Canterbury's regional film office is currently managed out of Christchurch City Council's Events Development Team please contact them at
filmingcoordinator@ccc.govt.nz.
Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures debuting Kate Winslet and the more recent 'Meet Me in Miami' are just two of the international films to have been shot here.
The value of filmmaking to the city's economic development has inspired the Christchurch City Council to adopt a film-friendly policy. Inquiries from filmmakers wanting to use Christchurch locations and facilities can be addressed with urgency where required and filming approvals processed as quickly as possible. From building false traffic islands in the early hours of the morning, to giving approval for use of public areas and our beautiful parks, the requirements of filmmakers are generally able to be accommodated. The Council has also been instrumental in establishing Canterbury's regional film office, Film South.
In 2003, Film NZ officially recognised the Council's support of the film industry by awarding it 'Film Friendly' status.
Before you begin filming
To ensure that you enjoy a successful filming experience in our city, it is important to think about what you will require, before you arrive in Christchurch.
Contacting the Christchurch City Council as early as possible should ensure that there is enough time to process your filming application. If you are unsure whether you need approvals for your project, email an outline of your proposed activities to filmingcoordinator@ccc.govt.nz. The coordinator will reply as soon as they have looked at your request and determined which approvals may be needed.
Deciding on your location is one of the first steps. The Christchurch City Council is generally happy for filmmakers to make the most of our green spaces, parks and streets but asks that they gain approval to use these locations. Christchurch people are rightly proud of their unique surroundings and want to ensure that they are valued and protected by everybody.
Given the popularity of Christchurch's public places, it pays to apply (PDF 75KB) early to secure a location for the time that you need it.
After an application is received and your activities assessed, application approval takes approximately two weeks. For more complex filming it may be necessary for the Film Officer to consult with Council regulatory units, outside agencies and other stakeholders. This may take longer depending on the planned activity. In the instance of a major road closure up to 84 days notice can be required.
Fees and bonds (PDF 34KB) may be required to cover the cost of accommodating some filming activities. A copy of this fee schedule will also be supplied on the acceptance of an application to film.
What the Council may need to know
Road closures generally require the greatest amount of prior warning. A full road closure can require up to six weeks notice but sometimes applications can be processed in just a few days, if for example the request does not require traffic stopping.
Other information the Council may require includes:
The precise location of the shoot
how parking will be managed
- procedures to tidy up and remove any waste
potential impact on the park/space (eg altering tracks and vegetation)
if any structures are to be erected
procedures to protect public safety (signage, security)
health and Safety Plan confirmations
public Liability Insurance coverage
how noisy your activity will be
access to power and water supplies
toilet facilities
temporary road closures – the effect of your activity on traffic flows
a traffic management plan may need to be submitted with the application form if any activity is to take place on the city's streets or roads. This plan should say what will happen to traffic during filming and what actions will be taken to ensure public safety and minimise traffic disruption.
So that everyone, including local residents, enjoys a positive film friendly experience, the Council may ask you to advise affected residents and business owners of your filming activity by mail, a letterbox drop or a personal visit.
Leaving the site as you found it and being polite to passersby will also help in fostering the community's receptiveness to location filming in our area.
The Filming Coordinator can be contacted at filmingcoordinator@ccc.govt.nz or phone (03) 941 8999 .
