How to Get a Film Permit for a Short Film

In most places, filming a planned scene in a public space needs permission. Who gives it depends on where you are: often a city film office, otherwise the local council or city authority, sometimes the police. For public places you usually send an application or letter with your dates, location, crew size and equipment; students often add a student ID or a letter from their school. Museums, heritage sites and parks have their own management to ask; on private property you need the owner's written permission. The rules vary by country and by city, so the first step is always to contact the local authority where you'll shoot.

Who do you ask?

• Public places such as streets, squares and pavements: the city's film office if there is one; otherwise the local council or city authority.
• A shoot that affects traffic, pavements or parking: expect a separate notice to, or approval from, the police or traffic authority.
• Museums, heritage sites and historic places: talk to the site's management in advance and agree terms in writing.
• Schools, hospitals, public buildings: the institution's own permission (for a school, often the school management and sometimes the education authority above it).
• Private property (a house, café, shop, housing estate): written permission from the owner — usually no public body is involved.
• Operated spaces such as the underground, trains, buses, stations and shopping centres: the operator's own permit process.
• Filming in a country that isn't yours: there may be extra rules at national level, and visas or work permits for the crew — ask the country's film commission or authority well in advance.

What do they usually ask for?

The paperwork depends on the type of shoot and on the place. For a small amateur short the list is often short: an application form or letter and some ID. For student films, a student ID or a letter from the school is often added. If a company is producing, you may be asked for company details, and larger shoots are often asked for a certificate of public liability insurance.

Make these clear in your application: the film's title and type, the exact location, the date and time window, the crew size, the equipment you'll use (especially tripods, lights, drones and generators) and a responsible person's contact details. Many authorities also ask you to commit to not disturbing the surroundings. Drones are usually regulated separately by the aviation authority, on top of any filming permit.

When don't you need a permit?

In your own home, your own workplace or a private place whose owner has agreed, with a small crew and nothing that affects the public, an official permit usually isn't needed. Some cities treat small handheld shoots that don't block traffic or pedestrians more lightly or don't charge for them; others ask for a permit for any filming in public. Either way, if someone on the street asks and you have nothing in writing to show, the shoot can stop — even on a small shoot, written permission is the cheapest insurance.

The location permit isn't enough: two more permissions

• Cast and people on camera: get a signed release from everyone whose face appears on camera. For minors, a parent or guardian signs.
• Crew and work: put in writing who holds the rights to the film with people like the director, cinematographer and editor.
• Music and images: if copyrighted music, brands, posters or artworks end up in the frame, you need permission from the rights holder. The cleanest route is music with a licence that covers your use (for example Creative Commons, checking the licence terms).
• The place itself: some buildings and sculptures may need permission to be shown too.

A warning

This page gives a general framework; it isn't legal advice. Permit processes vary by country, city and institution, and they change over time. At least two weeks before your shoot, contact the film office or local authority where you'll film and ask for the current document list and any fees. For your specific situation, ask a lawyer.

How to do it

1. Fix the place and date — Have your shooting plan ready: which location, which day, how many hours, how many people.
2. Find out who the place belongs to — Is it a public space, a public institution or private property? Who you ask for permission depends on it.
3. Write the application — Film title, type, location, date and time, crew size, equipment and contact details; add ID, and a student ID or school letter if you're a student.
4. Apply early — Many authorities want notice of a week or two, some longer; ask what the lead time is before you set the date.
5. Keep the approval on set — Carry a printout of the permit and IDs on set; have something to show when asked.
6. Collect the releases — Get signed releases from cast and people on camera, and put the rights agreement with the crew in writing.

Checklist

• Do you know who the location belongs to?
• Is your application ready, with ID attached?
• Did you apply at least two weeks ahead?
• If there's a museum or heritage site, have you spoken to its management?
• Do you have signed releases from your cast (from a parent or guardian for minors)?
• Is the music you use licensed for your film?
• Is a printout of the permit with you on set?

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: September 27, 2026