Filming Application Form

Filming on Council owned property, in open spaces and outdoor areas such as footpaths, roads and parks may require Council approval. The Filming Application Form should be filled out by any business or organisation considering filming on public land within the Camden Local Government area.  This form is an application and does not constitute a filming permit or location contract.

Filming in Camden is also subject to State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008. All Film Makers must review the SEPP – Section 4 – Filming. Under this Policy your Filming Application may require Development Approvals.

For more information contact Council's Film Contact Officer on (02) 4658 1370 or filming@camden.nsw.gov.au. 

Contact Information
Production Team
The Production
Type of Production
Location Details
Number of Personnel
Parking Information
Props and Displays
Types of props or displays
Supporting Documents
* Required for any filming that will affect surrounding residents or business premises access, traffic flow or parking.
Maximum 2mb - Word or PDF file

 

Additional Information

Many of the above activities will also require approval to be sought from other statutory authorities eg. Police, Service NSW, EPA, RSPCA, NSW Office for Children's Guardian, NSW Fire Brigades, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Department of Lands.

Code of Conduct for Filming

The screen industry and NSW Film and Television Office have adopted a Code of Conduct for Location Filming – see Section 12(b). The screen industry acknowledges it is important to respect the community and comply with the Code of Conduct for Location Filming. Filmmakers should ensure that all crew on location understand and comply with the Code of Conduct. 

Conditions

Any special conditions of the approval must be met, whether before, during or after filming. The cast and crew should be briefed so that they fully understand the implications of special conditions, for example noise restrictions or protection of wildlife.

Local Community Notification

Filmmakers need to do a letter drop to residents and the local community with the details of the filming, with a copy to council for information. The letters should be delivered with enough lead time for people to make further inquiries. The letter should indicate the times and nature of the shoot, conditions of council approval, and provide a contact name and number for the production. The production should have a strategy for managing community concerns and/or complaints. If filming permission is sought at especially short notice, for example for a production contracted at short notice or for a sudden schedule change, additional time and effort may be needed to inform affected residents, for example door knocking as well as letter boxing.

Filming on Private Land

The filmmakers must ensure they meet the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy No 4 (SEPP4). This includes notifying the council and affected residents in writing. Full details can be found at: Legislation NSW Website. 

Impact

Filmmakers should make arrangements to minimise inconvenience or disadvantage to businesses, residents or the general community. This includes letting people who may be affected know what is planned, where and when. In some instances where the impact is substantial, such as where filming is late at night, alternative accommodation may need to be provided for affected residents, or where trade for a business is significantly impaired, arrangements made to mitigate the effects. 

Emergency and Essential Services Access

Access to utilities (e.g. electricity, water, telephone lines, gas) and emergency vehicle access must be available at all times and fire exits must not be blocked. 

ID and Information

The filmmakers should clearly identify themselves to residents and other members of the public – ID lanyards are an easy and useful method. Film crew should politely respond to reasonable inquiries from the public about the filming. Some production companies set up folding notice boards at access points to inform and thank the public. Any special conditions of approval should be noted on the call sheet and cast and crew should be briefed on them during safety induction on set. 

Permits on Site

The filmmakers should have a copy of the written approval on location at all times. This would normally be held by the unit manager and all the production crew should be able to identify this person and direct enquiries to them. 

Changes: Planned

If the information given in the application changes before the filming, council should be notified far enough in advance to consider the changes and if necessary amend the approval. Conversely, if any changes occur at the council’s end, the filmmakers should be notified straight away. This may also require further notification to the local community if the changes are significant. 

Changes - Unplanned

Where unexpected events, for example bad weather or illness, force a change to the shoot schedule, the filmmakers should consult with the Council’s Film Contact Officer as soon as possible. A ‘weather hold’ on another day/time at the initial application stage is an effective way of overcoming challenges due to bad weather and reduces the time spent by council in managing the schedule change. The Film Contact Officer should notify the filmmaker of any unforeseen events at the council end, for example a burst water main. 

Damage

The filmmakers must report any damage to the site as soon as possible to Council’s Film Contact Officer.