “I am proud that our City Council has approved meaningful incentives that will support production, strengthen the local economy and invest in the future of Screenland.”
Culver City Economic Development Director Elaine Warner felt it would be a benefit for everyone.
“We continue to refine our policy over time. We hear that this is an unmet need. Although this is an investment, it is still a pilot program. The application fee subsidy will be charged against the current cap of $500,000 and will not create any additional fiscal impact for the city,” Warner said.
Warner said the city has subsidized approximately $33,846 in fees since December 2025 to support film activity and production.
The challenges faced by production companies have repercussions across the region. “Film and television production doesn’t just make money for the studios; it supports local restaurants, vendors, hotels, workers, and small businesses throughout the community. We’re investing in an industry that has invested in the community for generations,” Puza said.
Warner added, “Further reducing the cost of filming here will make it easier for productions of all sizes to choose Culver City, support local businesses, and keep the heart of Screenland active and accessible. This enhanced incentive shows we are committed to becoming a movie-friendly city.”
California expanded its film and television tax credit program in 2025, increasing the statewide incentive to $750 million annually through 2030. The CBS drama series “Tracker” announced on May 5 that it will leave Canada, where it has access to tax credits, and return to work in the Los Angeles area. The next season of the show is scheduled to begin filming this summer.
