Information for Residents and Stakeholders
The Council recognises the economic benefits that film and television production activities can bring to our local economy. We try to accommodate all reasonable requests for access to our City for film or photographic activities. However, our core responsibility is to you, our residents and stakeholders.
We will continue to encourage film makers and photographers to use Sydney as a centrepiece for their activities. At the same time, we will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience that may occur during filming and photographic activities.
Resident and Stakeholder, Frequently Asked Questions about Filming and Still Photography
- How will I know when a production will be shooting in my area?
- Will I still be able to get to my residence/work/local businesses?
- When productions shoot in my area, why do they take up parking spots?
- What should I do if there are lights from the production shining in my window?
- What should I do if the crew is rude or if the production company creates a problem?
How will I know when a production will be shooting in my area?
Production companies will post signs and deliver notification to affected residents and stakeholders as early as possible in advance of their shoots to notify the local area.
Will I still be able to get to my residence/work/local businesses?
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow should be maintained at all times. Traffic control and “user pays” police officers are often assigned to many productions, particularly when egress is restricted or modified. Occasionally, you may be asked to pause for a few moments during the taping of a scene. Enjoy the experience. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.
When productions shoot in my area, why do they take up parking spots?
Public parking spots are paid for and shared by the entire City, including the production industry, which contributes millions of dollars to our local economy, and employs many people.
The City of Sydney understands that a temporary loss of parking may pose an inconvenience to residents. The City strictly limits the amount of parking that productions are granted in particular areas for filming and still photography and closely monitors production footprints in neighbourhoods.
What should I do if there are lights from the production shining in my window?
Ask the location manager for black out material, or a fabric or covering to go over your windows.
What should I do if the crew is rude or if the production company creates a problem?
The City of Sydney expects that production companies to be courteous and accommodating to residents at all times. Safe pedestrian and vehicle access must be provided at all times.
Any residents or stakeholders with concerns regarding the production company's activity should inform the company representative, usually the location manager, who should be listed on the notification.
It is our experience that most production companies are very interested in meeting your needs, since they want to establish a positive relationship with the City of Sydney community. However, you are certainly encouraged to notify the City of Sydney before the filming occurs of any concerns you may have. The City may be able to attach special conditions to the permit which address your specific concerns.
The recommended procedure for dealing with concerns about a production is to:
- Make contact with the location staff working on the site and explain the situation
- Review the notification received from the production company (if any) and phone the number supplied on the letter to discuss.
- Make contact with the production crew directly to raise your particular concerns.
- If resolution cannot be made directly with the production company, please phone the City for advice and, if appropriate, the City will take action.
Feedback
Tel: 02 9265 9653
Fax: 02 9265 9180
Email: filmingfeedback@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Out of hours: City Rangers 02 9265 9561
Please remember not to wait until after a shoot has finished if you have a problem that you cannot resolve directly with the production company. Contact the City of Sydney so that we can take appropriate action as soon as possible.
We also appreciate knowing if a production crew works particularly well in your area - so please share your positive experiences by calling or emailing us!
Last Updated: Friday 10 August, 2007
