San Jose Film & Video Commission
Welcome to San Jose—Innovation Starts Here.

Team San Jose also serves as the San Jose Film Commission contact. We are advocates for all kinds of productions and showcasing what the San Jose region has to offer film makers. We serve as a resource to help you and your crew, however big or small, with the right contacts for permitting, scheduling and other assistance you may need while here in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Whether you are looking for a metropolitan center or a historic landmark, the San Jose area boasts a diversity of locations.

Due to budget cuts, we are mainly a resource to point you in the right direction, on things such as permitting, and put you in contact with the appropriate offices. Please feel free to contact us by sending an email to shildenberger@sanjose.org.

Services
Check our local business listings for Film and Video related companies.

Lodging Assistance
The San Jose Film Commission coordinates bids to local hotels on behalf of visiting productions of all sizes, once a production schedule and size are confirmed. If your company will be coming to San Jose and you would like assistance with lodging, call 1-800-SAN-JOSE (726-5673) or send an email to shildenberger@sanjose.org.

Location Assistance
The San Jose Film Commission has a thorough knowledge of the South Bay Area and many networks we are able to leverage to connect you with the right sources. Below are some commonly used links within San Jose:

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC): www.sjc.org
SJC is located five minutes from Downtown San Jose. SJC just completed a $1.3 billion modernization that has made it one of the greenest airports for visitors, with a long list of new amenities, including 40 shops and restaurants, free Wi-Fi and public art installations. The San Jose Jet Center offers a small suburban terminal look. For information about filming at SJC, please call Yolanda Perez at 408-501-7700.

Downtown San Jose: For questions and permitting related to utilizing outdoor public or private areas within San Jose, please contact our Office of Cultural Affairs, 408-793-4344 or visit their Web site at www.sanjoseculture.org.

San Jose Parks: For filming in any park in San Jose, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department at 408-535-3570 or visit them online at www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/

The Parks Department Web site also includes community gardens. www.sjcommunitygardens.org/

Insurance Requirements

Prior to commencing any filming or photography activity on public property, production companies must provide to the City of San Jose’s Office of Risk Management a valid Certificate of Insurance showing the following:

  • Commercial General Liability: minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage including products and completed operations.
  • Automobile Liability: minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage for all owned, hired or non-owned vehicles.
  • Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability: limit of not less than $100,000 per accident as required by the Labor Code of the State of California.

The office of Risk Management should also be contacted for these common inquiries and issues:

  • San Jose Police Personnel
  • For security only
  • For Traffic Control & Security
  • Street Closures
  • Parking Permit & Signage
  • Commercial General Liability Certificate must be accompanied by the following endorsements:
  • Ten (10) day Notice of Cancellation or changes of coverage shall be given to the City of San Jose.
  • The insurance is primary insurance as respects the City, its officials, employees, agents and contractors. Any other insurance the City may have shall be considered excess insurance only.
  • Coverage shall state that the production company’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's liability.
  • Fire Department: To receive a special effects/pyrotechnics permit

Verification of coverage should be sent to:
City of San Jose
Attn: John Dam
Office of Risk Management
200 East Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
John.dam@sanjoseca.gov
Phone: 408-975-1438 
These requirements are subject to amendment or waiver if so approved in writing by the Office of Risk Management. Risk Management must be advised as to the nature of the filming or photography.

Unions
American Federation Of Television And Radio Artists 415-391-7510
Director's Guild of America 415-777-5811
I.A.T.S.E. Local 134 - 408-294-1134
I.A.T.S.E. Local 611 - 831-458-0338
I.A.T.S.E. LOCAL 16 - 415-441-6400
Screen Actors Guild - 415-391-7510
Teamster's Union Local 287 - 408-453-0287

California Highway Patrol (CHP)/CALTRANS
For any state highway shoots, contact the California Film Commission (CFC):

Officer Miguel D. Luevano

800-858-4749 Ext. 103

323-817-4113 Fax

State Property Parks & Roads
Currently, there is no fee to film on California State land. If you are considering filming on state land it is best to contact the California Film Commission at 800-858-4749.

County Area Parks & Roads
To expedite your production, make contact with the Permit Issuing Office at least two weeks prior to commencement.

City Contacts in Santa Clara County
Always contact the San Jose Film & Video Commission at 408-295-9600. The Commission is the designated contact for all filming in Santa Clara County. There are 14 other cities within Santa Clara County, each possessing a unique look and feel. The individual contacts for each city are as follows:

Campbell - Al Bito 408-866-2128
Cupertino - Rick Kitson 408-777-3262
Gilroy - Kristen Carr 408-842-6436
Los Altos - Phill Rose 650-948-1491
Los Altos Hills - Mark Miller 650-941-7222
Los Gatos - David Gravel 408-354-6851
Milpitas - Eliren Pasion 408-586-2730
Monte Sereno - Brian Loventhal 408-354-7635
Morgan Hill - City Manager 408-779-7271
Mountain View - Jim Williamson 650-903-6296
Palo Alto - Bob Beacom 650-329-2459
Santa Clara - Pam Morrison 408-615-2219
Saratoga - Rebecca Spoulous 408-868-1218
Sunnyvale - Linda Dagneschi 408-730-7476