Permits & Protocols
Screen NSW encourages dialogue between stakeholders involved in film and television production. Our initiatives facilitate filmmaking in Sydney and around the State. We help liaise between the industry, state and local governments to assist with training and advice on film friendly permits and protocols.
Permits & Protocols
We are Australia's premier state for film and television production. Almost half of Australian production and post-production businesses are in NSW.
Since the release of the Local Government Filming Protocol 2009, government agencies and state authorities have followed the same policy in facilitating local production by supporting the Film Friendly Protocol.
The NSW Government is committed to reducing red tape and providing the highest possible level of co-operation with filmmakers to encourage screen production and attract investors, create jobs and grow the economy.
The Premier's Memorandum 'Making NSW Film Friendly' certifies that Ministers, Chief Executive Officers and Film Contact Officers will continue to ensure that:
- there is a cooperative attitude in dealing with filming requests
- applications for access are processed promptly
- access to locations is supported wherever possible and should not be unreasonably withheld
- clear reasons for refusal should be provided and alternative arrangements for sites offered if possible
- fees are kept to a minimum and should only reflect costs
- agencies should permit filming activities and/or make locations and facilities available for filmmakers where possible, taking into account public amenity, safety, security and other operational requirements. Requests for agency services should receive a positive response wherever possible.
- where filming access, services or approvals cannot reasonably be given, the filmmaker should be advised as early as possible of this response, reasons given for it, and alternatives suggested if possible.
The Local Government Filming Protocol 2009 is designed to reduce red tape, energise the state's screen industry, and encourage more filmmakers to shoot their productions in New South Wales.
The protocol makes it easier for filmmakers to work on locations around the state by giving all Councils one set of rules for processing approvals.
The new system works both ways, with the Government having also established a Code of Conduct for the screen industry, designed to ensure that filming is sensitive to community needs.
A Road Occupancy Licence is required for any activity likely to impact traffic flow, even if that activity takes place off-road. Read the Road Occupancy Manual for detailed information about licences and what you need to do to apply.
The planning, coordination and licensing of road occupancies in the Sydney region is the responsibility of the Network Access Coordination Unit at the Transport Management Centre. For regions outside Sydney, Transport for NSW manages the process.
An aquatic event licence is required for filming activity on, or in, navigable waters. Licences must be applied for at least 6 weeks in advance of the event, even earlier for more complex activities.
All drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) must be operated by a fully CASA certified operator. Check out their website for the latest definitions.
Local councils are generally only required to approve the take-off and landing site of a drone/UAV/RPAS. Once airborne, the drone/UAV/RPAS is solely the responsibility of the operator and CASA.
Operators will need permission from CASA to fly within 3 nautical miles of an airfield or helicopter landing area and to film within a populous area or directly over a major road.
Location filming around NSW may require permits from the authorities responsible for the land you wish to film on.
Photo credit: Rocket Weijers. Behind the scenes of 'Totally Completely Fine'. Photo courtesy of FremantleMedia Australia.