You require this approval to direct, produce or conduct any filming activities in a public area. Filming is the recording of images (whether on film, video tape, electronically or by other means) for exhibition, broadcast (such as by cinema, television, the internet or other means) or sale.
Filming projects can involve a range of activities that require approval from the council (e.g. use of public land, closing a road, erecting temporary structures). You may lodge a filming proposal with the council seeking approval for the activities involved in the filming project.
Not all public areas are under council jurisdiction. Other authorities may have to be contacted before any filming can take place, such as the police and state government departments.
Please note that the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 contains parameters that, if followed, mean that certain activities (land use, erecting temporary structures, etc.) carried out as part of a filming project are considered exempt development and therefore do not require approval from the council.
