Back
Entertainment

Baywatch Production and Los Angeles Officials Agree on Modified Venice Beach Filming Permit

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Venice Beach "Baywatch" Production to Continue with Modified Permit

A meeting between the producers of the television series "Baywatch" and Los Angeles city and county officials on Friday resulted in an agreement to modify the show's existing film permit for Venice Beach. The changes accommodate the production's expanded logistical needs, which were identified after filming began in early March. Officials from multiple agencies have stated their support for the production continuing at the location.

"Everybody came away from this meeting feeling really, really good. We want to encourage this and not discourage it." — Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park

Agreed Permit Modifications

The consensus reached at the meeting includes several specific modifications to the production's operating conditions:

  • Parking: The production will require approximately double the number of parking spaces at the Venice Beach lot compared to its original permit. It will also seek permission to park vehicles overnight; the current permit allows parking only between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. on filming days.
  • Filming Hours: Officials stated they will approve requests for expanded filming hours to allow for the shooting of nighttime scenes. The current coastal permit does not permit nighttime filming.
  • Cost Reduction: The Los Angeles transportation commission agreed to reduce the cost of renting a city parking lot for the production by 20%.

Background and Original Permit

The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the initial film permit for "Baywatch" on February 6. That permit authorized:

  • The use of 27 parking spaces adjacent to the beach and 177 spaces in a nearby city lot.
  • The closure of a 300-square-foot portion of the beach for filming, with provisions to maintain public access, protect wildlife, and prevent sand erosion.

The 12-episode reboot of "Baywatch" was awarded a $21 million tax credit from the California Film Commission in the fall of 2023. Filming is scheduled to continue through July 16 and also occurs at other beaches in the Los Angeles area.

Official Statements

Multiple officials expressed support for the production and the outcome of the meeting.

  • Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park stated the production had "grown substantially beyond what it initially imagined and what they applied for in their permits."
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath stated that the production and officials committed to strengthening communication and coordination. Horvath said there is "a shared, unwavering commitment from both public partners and the production team to make this season — and many more to come — a success right here in Los Angeles."
  • Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, "I'm pleased that 'Baywatch' will continue to film right here on Venice Beach. The City of Los Angeles will always clear bureaucratic barriers, making it easier and more affordable to film in the entertainment capital of the world."
  • Steve Kang, the film liaison for Mayor Bass, attended the meeting and relayed the information regarding the parking cost discount.

Context and Clarification

The meeting followed a March 29 post on the Crew Stories Facebook page that quoted an anonymous crew member claiming government restrictions had forced the production to relocate from Venice Beach. The production and the involved city and county officials stated this claim was not accurate. The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors retains responsibility for enforcing the terms of the permit.