Filming Laws and Labor in 2025 for Santa Cruz and Monterey County

January 8, 2025 Mindwarp Entertainment Team

Filming in the breathtaking landscapes of Santa Cruz and Monterey County, including iconic locations like Big Sur, is a dream for many production teams. However, as of 2025, there are specific filming laws and regulations in these areas that you need to navigate carefully. Whether you’re a local filmmaker or coming from out of town, understanding these laws and hiring the right skilled labor can make or break your production.

Key Filming Laws in 2025
Both Santa Cruz and Monterey County have updated their filming laws to balance the needs of production teams with the preservation of their unique natural and cultural environments. Here are some highlights:

1. Permit Requirements:

Permits are mandatory for all commercial filming in public spaces, including beaches, parks, and roads. This includes Big Sur, where strict environmental regulations apply.
Permit applications must include a detailed production plan, proof of insurance, and a commitment to adhere to local noise, waste, and traffic management guidelines.

Contact info (regulations subject to change):

City of Santa Cruz Film Contact:
323 Church Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060
www.santacruzparksandrec.com
Phone: 831.420.5270 Fax: 831.420.5271
Email: eventpermits@cityofsantacruz.com

City of Capitola
The City of Capitola requires a filming permit but has no drone ordinances beyond FAA rules.
City of Capitola Film Contact: 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA 95010 www.cityofcapitola.org
Phone: 831.475.7300
Fax: 831.479.8879
Contact: Edna Basa, Deputy City Clerk, ebasa@ci.capitola.ca.us

City of Scotts Valley
The City of Scotts Valley requires a filming permit but has no drone ordinances beyond FAA rules.
City of Scotts Valley Film Contact: 1 Civic Center Dr. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 www.scottsvalley.org
Phone: 831.440.5600 Fax: 831.438.2793
Contact: Mali LaGoe, City Manager, mlagoe@scottsvalley.gov

2. Environmental Protection:

Filming in Big Sur and other sensitive areas requires an environmental impact assessment.
Productions must commit to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all waste is removed and no damage occurs to natural habitats.

3. Community Considerations:

Productions must notify local residents and businesses in advance of filming activities.
Filming during peak tourist seasons may face additional restrictions to minimize disruptions.

County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean St, Room 520
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us
Phone: 831.454.3490
Fax: 831.454.3420
Contact: David Brown, david.brown@santacruzcounty.us

Use: Use of the county's facilities that are owned and/or operated by the County, including right-of-way.
Fees: $250 administration fee for permits. Additional site fees for filming at a county-owned park. Road closure or traffic control on County-owned roads is required, a road encroachment permit is required. Fees may vary. Contact the County Department of Public Works at 831.454.2160 for more information on the permits and fees.
Applications: Santa Cruz County Application for Authorization to Film is required, contact the county for exact details.
Insurance: Standard insurance requirements. The applicant shall maintain Comprehensive General Liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000, naming the County as an additional insured. Applicant must provide the County with a copy of the policy prior to the authorization to film being issued. Contact the county for exact requirements.
Other Requirements: Prior permission must be obtained to film anything.
Processing Time: 3-7 business days
Fire Department Contact: Chris Walters, 831.335.6748
Fire Safety Officer Fees: Varies
Police: California Highway Patrol, Sgt. Nick Ozanne, 831.662.0511
Police Officer Fees: $79.15 – $99.55 per hour plus mileage
Pyrotechnics: Contact local Fire Departments

4. Labor Laws:

California’s strict labor laws apply, including wage and hour regulations, meal breaks, and safety protocols.
Productions must ensure compliance with union agreements if union labor is employed.

Hiring Skilled Labor
For out-of-town productions, finding reliable and skilled labor in Santa Cruz, Monterey County, and Big Sur can be challenging. Do not fret, we can assist. We offer turn-key labor solutions for film with experienced professionals. We will select the most qualified hands to meet your production needs, we can also handle the payroll and Worker's Compensation requirements.

Why Hire Union Labor?
Union labor offers several advantages:

1. Expertise: Union workers are highly trained and experienced in film and stage production.
2. Compliance: Hiring union labor ensures adherence to California labor laws and safety standards.
3. Reliability: Union crews bring professionalism and consistency, reducing risks of delays or errors.

The Role of a Labor Broker
Navigating local labor markets can be overwhelming, especially when working under tight deadlines. This is where we come in:

1. Access to Union Labor: What is a labor broker? A labor broker can connect you with a network of union-certified professionals, including stagehands, camera operators, and production assistants.
2. Payroll Services: Managing payroll for a large crew can be complex. A labor broker with payroll expertise ensures that wages, taxes, and benefits are handled accurately and efficiently.
3. Local Expertise: Brokers with experience in Santa Cruz and Monterey County understand the nuances of filming in these areas, helping you navigate permits, regulations, and logistical challenges.

Photo: Visit Santa Cruz

Filming in Santa Cruz, Monterey County, and the stunning Big Sur region offers incredible opportunities, but it requires careful planning to comply with 2025 filming laws and secure the best local talent. By partnering with a labor broker that provides access to union labor and comprehensive payroll services, you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life while ensuring a seamless and compliant production process.

Let’s work together to make your next production in Santa Cruz or Monterey County a resounding success!

Popular films filmed in Santa Cruz County, California:

The Lost Boys (1987): A horror comedy filmed almost entirely in Santa Cruz County, featuring vampires, beaches, boardwalks, and bridges
Dirty Harry: Sudden Impact (1983): The fourth film in the Dirty Harry series, which was filmed all over Santa Cruz, with the Boardwalk as a centerpiece
Us (2019): Principal photography took place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, though most of the film was shot in Los Angeles
The Brotherhood of Justice: Filmed at Aptos High School, starring Keanu Reeves, Kiefer Sutherland, and Billy Zane
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift: One of the opening scenes was filmed at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School
Birdbox (2018): Filmed in Santa Cruz County
Bumblebee (2018): Filmed in Santa Cruz County
Chasing Mavericks (2012): Filmed in Santa Cruz County
Kinsey (2004): Filmed in Santa Cruz County
Frog & Wombat (1998): Filmed in Santa Cruz County
Dangerous Minds (1995): Filmed in Santa Cruz County

Movies Filmed at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park

Dirty Harry: Sudden Impact (1983) Filmed all across Santa Cruz, the fourth film in the Dirty Harry series.
The Lost Boys Santa Cruz Tour - Visit California

Filmed almost entirely around Santa Cruz County, The Lost Boys starred Patric, Haim, and Kiefer Sutherland. The Lost Boys locations that inspired the popular 1980s vampire movie include: