Santa Clara, CA Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)

SCCC § 12.60.020(f) defines "student filming" as "all production made by a student of a public or private educational institution to satisfy a course or curriculum requirement and from which no profit is made including posting on social media Internet outlets," a definition broad enough to cover a class project that ends up posted publicly online, so long as it is not monetized. Section 12.60.030(a) makes clear that the underlying permit requirement applies to students on the same footing as any commercial production; there is no blanket student exemption from the permit itself.

What differs for students is the fee: § 12.60.030(b)(5) says a student project "will be considered on a case-by-case basis as to whether permit-related fees will be waived, but a permit is always required," meaning waiver is discretionary rather than automatic. Insurance is also adjusted rather than eliminated: § 12.60.060(a) requires "student applicants must conform to the provisions listed in this subsection by providing a certificate of insurance from their educational institution," letting a school's policy substitute for a commercial production company's certificate naming the City as an additional insured for up to $1,000,000. All other application requirements still apply to student projects, including the location, dates, crew size, and equipment information required under § 12.60.050(b), and, if filming on public property, a hold-harmless agreement under § 12.60.060(d).