The average turnaround for a film permit is two days, with more complicated requests taking up to five days. All requests for state property are evaluated individually, based on the impact to the resources, the public, and the filmmaker. All information provided to the CFC is available to the public. It is used for tracking production in California as well as other data management functions. Public viewing of this information is available by appointment, although rarely requested.
Production companies are responsible for following the guidelines identified in their film permit.
These guidelines are often provided for protection of the resource and safety of the filmmaker. Filming on state property is subject to monitoring at any time, although not always at the filmmaker's expense. Film permits may be revoked when permit conditions are violated. The CFC has a network of film liaisons throughout the state, whose purpose it is to streamline the permit process whenever possible. The CFC also provides a model ordinance as an example of a simplified permit process, available to every city and county jurisdiction in the state.