Filming at the Garden

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden offers a distinctive setting for commercial filming, television, documentary, editorial, and other film and video productions.

All filming requires advance approval and is scheduled based on Garden availability. Filming requests require a minimum of 60 days' notice.

Film Permit Fees

  • Filming - Up to 4 Hours: $7,000
  • Additional Hours: $1,000 per hour
  • Parking: $15 per vehicle, up to $650, or the current rate established by 91ÖÆƬ³§

Filming time includes all production activity within the Garden, including setup and breakdown.

Additional Fees

Depending on the size and requirements of your production, additional university fees may apply, including:

  • Insurance
  • Fire Marshal
  • University film permit and processing fees
  • Catering truck
  • Leasing preparation
  • Leasing coordination
  • Custom signage
  • Police officer and/or event monitor, when required

Additional fees are determined by the University and will be outlined during the inquiry and permitting process.

Student Filming

Student filming rates differ from commercial filming rates and may be subject to additional requirements.

Students should contact the Garden with information about their project, school or program, proposed filming date, crew size, and production needs to receive current rates and requirements.

Request a Film Permit

Film permits are subject to Garden and university approval and are scheduled based on availability.

When submitting an inquiry, please include:

  • Preferred filming date and alternate date
  • Requested filming hours
  • Type of production
  • Production company or school
  • Number of cast and crew
  • Number of vehicles
  • Equipment and production needs
  • Brief description of the scenes to be filmed

Please allow a minimum of 60 days for filming requests. Send requests to zengardenevents@csulb.edu.

Deposit

A nonrefundable Garden fee is required at the time of booking.

Considerations

No pyrotechnics are allowed.

There is only one restroom on site. If additional restrooms are needed, it will be up to the user to arrange a rental.

No loud noise is allowed between 10pm and 7am.

Other restrictions may apply and will be outlined in detail at time of booking.

Contact

If you would like to discuss available dates or take a tour, please email ZenGardenEvents@csulb.edu