The Village of Lytton has a spectacular natural backdrop—rivers, mountains, and forests—that attracts people to the area and significantly shapes the community.
Lytton is a quintessential small town. It is walkable and friendly, with pocket-sized parks and a mix of commercial and residential properties. Rich Nlaka'pamux culture and the area’s vibrant history add to its character.
Recovery and rebuilding period
On June 30, 2021, most of the Village of Lytton was destroyed by the Lytton Creek fire.
The affected townsite offers a unique setting for educational and documentary films. However, it is important that filming does not interfere with the Village’s recovery or rebuilding.
During the recovery and rebuilding period, applicants seeking to film for commercial purposes will require approval from the Village of Lytton’s Council.
History of filming in Lytton
Several titles have been filmed in the Lytton area, from 1925 to today.
The 2001 drama The Pledge, directed by Sean Penn and starring Jack Nicholson, was primarily filmed in Lytton. The “old” house at G’wsep Gas & Food was built for the film. Locals served as background actors and welcomed famous actors to their homes. The community was abuzz.
More recently, Lytton and fire-affected locals were featured in the award-winning short film Hell and Highwater by director Jeremy Williams, and in The Guardian’s documentary Burned to the Ground, produced by Lytton local Nina Sidorczuk.
Apply for a municipal filming permit
To apply for a municipal filming permit:
- Complete the Municipal Filming Permit Application. Include any required permissions from property owners.
- Submit your completed application to the Village Office at least three weeks before the proposed start date of filming.
- Staff will review your application and may require more information.
- Pay the associated fee. See Make a Payment for options.
- If approved, you will receive your municipal filming permit electronically.
Download the Municipal Filming Permit Application
Application considerations
- If filming on private land, applications must be accompanied by written permission from the property owner(s).
- Permit applications must be submitted to the Village at least three weeks before the proposed start date of filming. Please allow extra time for applications that require Council approval.
- Filming permits will normally be assessed by the Village’s filming liaison.
- In addition to this assessment, Council approval is required in any of these cases:
- The film is for commercial purposes during the wildfire recovery and rebuild period.
- A variance to allow for filming outside of the Daytime Filming Hours is required.
- Filming activity is required repeatedly on non-consecutive days.
- Filming activity is for more than five consecutive days.
- The filming permit fee is $500, as specified in the Village’s Fees and Charges Bylaw. This fee must be paid before the Village will issue a filming permit.