Filming at Moscone Center

Budget for Local 16 before anything else

Labour rules shape a video budget here from the outset. Moscone is city-owned, and event videography there falls under San Francisco labour jurisdictions, whether the shoot is inside or outside the building and whether commissioned by an exhibitor or a convention. The filming guidelines published by Projection, the venue's preferred audiovisual provider, set out what that means for 2026.

A Local 16 representative is required for setting up, operating and removing cameras, portable recording and switching equipment, streaming equipment, lighting and grip, microphones and audio equipment, as well as props, sets and temporary studios.

• Any camera in an exhibit booth needs a Local 16 operator on an 8-hour minimum call, including battery-operated and consumer cameras.
• The same applies to a camera recording a whole session talk or roving the building for interviews and B-roll.
• Portable lighting, backdrops and scenic materials need a Local 16 technician on an 8-hour minimum call.
• Live-stream encoders, switchers and capture systems need an operator on the same terms.
• Recording to a phone without external wireless microphones or broadcast lighting does not need Local 16.

Who gives permission

During a convention, permission comes from the sponsoring organisation; on non-convention days, it comes from Moscone management. Labour rules still apply once permission is given, and Moscone recommends making arrangements in advance.

Shows can add restrictions of their own. GDC's filming guidelines limit session recordings to the first three minutes, ban recording of roundtables and require speaker permission. Its narrow exemption from union labour applies only to credentialed news media gathering clips for coverage, using battery-powered equipment. Commercial content for a brand is unlikely to fit that description, but your show's manual is the place to confirm.

Costs that catch people out

Overtime starts after eight consecutive hours at time and a half, and double time after 12 hours in a day. Meal penalties apply if the first break does not begin within five hours, and a non-working steward is required for any crew of more than 14. Current rates change each year, and Projection can quote them on (415) 974-4077.

Broadcast or webcast fees apply to live streams promoting a product or service for sale, to live transmission to a TV station, and to video sold commercially. Local 16 may negotiate where special circumstances exist, such as non-profit streaming.

Moving equipment in

Moscone has no shipping, receiving or storage for show freight, which must not arrive before the first contracted day of move-in. Your general service contractor manages the docks, including any programme for personally owned vehicles.

Hand-carry through the lobby is limited to items easily carried in a single trip, without carts or dollies, and those cannot go on passenger lifts or escalators either. Curbside parking is not allowed, and exhibitors may not operate forklifts.

Making it work

GDC, which runs its festival at Moscone, is the clearest published example of how a major show applies these rules. Decide early whether your content can be captured by phone, or whether it justifies a full union call. Where it does, one approach is to arrange your day to get the most from the 8-hour minimum, grouping interviews and B-roll together.

Fame Crew can supply a vetted San Francisco videographer or photographer, and plan the shoot around any Local 16 requirement. Raise the labour question when you brief us, and we will plan the scope around it.