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Step-by-step

How to conduct a Filming Survey and film outside of standard hours

Film SF issues permits for filming between 7am and 10pm, but can allow filming outside of City Noise ordinance quiet hours if productions complete a film survey.

Film SF | San Francisco Film Commission

If you plan on filming between 10 pm and 7 am, you may be required to conduct a neighborhood filming survey before your shoot. The survey is a tool to notify residents of activity, better understand neighborhood concerns, and mitigate the level of impact in a given area. The survey does not allow residents or businesses to grant permission to film and participation is voluntary.

We recommend starting this process at least 2 weeks before your shoot.

We require productions to submit their Use Agreement and insurance to our office before applying. Please prepare the necessary documents before moving on to the steps below.

You can also review our screen recorded guide: Film Survey Steps

1

Draft a site plan of impacted location

The map must clearly show residential addresses and street names.

You can use a screenshot of a Google Maps, OpenStreetMap or Apple Maps.

Mark your footprint on the map with the following:

  • Name of the production
  • Requested shoot dates and times
  • Number of cast and crew size
  • Parking requests
  • Filming locations
  • Base camp
  • Generators
  • Stunts
  • Lighting
  • Simulated violence
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Intermittent traffic control
  • Street closures
  • Any other film set up or impactful activity

Any elements not shown on the map will not be considered in the final film activity approval.

Film Survey Production Site Plan Example

2

Fill out the online film survey form

Be prepared with the following information before you submit the online form:

  • Production company name
  • Representative’s name and title
  • Representative’s email and phone number
  • Details of the specific areas where night filming will take place
  • Description of production activity (this must match what is shown on the site plan)
  • Number of filming days and hours
  • Site plan maps (to upload)

Fill out the online form at this link: https://digital.forms.sf.gov/t/qtNeTebq2tus

Note: Production contact information included on the film survey is considered a public record.

3

Film SF reviews the request

Film SF will receive a notice of your request and determine if a film survey or a film notice is required for the requested production activity

If the request is approved, Film SF will send a film survey and tools to start distributing the survey to the production.

4

Distribute the survey

When distributing surveys door-to-door, follow these requirements:

  • Print sufficient surveys and distribute them to each residence and affected business within the approved outreach map.
  • Knocking on doors is not required.
  • Carry identification showing your production affiliation.
  • Distribute surveys during daylight hours, when possible.
  • Respect “No Soliciting” and “No Trespassing” signs and note these locations.
  • Do not enter private residences; leave immediately if asked.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor, respectful distance, and awareness of privacy and safety needs.
  • Encourage residents and businesses to complete the survey and provide contact information. Note: Providing contact details is optional and is used only for Film SF verification purposes.
  • For translated surveys, post both the English and translated versions side by side.
  • Do not place or tape surveys in mailboxes of homes or businesses—this is against the law.
  • Do not tape or staple surveys to sidewalk poles.
  • Schedule a follow-up pass to collect completed surveys by the written deadline.
  • If a survey is filled out without an address, verify and record the address during collection pick up.
  • After Film SF determines the survey results, remove any remaining surveys that are still posted.
  • Report any surveys received after the deadline.
5

Create a report of responses on a map

Create a Results Map that clearly identifies each resident who has responded, categorized as:

  • No Concerns
  • Concerns

The following information must also be noted on the Results Map:

  • Date and time range of the first film survey drop‑off
  • Date and time range of the survey collection for pick‑up

Who conducted each survey pass, including:

  • Name of the survey distributor
  • Dates and times of their passes
  • Contact information

Ensure all information on the Results Map is accurate and complete, as it will be used by Film SF to evaluate community feedback and determine next steps.

You can refer to a sample results map.

6

Attend the Film Survey Meeting

Time:Meet at least five (5) business days before filming starts

Email the results map to film@sfgov.org. We will schedule a call to discuss the report and send a calendar invitation for a virtual or in-person meeting to review survey results and community outreach efforts.

During the meeting, Film SF will determine which activities may be approved for night filming.

Provide the following materials to Film SF at least 24 hours before your scheduled Film Survey Meeting:

  • Completed Results Map, clearly marked
  • Drafted film notices (including translated versions, if needed) for advance review, in the event film approval is granted following the meeting

Meeting Expectations

  • Be on time for the meeting.
  • For virtual meetings, ensure you have a stable internet or phone connection.
  • Production representatives who conducted outreach should attend to answer questions and share outreach experiences. For example, if a Production Assistant was assigned this work, they should attend this meeting.
  • Productions are expected to address reasonable concerns raised by residents and to propose solutions or mitigation measures as needed.