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.
Unless your activity fits the below criteria for filming without a permit, you must apply for a filming permit.
Application assessment and approval takes approximately two weeks, but may take longer depending on the complexity of the planned activity. In the instance of a major road closure up to 84 days notice can be required.
Fees and bonds may be required to cover the cost of accommodating some filming activities. A copy of the fee schedule is supplied on the acceptance of your application to film.
Please read the Ōtautahi-Christchurch screen protocols 2020 [PDF, 600KB] before you apply.
The 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.
This should ensure that there is enough time to process your filming application.
If you are unsure whether you need approvals for your project please see the criteria below, or 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.
Given the popularity of Christchurch's public places, it pays to apply early to secure a location for the time that you need it.
| Low impact | Medium impact | High impact | Major impact | |
| Film permit administration fees | $0 | $175 to $350 | $350 to $700 | $700 to $1250 |
| Low impact | Medium impact | High impact | Major impact | |
| Permit status | A permit may be required | Permit required | Permit required – other applications and necessary consent may also be required | Permit required – other applications and necessary consent will also be required |
| Number of people onsite | Up to 9 crew and talent combined | Up to 30 crew and talent combined | Up to 50 crew and talent combined | Up to 100 crew and talent combined |
| Number of equipment vehicles | No trucks. Cars, utes, and vans only | 3 trucks | 6 trucks | 12 plus trucks |
| Infrastructure requirements | No infrastructure | Minimal infrastructure e.g. pop-ups | Some infrastructure - may require building exemption | Significant structures - will require building exemption |
| Equipment requirements | Handheld equipment and one tripod | Minimal equipment, e.g. camera tracks, slider, lighting | Equipment used, e.g. camera cranes | Extensive equipment |
| Traffic management | No disruption of the roads nor footpaths | Basic traffic management required | Traffic management required including road closures | Significant traffic management required. Closing of major roads |
| Impact on the public | No disruption is caused to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. | Could be minor disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. Local letter notification required | Likely to be some disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. Local letter notification required and possibly consultation | Likely to be significant disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. Local letter notification required and possibly consultation. |
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:
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.
