Guide to Shooting in London
General Location Filming Procedures
The following guidelines are taken from Film London’s Code of Practice, which they have been kind enough to let us reproduce. Please visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links and in-depth information.
The Code of Practice ('the Code') is a voluntary agreement which complements the London Filming Partnership for Location Filming in London. The objective of the Code, as with the Partnership, is to make London a more film-friendly city for all, while offering clarity on the statutory obligations which govern the activity of filming.
The Code has been agreed after detailed consultation with leading professionals involved in production across the entire span of the moving image industry, with representatives of the London boroughs and with private and public organisations across the city.
It remains consistent with and complementary to the production guidelines of UK broadcasters.
It details the principles of best practice to which the signatories agree to adhere. It has been developed by film industry professionals in consultation with Borough Film Services and representatives of key organisations to help to promote filming in London.
General Location Filming Procedures
All producers undertake to inform Film London of any especially complex shoots well in advance of the start of shooting to ensure effective liaison with all parties affected by the shoot. Film London undertakes to facilitate such liaison in a timely and efficient manner.
Productions undertake that they shall inform the relevant film contact of a shoot that is taking place on a private location where such shooting may have an impact on the relevant local authority or organisation.
To contact Film London with queries re filming in the capital, email locations@filmlondon.org.uk or telephone 020 7613 7683.
The production agrees to provide the relevant film contact with a written application within a time frame that is adequate and proportionate, bearing in mind the scale of the planned filming and its potential impact on the local community. The more complex the shoot, the greater the lead in time required.
In consultation with the Borough Film Service, the production shall undertake appropriate and mutually agreed consultation with local residents, businesses and other local parties likely to be directly affected by filming.
The Production shall source animals that are trained to meet the Production requirements and this shall be from a known industry supplier/owner.
When filming with animals, the Production shall agree to follow either the RSPCA Guidelines for the Use of Animals in the Audio-Visual Industry or the PAWSI Code, Guidelines and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Animals in the Audio Visual Industries.
The RSPCA Guidelines can be obtained by calling the Performing Animals Hotline (0300 123 8787) or you can visit the website www.rspca.org.uk/performinganimals for full information.
Alternatively, for more information on PAWSI and for the PAWSI Code visit the website www.pawsi.org
Please also see HSE Entertainment Sheet 4 and HSE Managing Health & Safety in Zoos.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
The Production shall agree in advance with the Film Contact regarding the appropriate use of cables, the safe laying of agreed cabling and the suitability of attaching cables to street furniture, trees, historic properties and any other relevant items. This process includes all matting, ramping and flying of cables to avoid hazards.
All matters relating to camera tracking shall be discussed and agreed with the Film Contact in advance of filming. Any obstructions or alternative footways planned must be cleared by the Film Contact.
Tracking boards may be required in certain circumstances. The Production shall agree to ensure that any action involving tracking is risk assessed.
Catering arrangements and the positioning of catering vehicles shall be agreed in advance with the Production and Film Contact.
The Production shall ensure that no dirty water or food waste be deposited in rainwater gullies and that caterers use a dirty water bowser where possible. Wherever possible the Production shall make use of environmentally friendly materials.
Wherever possible but subject always to the Production’s own rules and/or those of its commissioner, which may specify approved caterers, catering is to be sourced from local businesses.
Also see Litter Removal and HSE Catering Information Sheets, available from www.hse.gov.uk/catering.
All charges that Borough Film Services are entitled to levy are detailed on the Film London website at www.filmlondon.org.uk/boroughs
Most Local Authorities do not charge for filming in the street but some may charge an administration fee (either a flat fee or a fee for their time spent assisting filming or both), a fee for the use of council property and a fee for making parking spaces available.
Child Performers under the age of 17 are likely to require a Child Performance Licence. The Production must apply for a Performance Licence for the child well in advance. 21 days is required to process an application.
Child Performance Licences are issued by the Local Authority in which the child resides, unless the child is at Boarding School.
Where the child is not from the United Kingdom, the child remains subject to the UK requirements when they arrive here. However, care should also be taken to identify and address any additional requirements that arise from the child’s usual country of residence or when shooting outside of the UK. The hours that a child is permitted to work will depend upon their age. The Production must check the permitted working hours with the relevant Education Welfare department.
More information on child licensing is available from the NNCEE website www.bucksinfo.net/nncee and a list of contact details for all London Child Employment Departments can be found on the Film London website at
www.filmlondon.org.uk/employment
The Production acknowledges that cones have no legal force to secure parking and their use shall be agreed in advance with the Film Contact.
Whenever filming on Council-owned property e.g. in parks, schools, housing estates, town halls etc, the Production shall negotiate a license with the Borough Film Service.
In advance of the shoot, the Production shall discuss and agree with the Film Contact, and any other relevant authorities, the specific camera crane or jib arm to be used, and the positioning of such equipment.
In advance of the shoot, the Production shall discuss and agree with the Film Contact, and any other relevant authorities, the specific cherry picker to be used, and the positioning of such equipment. It may be necessary for the relevant authority to carry out a highway inspection both before and after a cherry picker is used.
Camera cranes, jib arms and cherry pickers must be tested and have proof of documentation and shall be operated by certified qualified technicians. Productions shall agree to consult codes and guidance from recognised bodies such as ASPEC’s Guidance in the Provision and Safe Operation of Cranes, and shall carry out a risk assessment where using such equipment.
Camera cranes and cherry pickers, and in some cases, jib arms are likely to require a licence from the relevant Local Authority.
Rigging and de-rigging shall be undertaken with respect for local residents and in accordance with the statutory obligations governing noise levels.
Please also see HSE Simple Guide to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L113 HSE Books 1998 and HSE Entertainment Information
Sheet No. 6: Working at Heights in the Broadcasting and Entertainment Industries.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
Production must implement all current UK legislation that informs and guides the employment of all workers. The Production must also observe their legal responsibilities and obligations with regard to the National Minimum Wage and the Working Time Regulations.
Further detailed information on these can be found by following this link
www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment.
For more information on rights at work, rates of pay etc. contact BECTU on 020 7346 0900 or go to www.bectu.org.uk.
Producers must obtain sufficient proof of ‘Right to Work’ for all those individuals directly engaged by the Production prior to commencement of their engagement, and keep copies of the documents in order to comply with UK Immigration legislation. Such ‘proof’ includes, but is not limited to, a valid passport, national identity card, residence permit and, where required, a certificate of sponsorship (which as of December 2008 replaces the work permit).
If the Production is utilising any foreign nationals (excluding those from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), but not Romania and Bulgaria, and Swiss nationals) – in front or behind the camera – it must demonstrate that these people are entitled to enter, remain and work in the UK. Under the UK Borders Agency’s Points-Based System of Managed Migration, the Production or its parent company will be required to meet the criteria to register as a Sponsor and issue Certificates that will allow such individuals to work in the UK. In addition, visas to enter the UK may be required.
The Production should be aware that there are two Industry Codes of Practice for Performers and Workers that must be observed when it is considering issuing Certificates. These Codes can be viewed at www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop.
A guide to help Productions understand the issues surrounding work placements can be found on the Skillset website.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
The Production Guild will provide information on areas such as managed migration, available skilled senior production and accounting personnel by contacting them on 01753 651767 or www.productionguild.com.
For the avoidance of doubt this section refers to, but is not limited to filming using low loaders, tracking vehicles and a-frames.
The Production shall agree to consult with the Police and the relevant Highways and Traffic Authority (via the Borough Film Service where it is not a Highways Agency or Transport for London road) when filming from a moving vehicle on a public road.
All Road Traffic Legislation must be complied with subject to the grant of any concessions by the Highways and/or Traffic Authority and the Police.
For further information see HSE Information Sheet No. 22: Safe Filming and Recording Involving Vehicles.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for link.
No weapons or firearms of any kind, including prop or replica firearms, shall be used without agreement in advance between the Production and the Police and/or appropriate emergency service and the Film Contact. This includes when filming exteriors and/or interiors on public and private property.
Where it is a live firing weapon the Production must have a licence holder for that weapon present, or a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) or a servant of the RFD. Where it is a blank firing weapon, it is recommended to have the above present.
Please see HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 20.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for link.
High Visibility Clothing & Personal Protection Equipment
The Production is bound by law to take reasonable care and measures to ensure that a healthy and safe working environment is created and maintained for all. All relevant Health and Safety legislation must be abided by. Failure to follow appropriate Health & Safety procedures may invalidate any insurance.
High Visibility Clothing & Personal Protection Equipment
The Production must ensure that the appropriate level of safety clothing is worn for the safety of the crew when filming on the public highway and in the public domain.
There is a new Act, entitled the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, in force that affects Production. Please refer to the Statutory Obligations section to find a link to more information on this Act.
Please also see HSE Free Information Line 08701 545500, HSE Publications 01787 881165,
HSE Website www.open.gov.uk/hse/entertainment and HSE Information Booklet 360 Health and Safety in Audio Visual Production – Your Legal Duties.
The Production shall liaise with the relevant Film Contact when wanting to use public highways and footpaths for filming or for placing down equipment.
The London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008 allows road closures for filming to be carried out by Order or by Notice by the relevant Traffic Authority/ies. There are conditions and lead in times to be considered for closures.
Productions shall agree to refer to the Film London website www.filmlondon.org.uk/ traffic for more information and contact the Borough Film Service well in advance of the desired shoot date.
There is a low emission zone in operation in London. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/lez for further information.
Vehicles in central London must pay the congestion charge. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/ congestioncharging for information on how to pay, and more details on the congestion charge zone.
Also see, Police/Emergency Services
The Production shall adhere to any conservation regulations laid down by the respective Film Contact.
The Production shall obtain and produce to the Borough Film Service, a copy of the relevant insurance needed before shooting commences.
The need for insurance is governed by statutory obligation.
Also see, Public Liability Insurance
The Production shall agree the positioning and safety of lighting in advance with the Film Contact and/or designated authority. An appropriate degree of flexibility may be agreed providing it is within the parameters of Health and Safety legislation.
Please also see HSE Guidance note GS50 Electrical Safety for Places of Entertainment and HSE Electrical Safety for Entertainers.
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
The Production shall ensure that all litter is removed immediately at the end of the filming and that the location and environs are returned to the same condition in which they were found. The Production may ask the relevant Borough Film Service to remove litter; this service is to be provided according to local contract rates. Waste created on location should be recycled wherever possible.
The Production shall consider and consult with the Film Contact, local residents and businesses in the planning process.
Use of audio playback and megaphones shall only be permitted following agreement between the Production and the Film Contact.
The parking position of generators shall be agreed in advance between the Film Contact and the Production and will depend on local sensitivities.
The Production shall submit detailed parking plans to be discussed and agreed with the Film Contact; in particular for on-street parking for technical vehicles, equipment and bays to be reserved for continuity.
The Production shall make every effort to find off street parking for all facilities vehicles.
The Production shall not obscure mandatory or warning traffic signs when parking vehicles on highways that are not closed.
Parking charges are detailed on each Borough Film Service’s rate card,
www.filmlondon.org.uk/boroughs.
The Production shall inform the Police and/or appropriate emergency service of all proposed filming on the street and/or in a public space in liaison with the Film Contact.
The staging of crimes and accidents, plus use of firearms (including prop/imitation/deactivated/replica firearms) and special effects shall be agreed, in advance of the shoot, with the Police and/or appropriate emergency service and the Film Contact.
The Production shall inform the police and/or appropriate emergency service when filming involves celebrities who may cause security or crowd control issues.
The Metropolitan Police Service Film Unit (MPSFU) supports and encourages filming in London.
They will endeavour to provide all reasonable assistance to film-makers.
There may be a legislative impact of scenes involving the following:
• Fake Police officers or vehicles
• Re-creating crimes
• Presence of weapons both prop/ imitation and, in the case of firearms, deactivated/replica firearms
• Explosions or perceived explosives
• Special effects
• Scenes involving nudity
• Filming on the move e.g. Low loaders, ‘A’ frames and tracking
All enquiries regarding the above will be managed by the MPSFU, unless you are filming in the City of London. These enquiries will be dealt with by the City Police. A Police presence can be requested to assist with the above scenes. The Production shall cover any costs of providing this service.
Simple and straightforward shoots shall be dealt with by individual Borough Operational Command Units (BOCU’s). See www.filmlondon.org.uk/police for the BOCU contact list.
See www.met.police.uk/filmunit for up to date information on R remit, fees and contact details.
In the event of a dispute arising between the Production and other parties on location, please contact Film London on 020 7613 7683.
The Production (or in some cases, the Distributor or Broadcaster) shall provide the location/Borough Film Service with publicity material on release of the project wherever possible.
The Production shall provide a copy of Public Liability Insurance to the Borough Film Service or filming location, for all location filming and agree to indemnify the location owner or representative against any claims arising as a direct result of the activities of the Production.
Also see, Indemnity & Insurance
The Production must seek permission from the relevant Film Contact before filming on public transport.
Please Note: Drinking alcohol or being perceived to be drinking alcohol is now banned on the Tube, London Buses, Docklands Light Railway, tram services and at Transport for London stations throughout the city.
The Production shall consult with local residents and businesses that may be affected by their filming prior to and during the shoot.
The Production shall consider diversity and equality when consulting with residents and businesses. The Borough Film
Service should be approached before residents and businesses are contacted as they should be able to provide the Production with relevant local information to aid a fair consultation process.
Risk Assessments are required by the self-employed and by any company with employees to be able to satisfy their insurance provisions and statutory obligations to employees and those affected by their actions.
Additional location specific Risk Assessments are also required depending on the type and nature of filming. Guidance on writing risk assessments is available at www.hse.gov.uk/entertainment.
Please also see HSE A Guide to Risk Assessment Requirements and HSE 5 Steps to Risk Assessment:
www.hse.gov.uk/risk/fivesteps.htm
When planning to film on any waterway, the Production must liaise with the Film Contact from the relevant governing body as early as possible. Specific health and safety measures will apply.
The temporary painting-out or disguising of road markings, lines or other road signs is subject to agreement in advance with the Film Contact and, if necessary, Highways Authority. The Production shall also notify local Police in advance of any such undertaking.
The Production agrees to fully reinstate any alterations to road markings to the satisfaction of the Traffic or Highways Authority and when obliged to use official contractors shall pay cost price.
Street Signs/Street Furniture/Street Lighting
All requests to erect scaffolding/ lighting towers in a public area, highway or footway shall be agreed in advance with the Film Contact and/ or designated authority. A temporary structure licence may be required.
Please also see HSE Work at Height Regulations 2005: A Brief Guide and HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 6: Working at Heights in the Broadcasting and Entertainment Industries. Visit
www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
The Production must use SIA licenced Security for all licensable activity at all times www.the-sia.org.uk.
Licensable activity includes, but is not limited to: manned guarding (guarding premises against unauthorised access; guarding property against destruction or damage and theft), close protection (guarding an individual) and guarding cash or valuables in transit.
A Door Supervisor licence is required if manned guarding activities are undertaken in relation to licenced premises that are open to the public (i.e. a public house, restaurant or bar). The Production shall respect Security issues local to the borough or location in which the filming is taking place and shall take advice of local Police and the Film Contact when deciding upon the number of Security personnel required.
The Production may be asked to work alongside on-site Security officers. Such on-site Security are not employees of the Production.
Unless approved by the relevant Traffic or Highways Authority, unit direction signage on the highway is illegal. The Production shall consult the Film Contact before attaching all other non-public highways signage.
For the avoidance of doubt this section refers to, but is not limited to, all sequences including physical, atmospheric and pyrotechnic effects.
In accordance with statutory Health and Safety obligations, the Production must provide a risk assessment and method statement.
The Production shall notify the relevant Film Contact or relevant third party whenever physical, or pyrotechnic effects are to be used, and shall consult the Police and Emergency Services in advance.
The Production shall inform local residents and businesses of such filming, in consultation with the Film Contact.
All special effects shall be under the direct supervision of a JIC graded TV Supervisor or Features Supervisor, or person of similar experience and all pyrotechnics shall be under the direct supervision of a JIC graded Pyrotechnics Supervisor or person of similar experience.
Atmospheric effects (e.g. wet downs, snow, mist and rain) may only be carried out with the approval of the Film Contact after a proper evaluation of the forecast weather conditions and with the proper signage and a clear up and safe disposal schedule.
Productions shall consider existing industry codes and guidance documents from recognised bodies such as HSE, BECTU Special FX branch, etc.
Please also see HSE document Preventing Slips and Trips at work, HSE publication: Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers on Identifying Hazards and Controlling Risks HSG155 HSE Books, HSE
Entertainment Information Sheet No. 3 [Smoke and Vapour Effects], HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 16 [Explosives and Pyrotechnics], and HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 22 [Filming Involving Vehicles].
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
Street Signs/Street Furniture/Street Lighting
The removal of street furniture, including street signs, and the adjustment of street lighting shall be subject to agreement in advance between the Film Contact and, if necessary, the Traffic or Highways Authority.
All agreed work shall normally be carried out by the Traffic or Highways Authority and charged to the Production at cost. The Production shall agree to cover these costs and those of re-instatement.
In accordance with statutory Health and Safety obligations, the Production must provide a risk assessment. The Production shall notify the relevant Film Contact or relevant third party whenever stunts are to be used, and shall consult the Police and Emergency Services in advance. A full method statement and risk assessment may be required by the Film Contact.
The Production shall inform local residents and businesses of such filming, in consultation with the Film Contact.
All stunts shall be under the direct supervision of a recognised JISC (Joint Industry Stunt Committee) Co-ordinator or a person of similar experience.
Please also see HSE document Preventing Slips and Trips at work, HSE publication: Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers on Identifying Hazards and Controlling Risks HSG155
HSE Books, HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 17 [Stunts &
Fight Scenes], and HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 22 [Filming Involving Vehicles].
Visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop for links.
Film London
Suite 6.10 The Tea Building
56 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JJ
Tel: 020 7613 7683
Fax: 020 7613 7677
info@filmlondon.org.uk
www.filmlondon.org.uk
Photo Credit: www.charlietphoto.com
