Filming & photography

Fees

• Commercial photography/filming: Non-exclusive use - no charge but permit is still required.
• Commercial photography/filming: Exclusive use - relevant fees and charges + refundable bond, determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Student / Community filming: fees determined on a case-by-case basis.
• News / Current Affairs program: exempt from fees and charges.

Non-exclusive activities are defined by the following criteria:

• Small cast and crew; and/or
• No significant disruption is caused to stakeholders, retailers of motorists or other events in the vicinity of activities; and/or
• Activities are contained to footways or public open space areas only and no road closures or traffic diversions are required; and/or
• Public safety is maintained at the locations at all times; and/or
• Vehicles associated with the activities are legally parked at all times and are not driven onto footpathes or parks.

Exclusive activities are defined by the following criteria:

• Large cast and crew; and/or
• Restriction of general public access in vicinity of filming; and/or
• Road or footpath closures or diversions either whole or part either for filming, vehicle parking or equipment placement/storage; and/or
• Construction of sets or erection of infrastructure required; and/or
• Equipment / lighting other than hand held equipment; and/or
• Unit base(s) are required; and/or
• Special access is required to any proposed filming location to which public or private vehicle access is usually not permitted. (locked gates, special permits, permission or passes required).

Supporting information

To be submitted at least 7 working days (non-exclusive) or 14 working days (exclusive) before commencement of filming

• Residential / Business notification letter - Exclusive use filming requires written notification to residences and stakeholders in the vicinity of the location by way of letterbox drop, at least 7 days prior to the start of filming. The notification should include information such as contact details, description of photography shoot, proposed location, commencement and completion dates and times, number of productions persons etc.
• Vehicle details including number(s), type and registration
• Copy of insurance - $20,000,000 and must cover filming dates. It is a requirement that Cairns Regional Council is named as an interested party in your public liability/insurance certificate.
• Location details / Site maps - For each Exclusive Use location, attach a photo or detailed map with locations and equipment clearly marked. If road or footpath closures are required, indicate affected areas and any parking meters, parking bays, bus stops, taxi zones or significant traffic infrastructure.
• Traffic / Pedestrian / Parking management - Film shoots that require a unit base, essential vehicle and/or crew parking are required to submit for approval a parking plan or mud map with the application. Where filming activities require the use of a public road and alterations to traffic flow (such as stop/go traffic control) and/or parking, a Traffic Guidance Scheme/Management Plan prepared by an accredited traffic consultant will be required to be submitted in support of an application. Where public pedestrian movements are proposed to be altered, a pedestrian management strategy/plan may also be required to be submitted in support of an application
• Letter of support - Tourism Queensland or Tourism Tropical North Queensland letter of support (exclusive use only)
• Interviews - If interviews of the general public are to be conducted in public areas, a list of interview questions and the surveys purpose is to be provided