Compton, CA Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)

Section 9-27.3 defines STUDENT FILMS as motion pictures, television programs, commercials or still photography produced to satisfy a course or curriculum requirement at an educational institution, and requires the student filmmaker to supply proof of current enrollment. That status matters because Section 9-27.6(c) exempts student films, alongside City-sponsored educational access productions and 501(c)(3) charitable productions in good standing, from the security deposit and the nonrefundable permit application fee every other applicant must pay under Section 9-27.6(a)-(b). The exemption is financial only: a student production still has to go through the full application in Section 9-27.5(a), naming the applicant, location, dates, crew size, equipment and any hazardous activity, and the City Permit Coordinator still reviews it against the same traffic, safety and public-operations findings in Section 9-27.5(b) before issuing a permit or attaching conditions.

Section 9-27.7 is explicit that liability insurance, at least $1,000,000 for general and auto liability, plus a City-approved hold-harmless agreement, applies to 'both for-profit, nonprofit and student filming activities' before any permit can be issued. If the City must add law enforcement, code enforcement or a film monitor for a student shoot, Section 9-27.6(d) still bills that cost to the permittee. A student permit can be suspended or revoked on the same grounds as any other permit, misrepresentation, a law violation, or breach of permit conditions, under Section 9-27.8, with an appeal to the City Manager available within two business days under Section 9-27.9.