Film SF works with film schools, universities, and colleges to help students get a permit to film class assignments in SF.
Definition
A production is considered a student film if it’s a class assignment with insurance coverage provided by the school.
If your school is not able to provide the required general liability insurance coverage for your project, email us at film@sfgov.org.
Fees
You do not have to pay Film SF daily use fees to shoot a student project. There may be other fees associated with other agencies, depending on the filming activity.
Insurance requirements
Your school must provide the minimum required insurance coverage for your student film. You do not need to provide worker’s compensation.
Make sure the school’s certificate of insurance includes your name and shoot dates. Include the certificate of insurance with your permit application.
Auto liability
You can claim an auto liability waiver on your permit application if you will:
- Not be using a vehicle for filming
- Only taking public transit to and from the shoot location
You will need to show proof of auto liability if you are doing any of the following.
Driving to and from the shoot location
Email a copy of your driver’s license and insurance card to film@sfgov.org.
Using a vehicle for filming
If you are filming a moving vehicle (inside or outside), email to film@sfgov.org:
- A copy of your driver’s license
- Proof of up to $1 million auto liability coverage
Renting a production vehicle
Email to film@sfgov.org:
- Driver’s license copies of the people renting and driving the vehicle
- Proof of buying the rental car company’s supplemental auto liability insurance (up to $1 million) in your rental contract
Have your instructor confirm you are a student
Have your instructor or department head email a Teacher Approval Form (Word) to film@sfgov.org.
Other permit application instructions
When filling out the permit application, make sure:
- The contractor (page 1) and production company (page 8) lines should be listed as “(Name of school)/(Name of student)” like “San Francisco State University / John Doe”
- Use the school’s address as the “Company Address” on page 8
Include with your permit application:
- A copy of your student ID
- Certificate of insurance
- A copy of the script, or pages pertaining to the locations you’re requesting (not required for still photography)