A World of Locations - A filming guide to Melbourne
A World of Locations - A filming guide to Melbourne is a comprehensive, user-friendly document that has been created to assist filming applicants.
This document includes a step-by-step guide to planning your shoot in Melbourne, information on filming in Melbourne's parks and gardens, roads and laneways as well as useful templates.
A World of Locations (interactive PDF, 3MB)
A World of Locations (PDF, 2.4MB)
Note: The screen reader-accessible text-only version below is supplied for users utilising screen reader and similar technologies only.
A World of Locations (text only, 168kb)
Do you need a permit?
Most people conducting filming or a photo shoot within the City of Melbourne must apply for a permit for the use of a public space. This ensures that your activity is conducted in accordance with the safety and amenity regulations of the council.
If your filming activities are minor and fall within the Low Impact Filming criteria (listed below) a permit to film within the City of Melbourne may not be required. Please call the Strategic Planning and Logistics Team on (03) 9658 8008 to discuss.
Otherwise an application will need to be submitted online as per the instructions below.
Minor and low impact filming activities are defined by the following criteria:
- a filming activity of six people or less (inclusive of all production crew and talent)
- infrastructure of no more than one camera and one tripod and handheld sound recording equipment – if you have lighting or sheltering equipment on stands, camera tracking devices, vehicles or a generator you will need to apply online for your application to be assessed
- public safety is maintained at all times and all public pathways / footpaths and roads must not be blocked - a minimum of two metres is required on footpaths for pedestrian thoroughfare at all times
- no disruption is caused to the city's stakeholders (traders, residents and businesses) or motorists or other events in the vicinity of the activities
- filming equipment must not be hard up against any City of Melbourne street furniture, infrastructure or assists (including trees, shrubbery and garden beds)
- no vehicle access is permitted in Parks and gardens or past any street bollards without a permit
- although a permit is not required, proof of insurance is required ie a certificate of currency.
For more information on filming in Melbourne, see Frequently asked questions.
When to apply
All applications must be received five business days in advance and seven working days if the filming activity involves traffic management.
What you'll need
Before you begin your online application, you will need to ensure that you have:
- full details of the location and estimated time of the proposed filming
- full contact details of all involved
- running sheet
- details of any pedestrian management, safety or traffic management plans
- site plans
- communication (stakeholder notification) plans
- a copy of public liability insurance for the filming activity.
These should be emailed with your application. If you do not have the plans required in electronic format, you can submit them by fax to (03) 9658 9931.
Submission of an application form does not constitute approval for filming. You will be contacted within three working days with details of further information required to complete your application.
A permit will be issued only when all information has been received and processed. Please read the terms and conditions before applying for a filming permit.
Fees
The City of Melbourne does not charge a fee to companies wishing to film in the municipality, with the exception of filming activity undertaken in council's parks and gardens, which attract the following fees. Please note filming permits are GST free.
| |
Per hour |
Half day |
Full day |
| Film and photo shoot |
$242 |
$499 |
$1000 |
There is a small cost associated with temporary parking permits. Information and an online application form can be found at Parking.
Please note that when booking The Conservatory different fees apply.
Contact us
If at any time during the application process you wish to contact the City of Melbourne, you can do so. See Filming contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a query? See Frequently asked questions for everything: from what you need to include in your site plan to whether you need to inform police about your traffic plans.