Film and photography

Everything you need to know about filming in Port Phillip

• Low impact filming

  All filming and all commercial photography in the City of Port Phillip requires a film or photography permit. This includes filming low impact filming with only small cast and crew.

• Filming at Albert Park and Albert Park Lake

  Albert Park precinct is managed by Parks Victoria, and not managed by the City of Port Phillip. For filming and photography enquiries, visit Parks Victoria.

• Filming at piers in Port Phillip

  St Kilda Pier, Brooks Jetty, Kerferd Road Pier and Lagoon Pier are managed by Parks Victoria.

  Elwood Pier is managed by Melbourne Water.

  Station Pier at Port of Melbourne is managed by Port of Melbourne.

  Princes Pier is managed by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

• Wedding photography and filming

  In certain cases, you will require an event permit for wedding photography. For more information, visit outdoor weddings and celebrations.

• Permit guidelines

  Council's local laws provide guidelines for the use of roads, footpaths and other public spaces for filming activity. This activity is subject to the council's approval based on the film location application and evidence of adequate public liability insurance.

  Permits must be carried on location and produced upon request of a council local laws officer or the Arts Administrator. The time frame for the issue of permits correlates to the location and the activity's potential impact on the amenity of residents, traders and traffic.

  To apply or reserve a permit, please complete and return the application form located at the top of this page.

• Coordination of Council departments

  Filming activity impacts on many council departments and the Arts Administrator will coordinate the approval of the application across the relevant council departments.

  Internal liaison between all of these departments to support filming activity is essential in the provision of an efficient, effective service which develops and maintains excellent relationships between the film industry, the City and its residents, traders and visitors.

  There may be additional permits or fees required depending on the location, complexity and impact of the shoot.

• Temporary parking permit

  Please view temporary parking permits.

• Filming permit fees

  A standard fee is applied for filming in the municipality limited to those areas under the council's jurisdiction. A lower fee applies to commercial stills photography. There is an initial establishing charge for the first and second days of filming for commercial or high impact projects. A daily rate applies for any subsequent days.

  The phrase 'any one project' relates to one feature film, one television commercial, one season of a television series or serial.

  Filming - from 1 July 2023

  Full commercial rate for first or only day: $1,100.00

  Full commercial rate for second day: $660

  Full commercial rate for third and subsequent days: $225

  Full commercial rate for half day: $660

  Unit base use only: $225

  Local community or cultural benefit: $225

  Service fee for low budget film*: $60

  Service fee for no budget film*: $20

  Student Film*: $0.00 

  *Service fee is included in other fees and is payable in lieu of fee waiver.

  Commercial stills photography

  Full commercial rate for first and only day: $500

  Full commercial rate for second and subsequent days: $225

  Full commercial rate for half day: $275

  For 'pack shots' or minimal impact, subject to approval: $225

  In the majority of applications, the location fee charged covers the full service provided by the City of Port Phillip. Additional fees may be charged where film crews park in restricted or metered parking areas.

  In some instances, a fee is payable internally. A user-pays system applies where additional external services are required.

  Filming fee reduction or waiver (sponsorship request)

  Filming fee reduction or waivers may apply to:

  • projects of demonstrable local community benefit
  • documentaries which are specific to the cultural heritage of the City of Port Phillip
  • emerging producers or directors who have made no more than two films including short films
  • enrolled students as part of course work.

  This support is treated as a sponsorship by the City of Port Phillip. The film maker is required to acknowledge the City in the end credits.

  Sponsorship must be requested in writing at least five days prior to filming by contacting us.

  The location acknowledgement will read Filmed in the City of Port Phillip or Thanks to the City of Port Phillip.

  Fee reductions or waivers will not be applied retrospectively.

• Filming with a drone or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)

  Whether you are filming with a drone for commercial or recreational purposes, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines apply to all drone and RPA operators.

  For more information, please view the CASA flying drones in Australia rules.

  As at November 2018, the City of Port Phillip does not have any specific local laws about flying drones but the CASA guidelines do apply.

  Filming for commercial purposes You will need to apply for a film permit and provide a copy of the RPA operator's licence with your application. Please also follow the CASA commercial guidelines.

  Filming for recreational purposes

  It is important to note that different guidelines apply for flying a drone for recreational purposes. When operating your drone, please follow the CASA list of recreational rules.

• Notification timetable

  In order to maintain a balanced level of residential and trader amenity, film makers are required to notify in writing persons and businesses which may be affected by their presence. Further community consultation may be requested by the Film Liaison, if determined necessary.

  The timeframe for this notification is:

  • For low impact in residential areas: A minimum of 24 hours in advance but preferably at least 48 hours in advance
  • For strip shopping centres: A minimum of seven days for high impact activity
  • For other commercial areas, high density residential areas and those under the jurisdiction of other authorities which impact on council-controlled areas: A minimum of seven days is preferred.
  • For productions with one instance of filming longer than a week in duration: minimum 28 days

  The Film Liaison Unit works in close conjunction with Film Victoria and the Film and Television Office of the Victoria Police in administering this service.

• Insurance

  All applications for a filming approval permit are required to provide evidence of appropriate public liability insurance cover through presentation of their Certificate of Currency prior to a permit being issued.

  Film applications using the services of stunt performers are required to provide evidence of appropriate specialised risk insurance or workcover.

  Film applications requiring the use of roads or road closure must provide a traffic management report. All filming activity must comply with common law.

  Damage to Council property

  All costs associated with clearing litter and other waste generated by their activities, and for any damage to parks, irrigation, roads and other council property will be borne by the production company.