Filming in Public Spaces
Most commercial filming activities require a permit for the use of a public space.
Filming can impact our community and the use of Council property, public amenities or traffic conditions for this reason permits are required. Filming permits are part of the Victorian Screen Code of Conduct.
You need a permit for the following activities:
- still photography
- television
- feature films
- advertising
- television commercials
- documentaries
- music videos.
Filming in facilities and on sports grounds will also require a booking.
Those planning commercial filming activities are required to apply for a permit for the use of a public space. This ensures the activity is in accordance with the regulations of Council.
A bond may be required and we will advise of this after receiving your application. Other fees that may apply include requests for reserved on-street parking.
Some areas in the City of Greater Shepparton are managed by Parks Victoria and Regional Roads Victoria. In this instance, the film permit application must be made through these organisations rather than Council.
What is needed for your application:
- Contact details of person filming
- Details of the locations you plan to film
- ABN (for commercial filming).
- Public liability insurance (minimum $20 million).
For student filming please provide your school, university or programs Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance. - Risk Assessment
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for a filming permit:
- Submit a filming permit application using the online form, or download and submit a paper copy using the printable form. Please read the form carefully, ensuring all attachments are included.
Online Film Permit Application Form
- Attach all necessary documents, including a thorough Risk Assessment for the work you will be doing, and your Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum $20 million).
- Submit your application online.
After you submit your application, it will be sent to the Economic Development team for processing. We endeavour to process applications within 2 business days, however if we need to make complex arrangements for your filming activity it may take us more than two business days to issue a permit. We'll notify you once we complete your assessment. If approved, your permit will be emailed to you.
Contact
If you need help to submit an application please contact our Filming single point of contact on 58329700 or email: council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Additional requirements
You may also need to provide:
- A traffic management plan
- A site plan, including the location where you intend to film
- A copy of the drop-off letter to residents and businesses
- If you are a student, a letter from your school, university or program stating that you are a current student and filming for assessment purposes only
You must also get approval from Victoria Police Film and Television Office before applying to Council for a permit if you’re going to film
- With an RPA (drone)
- From low loaders
- Portrayals of police
- Simulated violence or,
- Scenes that may cause public confusion
- Or any road closures.
Using drones
We only consider applications with drones if you show that you can maintain a 30-metre exclusion zone from people not involved with filming at all times. This must apply during take-off, landing and the travel path. You must also get approval from Victoria Police Film and Television Office.
Low-impact filming
You must meet these criteria for us to consider your filming as low impact:
- All equipment associated with filming is handheld.
- No equipment is placed on Council land.
- No filming or associated occupation occurs on any Council assets, except for footpaths and nature strips.
- You do not obstruct pedestrians.
- You maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres' clearance on the footpath at all times.
- You do not need reserved parking.
- All filming occurs between 7am and 10pm.
- You are not using drones.
If these criteria apply to you, please provide these documents:
- Low-impact filming checklist (page 4 of application form)
- Certificate of currency for minimum of $20 million public liability insurance
- Site plan
- Notification letter
- Equipment list.
Further information
Guidelines for Filming and Still Photography
There is Victorian legislation to standardise the process for obtaining commercial filming permits on local- and state government-managed public land.
The Filming Approval Act 2014 provides a framework for approving filming permits. It outlines 8 film-friendly principles the guidelines for commercial filming on public land.
Visit the VicScreen website for more information and resources
- Victorian Screen Industry Code of Conduct
- National Guidelines for Screen Safety
- Victoria’s Film Friendly Guidelines
- Film Approval Act 2014