Film Permits

Filming on Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park offers dramatic landscapes, historic sites, and sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, making it an incredible place to film. Because the island is both environmentally sensitive and logistically unique, all filming activities must be carefully reviewed in advance.

Whether you’re planning a commercial shoot, student project, or still photography with professional equipment, your first step is to contact us so we can guide you through the correct process.

Email: permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov for more information

Do I Need a Film Permit?

Many types of filming on Angel Island State Park require a permit. Generally:

A permit is required for:

  • Filming of any scale beyond personal use
  • Student film projects
  • Photography or videography using professional-level equipment, lighting, props, or multiple crew members

A permit is not usually required for:

  • Personal photography or casual videography using handheld consumer devices
  • Small, low-impact activities done as part of a standard visit

Our team will help you determine whether a permit is needed based on your equipment, group size, and project goals. Email permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov for questions and support.

Simple vs. Complex Filming

Filming generally falls into two categories. These help us determine staffing, logistics, and approval requirements.

Simple Productions

Typically include:

  • Small groups (fewer than 15 people)
  • Handheld or minimal equipment (camera, tripod, reflectors)
  • Activities that occur during normal park hours
  • No special effects, generators, large props, or sensitive locations

These productions usually require less coordination but still must be reviewed in advance.

Complex Productions

May involve:

  • Larger groups (15+ people)
  • Large props, specialty gear, or lighting
  • Drones, animals, weapons (props), or special effects
  • Filming in sensitive, historic, or off-limits locations
  • Activities near roads, beaches, waterfront, or natural/cultural resources
  • Significant vehicle use or extensive setup

Complex productions require additional review time and State Park on-site monitors. 

Costs

Permit costs include a daily fee plus monitoring, which would include all set up and take down time, and differ between simple and complex productions. Most shoots typically require a monitor but can vary based on what you have planned. Complex productions typically need at least two monitors for the entire shoot plus additional monitors if we determine they are needed. Monitors can also claim travel time if they are coming from outside of our park. A still photo shoot or student film may not need a monitor if done in areas accessible to the public and no closure of the area is needed.

Permit

  • Simple Productions - $100/day
  • Complex Productions - $250/day

Monitor - 6 hour minimum (type of monitor is determined by State Parks)

  • Monitor rates - $30~$100/hr

Locations

Angel Island State Park offers a variety of settings, from historic buildings to panoramic city landscapes. Some facilities may be available for filming, but access varies by project and may involve additional review or fees. Locations that are not normally open to the public, have significant historic or cultural value, adversely impact normal Park operations, or may require special considerations for their use may be considered for additional costs.

Email: permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov for more information on potential sites.

Island-Specific Considerations

Filming on Angel Island State Park comes with logistical challenges unique to island locations:

Boat Access Only

All crew, equipment, and supplies must be transported by ferry or charter vessel.

Public Ferries

Ferry service is available from: Tiburon (Angel Island Ferry Company) and San Francisco (Golden Gate Ferry). Ferry schedules change throughout the year and are different on weekdays and weekends. Please check the ferry company’s schedule before you arrive. Ferry ticket prices include the State Park entrance fee.

Angel Island Ferry Company: www.angelislandferry.com 415-435-2131 aiferry@angelislandferry.com

Golden Gate Ferry: https://www.goldengate.org/ferry/schedules-maps/ 415-455-2000 contact@goldengate.org  

Ferries can accommodate a small amount of equipment and cannot accommodate vehicles. Public ferries have restrictions on items they can carry (fuel, propane, etc), please contact the ferry company if you have questions about the equipment you plan to bring to the shoot.

Private Charter

Productions needing specific schedules or more equipment capacity may charter their own vessel. Charter companies must obtain a Docking Permit by contacting permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov. Please contact a charter company of your choosing for current pricing.

State Park fees for Charter Boat Docking Permit:

8 or less people - $50 plus $3/adult & $2/child (5-11yrs)

More than 8 people - $100 plus $3/adult & $2/child (5-11yrs)

“Clam” Landing Craft

For special equipment, the State Park landing craft “Clam” can move vehicles to and from the island. If you are bringing a vehicle to the park you would have to pay the minimum for each day. If you would like to do runs outside of the normal workday there may be additional charges to cover overtime.  You are also welcome to charter another commercial vessel for this service; they will need to complete a Special Docking Permit.

“Clam” rate: $450/hour, 2 hours minimum/day

Limited Services

  • Food service, lodging, and vehicle access are restricted. Catering can be arranged through the Angel Island Company, the on-island concessionaire; visit https://angelisland.com/ for more information or to submit an inquiry. The permittee may use any caterer of their choice, but a special event permit may be required for outside caterers. 
  • Power: Not all locations in the park have access to power. You may need generators to operate in remote locations. Angel Island State Park has one 50kw gas generator and six 5kw gas generators on the island that are available to use for a fee. You are always welcome to bring your own, just make sure to list them as equipment on your film permit. Gasoline or diesel powered generators are required to be placed on plywood and should not be placed directly on the ground.
  • Restrooms: Developed areas of the park generally have access to restrooms. If you have a large film shoot or are shooting in a remote location in the park you may need to bring in portable restrooms. Portable restrooms can be brought to the island through a contractor, which would require using the Clam or other hired landing craft.

Longer Planning Timelines

Due to transportation and resource constraints, the park requires a minimum of 30 days notice for all filming requests. Applications received with less than 30 days notice may be processed, but a $50 rush fee will be applied.

The Role of the California Film Commission (CFC)

The California Film Commission (CFC) is the statewide agency responsible for issuing film permits for all California State Parks, including for Angel Island State Park. While Angel Island State Park staff review your request, confirm logistics, and protect park resources, the CFC issues the official filming permit and manages required insurance documentation. The CFC ensures consistent statewide permitting and helps productions understand statewide guidelines and timelines.

Visit https://film.ca.gov/state-permits/state-parks-beaches/ for more information.

Insurance Requirements

All film productions needing a permit must provide insurance documentation through the California Film Commission (CFC). This protects both the production and the State of California.

Productions must submit a certificate of insurance (COI) to the CFC with the State of California listed as an additional insured party. Once you contact us and we determine that your project requires a permit, we’ll guide you to the CFC’s insurance requirements and application process.

Start Your Filming Request

1. Contact permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov with a brief description of your project.

  • Project type
  • Date(s) requested
  • Number of people
  • Equipment you plan to use
  • Any special requests (drones, vehicles, props, etc.)

Our team will help determine whether your activity needs a permit and whether it qualifies as simple or complex.

2. We will provide you with a film permit supplemental form to complete, the DPR 245A, which is used to begin the planning for your filming. It will continue to be refined as the planning progresses and final decisions are made on locations, dates, etc.

This form is not a permit but contains much of the information you will need to provide the California Film Commission.

3. Our team will direct you to apply for a permit through the CFC.

Begin the online permit process through the California Film Commission (CFC) https://film.ca.gov/state-permits/state-parks-beaches/.

The CFC provides the online application system and coordinates permit documents for all State Parks. The CFC requires a minimum of 4 business days to process a standard permit and at least 7 business days for complex production. 

4. Angel Island State Park and the CFC work together.

  • Angel Island State Park reviews your project details, dates, equipment, and location needs.
  • The CFC processes your application, collects required insurance, and issues the permit.
  • Fees for monitors or site use are set by the park and collected by the CFC on our behalf.

Rules and Regulations

  • No dogs, except service animals. Emotional support animals are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Smoking is only allowed on paved areas at least 20 feet (6 meters) from any building. Marijuana is not permitted.
  • No roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, or personal Segways.
  • No drones or drone filming, except by permit.
  • Decorations, amplified sound, and catering require prior approval.
  • All waste must be packed out or disposed of properly.
  • No ignition sources, no wood fires, no candles, no fireworks, etc. are allowed.
  • No disturbances of any features including rocks, soil or plants are allowed. Use of plant material in State Parks is restricted.
  • Users must respect park resources and other visitors.

Contact Information

We’re here to help you plan a safe, successful, and stunning shoot on Angel Island State Park.

Please contact permits.angelisland@parks.ca.gov.