Anaheim Production Update: Permits, Events & Next Steps
Anaheim video production teams will feel the paperwork pinch first. The city’s FY 25/26 packet requires a 1-million-dollar COI, a site map and—if you’re flying—a drone-flight diagram or LAANC screenshot in the same upload. State property still goes through the California Film Commission, which asks for four business days but seven if UAVs are involved. Orange County bans recreational drones in many parks without a permit, so scout launch points early.
Studio-wise, Silver Dream Factory upgraded to Hospital 4.0 (25 pre-hung FalconEyes panels) and a TSA-ready airport terminal mock-up, both eligible for a 50 % multi-set discount this month. Nearby Media Ave offers a book-by-the-hour cyclorama and podcast booth 24/7, perfect when rain or park noise wrecks an exterior take
Upcoming Events & Casting Windows
- Downtown Disney Movie Nights run every Wednesday through Oct 29, screening family Halloween titles under the stars and drawing cosplay crowds that boost ambient noise after sunset.
- Spooky Family Movie Night at Ponderosa Park on Oct 23 adds a second free screening option—ideal B-roll with neighborhood vibe
- Disney SoCal Family Promo shoots one day between Oct 6–8; $800/day plus park tickets—lock transport early since parking structures hit capacity by 9 a.m.
- Farmer Boys Commercial (regional) still seeks talent until Oct 15, filming on an Anaheim-area back lot and paying SAG digital scale.
Beyond city limits, the Newport Beach Film Festival (Oct 16–23) draws distributors and tech vendors you can tap for panel B-roll or last-minute gear rentals. At the Anaheim Convention Center, the Fresh Produce & Floral Summit (Oct 17) and Lifewave Convention (Oct 23) will close loading bays and flood Katella Avenue with box trucks—plan grip routes accordingly
Production Pointers
Anaheim still waives base film-permit fees, but every park shoot now costs $75 and drone apps require seven business days’ lead time. The city’s drone safety page reminds operators that flights over Disneyland Resort are strictly off-limits under permanent FAA TFR 9/5142. Meanwhile, DUI checkpoints and OTS-funded road-safety blitzes can snag grip vans after 6 p.m.—check APD alerts before call time
Final Take
Whether your Anaheim camera crew is chasing family-friendly Halloween laughs or a crisp hospital set, the next two weeks reward planners who lock permits early, budget for drone compliance, and steer clear of convention traffic. Nail those details now and your footage will sparkle brighter than Disneyland’s nightly fireworks.
