Filming and Photography

Thank you for your interest in using the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Alemany Farmers Market, or Mission Community Market as a location for your filming or photography project. All film, video, and photography projects must be coordinated and permitted through Foodwise, the nonprofit operator of these farmers markets.

Our Farmers Markets

To Request a Permit

Please complete the following steps:

1. Read our Filming and Photography Policies below.
2. Submit an application form at least 10 business days in advance of the project date.
3. Foodwise will generally review and respond to your application within 5 business days. You must receive written permission from Foodwise prior to the date of  filming.

For questions, please contact or 415-291-3276 x104.

Filming and Photography Policies

Foodwise’s priority is championing an equitable and sustainable Bay Area food community through farmers markets and education programs, while operating a smooth and uninterrupted farmers market for our farmers, food makers, 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, Alemany 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, and as applicable, may also be subject to the approval of our partner organizations. 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.

As noted above, Foodwise does not manage media requests for the brick-and-mortar Ferry Building Marketplace, and permission from Foodwise to film the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market does not permit filming inside the Ferry Building. For permission to film or take photos inside Ferry Building or outdoors during non-farmers-market hours, email .

Editorial vs. Commercial Projects

Filming related contributions will be assessed and quoted after receipt of your application. For noncommercial editorial shoots, there is typically no required filming related contribution, except in the case of complex projects.

For approved commercial filming and photography (including commercials, 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. Payment must be made prior to filming, either online or by check payable to “Foodwise.”

Foodwise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 94-3212988). Your contribution supports our mission to champion an equitable and sustainable Bay Area food community through farmers markets and education programs, 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, rearrange stalls, 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 size and scope of the production, a Foodwise representative may be required to be on site to coordinate with your team and facilitate with our market community. 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

Foodwise cannot provide parking spaces. Please coordinate with Foodwise in advance if you need to offload equipment before parking your vehicle.

• 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.
• Alemany Farmers Market: Free on-site parking, with additional parking across the street.
• Mission Community Market: Street parking nearby.