Apply for a filming or photography permit

Each application must be lodged with the required lead time before the first shoot date, or the first date of proposed barricading of parking spaces where applicable – whichever occurs first. Refer to the impact category specific lead times in section 5 above. Some larger scale medium to high impact productions require longer lead times, this is to be discussed with the film liaison officer before applying.

For road closure applications, at least 15 full business days lead time is required before the first activity occurs onsite.

Applications received outside of the minimum lead time will be declined.

Under extenuating circumstances where late applications can be accommodated late application fees will apply. Note, the payment of late application fees is not a ‘fast-track’ or priority fee. Late applications are only accepted for genuine extenuating circumstances at our discretion, on limited occasions.

All completed applications must be lodged with full and complete details within the minimum lead times, which are not subject to change once submitted. As a minimum, the application form, public liability insurance certificate of currency, and a detailed location plan must be submitted.

Applications with missing or incomplete details will be declined. This includes applications received inside the lead times specified above.

Your application form must include, but is not limited to:

• Dates and times including schedule of each shot or scene.
• Specific location list. Street or park names are required – broad areas cannot be approved.
• Full shot or scene descriptions (ideally with storyboard) of all different shots or scenes detailing what is being filmed and how, such as the equipment to be used.
• Specific equipment list, with details of scene specific equipment including but not limited to dolly and track, Steadicam, and 10K light. Stating ‘film equipment’ without further detail will not be accepted. This includes all special equipment including but not limited to cranes, cherry pickers, and tracking vehicles. Set dressing must be complete with what and where is being proposed (including details of removing any existing signs or assets). Pyrotechnics must include full details of what, where and how.
• Catering or unit locations. Details of where and what is required, including total infrastructure.
• A risk assessment which is specific to your shoot, including its location, equipment, activities and any related risks should be provided.
• Complete parking details with associated parking plans that state clearly on the plans:
  • how many parking spaces are requested in each specific street (based on a standard parking
  • what the parking restrictions are (for example, 1P resident permit holders excepted, 4P ticket.)
  • times of proposed parking space barricading, including details of the licensed traffic company, which can only be conducted by a licensed ticket holder.

A technical survey of the proposed filming locations should be completed before lodging a filming and photography application. The production is responsible for ensuring these surveys are scheduled with sufficient lead time to allow the location team to submit the necessary applications once details are finalised on the survey.

If technical surveys are scheduled after the application is lodged, which result in changes to the application details, it can result in the application being declined, or another late fee may be charged for any material changes.

All film projects must have public liability insurance and a copy of the certificate of currency must be provided along with the application before any approvals can be provided.

Stills shoots, news crew-style shoots, short films, documentaries, student films and children's productions should have $10 million coverage.

TV commercials, dramas, mini-series and films need $20 million coverage.

Parking requirements for essential vehicles, unit bases or picture vehicles must be provided within your application. Depending on your location, parking fees may be charged for any barricading, parking or kerb space requirements for production in ticketed spaces.

Applications must show the exact parking locations on a clear map, the parking restrictions (as noted on associated parking signs) and provide the registration details of vehicles. Please note, flexible or unlimited parking permits are not available. Barricading/reserving of parking may be required in some areas, which must be carried out by a licensed traffic management company.

In areas where parking is in high demand such as residential or business areas, you may need to relocate your unit base, and transport your equipment to the film site. Please ask about suitable unit bases if you require further information.

If your production includes commercial drone/remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) use, further restrictions apply.

More information and licensing procedure queries can be directed to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority or phone 131 757.

Low to high impact

A film liaison officer will contact you. We may require revisions or changes, but we will work with you throughout the process.

You may need to provide further documents, like traffic control plans, pedestrian control plans, roads occupancy licences or NSW Police approvals. 

On approval, a permit will be issued that lists approved details and conditions, which must be signed by the production to confirm acknowledgment of the conditions of approval. All production details must align with the approved permit details and associated conditions. You must have the permit onsite at all times while filming.

Parking permits for approved vehicles will be attached where applicable. You must display a copy of the permit on the dashboard of each approved vehicle when parked onsite.

We will confirm any declined applications in writing. Depending on the changes required, you may be able to reapply.

The application fee is non-refundable for declined applications.

Filming activities on public land may need to be approved by NSW Police to discuss traffic control, user-pays police personnel and working around other activities that may be planned in the area at the same time.

Police must also be notified if the filming project involves firearms, police uniforms or any other law enforcement-related props.

Before you start filming you may need to letterbox drop the area around your location letting the neighbours (business/residential) know about your production plans. Where applicable you need to do this at least 5 days before the shoot for standard filming/parking activities and at least 14 days before for road closures.

A copy of the notification letter needs to be provided to our film liaison officer for approval before it is distributed. You can download a sample letter (Word doc 24.5KB).

Our film liaison officer can provide advice about the specific area that needs to be notified and any specific stakeholders as well as further requirements.

If parking is approved by us, you must:

• park only in nominated areas with an approved parking permit
• ensure the location and parking of production vehicles meets City of Sydney and any police requirements
• ensure production vehicles don’t arrive earlier than the time stipulated in the permit, particularly in residential areas
• ensure the parking permit is clearly displayed on each vehicle for the duration the vehicle will be parked in the street
• not move or tow-away any private vehicle from the filming site
• keep normal access for motorists and pedestrians through the filming unless otherwise approved.

Once an application is received and processed, cancellations will only be accepted in writing.

The application fee is non-refundable.

1. Raise your concern with the production company

   We expect production companies to be courteous and accommodating. If you encounter any problems, raise it with the designated production representative for the film shoot. Their contact details will be on the notification letter you received before filming started.

   Most production companies are very responsive to feedback – they want to establish positive relationships with our communities.

2. If you can’t resolve the issue with the production company

   If the issue isn’t resolved, you can contact us on:

   • 02 9265 9333
   • [email protected]