Filming and Photography
Thank you for your interest in using the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market or Mission Community Market as a location for your filming or photography project. All film, video, and photography projects must be coordinated through Foodwise, the nonprofit operator of these farmers markets.
Located outside of the Ferry Building, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is an iconic destination representing the heart of San Francisco’s farm to table food culture at a scenic waterfront setting. Our Mission Community Market is a beloved neighborhood farmers market creating a fun, beautiful public space in San Francisco’s Mission District
To request a permit, please review our Filming and Photography Policies below, then submit an application form. Please submit your application at least 10 business days in advance of the project date. You must receive permission from Foodwise prior to the date of filming.
For questions, please contact or 415-291-3276 x104.
Filming and Photography Policies
Foodwise’s priorities are supporting our local farmers, food makers, and community and promoting a sustainable food system, while operating a smooth and uninterrupted farmers market for our sellers and visitors. To that end, we have established the following policies for all film, video, and photography projects.
Eligibility and Permission
All individuals, students, companies, or organizations who wish to film or photograph in the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market or Mission Community Market for commercial, editorial, educational, or not-for-profit purposes must coordinate their requests through Foodwise. All requests will be reviewed and are subject to the approval of Foodwise’s Communications Director and Executive Director. Foodwise reserves the right to refuse projects that are not a fit for Foodwise’s mission, brand, or farmers markets. Permission to film or photograph is granted only for the date, time, and usage indicated on an approved application. In some cases, a certificate of insurance naming Foodwise as additional insured may be requested.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (outside) vs. Ferry Building Marketplace (inside)
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market takes place outside of the Ferry Building on Saturdays (8 am to 2 pm) and Tuesdays and Thursdays (10 am to 2 pm). Saturdays are our biggest market day, with up to 100 tents wrapping around the Ferry Building, in the front and back plazas. On Saturdays, we recommend filming between 8:00 and 10:00 am, when the stands are freshly stocked and before the market gets crowded. Tuesdays and Thursdays are smaller markets with tents in front of the Ferry Building only.
The brick-and-mortar shops inside the Ferry Building Marketplace are managed separately by Hudson Pacific Properties. For permission to film or take photos inside Ferry Building or outside during non-farmers-market hours, contact .
Mission Community Market
The Mission Community Market takes place on 22nd & Bartlett Streets in San Francisco on Thursdays (3 pm to 7 pm), mid March through mid November. If you need to film outside our farmers market hours or footprint, contact filmsf.org.
Editorial vs. Commercial Projects
Filming related contributions will be assessed and quoted after receipt of your application. Typically there is no required filming related contribution for noncommercial editorial shoots, except in the case of complex projects. For approved commercial filming and photography (including sponsored content, branded documentaries, etc.), we require a contribution based on the nature, size, scope, and complexity of the project. Each request will be considered and fees determined on a case-by-case basis, and payment must be made prior to filming. Please make checks payable to “Foodwise.” Foodwise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 94-3212988). Your contribution supports our mission to grow thriving communities through the power and joy of local food, and is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
No Disruption of Operations
Your filming or photography must not interrupt normal market operations or sales. We cannot move sellers from their stall locations or block customers’ access to stalls. Your crew and talent must treat all market sellers, shoppers, and staff with respect. Sellers and shoppers reserve the right to remain off-camera.
Crew Size
Size of the crew (including talent, producers, and production crew, such as camera operators, lighting, and sound) must be determined in advance of your visit. Depending on the scope of the production, Foodwise may require a staff person to be on site to support. Filming related contributions may be increased for more complex projects with large crews.
Product Use
If any farmers market products are handled as a prop or part of the filming, they must be purchased from the seller. If you would like to feature produce or products not available or purchased at the farmers market, those items must be approved by Foodwise in advance.
Vehicles and Parking
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: We cannot provide or allow parking directly in front of the Ferry Building. The closest parking lot is the ProPark lot on the corner of Washington and Embarcadero Streets. You can find more parking and transit options here. Please coordinate with Foodwise in advance if you need to offload equipment before parking your vehicle.
Mission Community Market: We cannot provide parking spaces, but there is street parking nearby. Please coordinate with Foodwise in advance if you need to offload equipment before parking your vehicle.