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Shooting in London
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Film London seeks to sustain, promote and develop London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. Filmmakers wishing to shoot in London should read their short publication, Location Filming in London Code of Practice, from which the following is an extract.
General location filming procedures
All Producers undertake to inform Film London of any especially complex shoots well in advance of the start of shooting to ensure effective liaison with all parties affected by the shoot. Film London undertakes to facilitate such liaison in a timely and efficient manner.
Productions undertake that they shall inform the relevant Film Contact shoot that is taking place on a private location where such shooting have an impact on the relevant Local Authority or Organisation.
Filming application process
The Production agrees to provide the relevant Film Contact with a written application within a time frame that is adequate and proportionate, bearing in mind the scale of the planned filming and its potential impact on the local community. The more complex the shoot, the greater the lead in time required.
In consultation with the Borough Film Service, the Production shall undertake appropriate and mutually agreed consultation with local residents, businesses and other local parties likely to be directly affected by filming.
A-Z of key issues
1 Animals†
The Production agrees to follow the Health and Safety Executive guidance sheets on working with animals including dangerous animals.
2 Cabling†
The Production shall agree in advance with the Film Contact regarding the appropriate use of cables, the safe laying of agreed cabling and the suitability of attaching cables to street furniture, trees, historic properties and any other relevant items. This process includes all matting, ramping and flying of cables to avoid hazards.
3 Camera track
All matters relating to tracking shall be discussed and agreed with the Film Contact in advance of filming. Any obstructions or alternative footways planned must be cleared by the Film Contact. Tracking boards may be required in certain circumstances.
4 Catering†
Catering arrangements and the positioning of catering vehicles shall be agreed in advance with the Production and Film Contact.
The Production shall ensure that no dirty water or food waste be deposited in rainwater gullies and that caterers use a dirty water bowser where possible. Wherever possible the Production shall make use of environmentally friendly materials. Wherever possible but subject always to the Production’s own rules and/or those of its commissioner which may specify approved caterers, catering is to be sousrced from local businesses.
Also see, Litter Removal
5 Charges
All charges that Borough Film Services are entitled to levy are detailed on the Film London website at www.filmlondon.org.uk.
Most Local Authorities do not charge for filming in the street but some may charge an administration fee (either a flat fee or a fee for their time spent assisting filming or both), a fee for the use of council property and a fee for making parking spaces available.
6 Child performers†
Any filming involving the employment (whether paid or unpaid) must be cleared through the relevant Local Authority’s Education Welfare Service where the child is resident or, if the child is not British, of the Local Authority where the Production has its place of business.
7 Coning
The Production acknowledges that cones have no legal force to secure parking and their use shall be agreed in advance with the Film Contact.
8 Council property
Whenever filming on Council-owned property e.g. in parks, schools, town halls etc, the Production shall negotiate a licence with the Borough Film Service.
9 Cranes/camera cranes†
In advance of the shoot, the Production shall discuss and agree with the Film Contact and any other relevant authorities, the specific weight and positioning of cranes/camera cranes and the need to maintain access. Cranes require a licence from the relevant Local Authority. Rigging and derigging shall be undertaken with respect for local residents and in accordance with the statutory obligations governing noise levels.
10 Firearms†
No firearms of any kind shall be used without agreement in advance between the Production and the police and/or appropriate emergency service and the Film Contact. An armourer must be present during film shoots involving firearms.
11 Health & safety†
The Production is bound by law to have health and safety assistance. In the event that the Production involves less than five people, Film London should be contacted for advice. Failure to follow appropriate Health & Safety procedure may invalidate any insurance.
11.1 High visibility clothing & personal protection equipment†
The Production shall ensure that the appropriate level of safety clothing is worn for the safety of the crew when filming on the public highway and in the public domain.
12 Highways/traffic management†
The Production shall liaise with the relevant Film Contact when wishing to use public highways and footpaths. Any traffic management measures put in place must also be agreed by the police. There is currently no legislation to allow a road closure specifically for filming purposes in London.
However, if adequate notice is given it is often possible to accommodate the needs of a production without closure.
Also see, Police/Emergency Services
13 Historic & cultural locations
The Production shall adhere to any conservation regulations laid down by the respective Film Contact.
14 Indemnity & insurance†
The Production shall obtain and produce, if requested by the Borough Film Service, a copy of the relevant insurance needed before shooting commences. The need for insurance is governed by statutory obligation.
Also see, Public Liability Insurance
15 Lighting†
The Production shall agree the positioning and safety of lighting stands in advance with the Film Contact and/or designated authority. An appropriate degree of flexibility may be agreed providing it is within the parameters of Health and Safety legislation.
16 Litter removal
The Production shall ensure that all litter is removed immediately at the end of the filming and that the location and environs are returned to the same condition in which they were found. The Production may ask the relevant Borough Film Service to remove litter; this service is to be provided according to local contract rates. Waste created on location should be recycled wherever possible.
17 Night filming†
The Production shall consider and consult with the Film Contact, local residents and businesses in the planning process.
18 Noise†
Use of audio playback and megaphones shall only be permitted following agreement between the Production and the Film Contact. The parking position of generators shall be agreed in advance between the Film Contact and the Production and will depend on local sensitivities.
19 Parking†
The Production shall submit detailed parking plans to be discussed and agreed with the Film Contact; in particular for on-street parking for technical vehicles, equipment and bays to be reserved for continuity. The Production shall make every effort to find off street parking for all facilities vehicles. Parking charges are detailed in each Borough Film Service’s rate card.
20 Police/emergency services†
The Production shall inform the police and/or appropriate emergency service of all proposed filming on the street and/or in a public space in liaison with the Film Contact.
The staging of crimes and accidents, plus use of firearms and special effects shall be agreed, in advance of the shoot, with the police and/or appropriate emergency service and the Film Contact.
The Production shall inform the police and/or appropriate emergency service when filming involves celebrities who may cause security or crowd control issues.
If Police Officers are required to be in attendance on location, their role is to maintain the peace and uphold the law. The Production shall cover any costs of providing this service but it is acknowledged that Police Officers are not employees of the Production.
The Film Contact and the emergency service in question shall be informed in advance if there are actors to be dressed in a specific uniform (police, ambulance, fire brigade or armed forces).
Uniforms and any vehicles resembling the emergency services must be covered whenever possible and in particular between takes. Any markings on vehicles must be taped over when not being used for filming. Sirens and flashing lights shall be isolated or switched off when not in use for filming purposes. For police contact details, please refer to www.filmlondon.org.uk
21 Problem solving
In the event of a dispute arising between the Production and other parties on location, please contact Film London on 020 7387 8787.
22 Public liability insurance
The Production will provide a copy of Public Liability Insurance, if requested to do so by the Borough Film Service, for all location filming and agree to indemnify the location owner or representative against any claims arising as a direct result of the activities of the Production.
Also see, Indemnity & Insurance
23 Residents & businesses
The Production shall consider and consult with local residents and businesses that may be effected by their filming prior to and during the shoot. Refer to Application Process Flow Chart on previous page.
24 Risk assessment†
Risk Assessments are required by the selfemployed and by any company with employees to be able to satisfy their insurance provisions and statutory obligations to employees and those affected by their actions. Additional location specific Risk Assessments are also required depending on the type and nature of filming. [Please refer to Annexe]
25 Rivers & waterways
When planning to film on any waterway, the Production will liaise with the Film Contact from the relevant governing body as early as possible. Specific health and safety measures will apply.
26 Road markings
The temporary painting-out or disguising of road markings, lines or other road signs is subject to agreement in advance with the Film Contact and, if necessary, Highways Officer. The Production shall also notify local Police in advance of any such undertaking. The Production agrees to fully reinstate any alterations to road markings to the satisfaction of the Highways Authority and when obliged to use official contractors shall pay cost price.
27 Scaffolding/lighting towers†
All requests to erect scaffolding/lighting towers in a public area, highway or footway shall be agreed in advance with the Film Contact and/or designated authority. A temporary structure licence may be required.
28 Security
The Production shall respect security issues local to the Borough or location in which the filming is taking place and may be asked to work alongside on-site security officers. It is acknowledged that these security officers are not employees of the Production.
29 Signage †
Unless approved by the relevant Highways Authority, unit direction signage on the highway is illegal. The Production shall consult the Film Contact before attaching all other non-public highways signage.
30 Street signs/street furniture/street lighting†
The removal of street furniture, including street signs, and the adjustment of street lighting shall be subject to agreement in advance between the Film Contact and, if necessary, the Highways Officer.
All agreed work shall normally be carried out by the Highways Authority and charged to the Production at cost. The Production shall agree to cover these costs and those of re-instatement.
31 Stunts/special effects/pyrotechnics†
For the avoidance of doubt this section refers to, but is not limited to, all car chases, river chases and explosions. In accordance with statutory Health and Safety obligations, the Production shall provide a risk assessment [Please refer to Annexe].
The Production shall notify the relevant Film Contact or relevant third party whenever stunts are to be used. A full method statement and risk assessment may be required.
All stunts, special effects and pyrotechnics must be under the direct control of a named qualified stunt co-ordinator or special effects operative.
Wet downs and rain effects may only be carried out with the approval of the Film Contact after a proper evaluation of the forecast weather conditions and with the proper signage as required.
Annexe:
statutory obligations
1 Animals†
Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999
The Protection of Animals Act 1911 to 1964
The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925
The Pet Animals Act 1951
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
HSE Entertainment sheet no 4
HSE Approved Code of Practice [Zoos]
4 Catering†
HSE Catering Information Sheets, available from www.hse.gov.uk/catering
6 Child performers†
Children [Performances] Regulations 2000
Children [Protection at Work] Regulations 1998
Children and Young Persons Act 1963
9 Cranes/camera cranes†
HSE Simple Guide to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Safe Use of Lifting Equipment. Lifting Equipment and Lifting Regulations 1998
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L113 HSE Books 1998
10 Firearms†
HSE Entertainment Information Sheet 20
11 Health & safety†
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health of Safety Regulations 1999
Fire Precautions [Workplace] Regulations 1999
Health and Safety Guidance note 169 – especially useful for small units
Health and Safety Guidance note 195
HSE Information Booklet 360 Health and Safety in Audio Visual
Production – Your Legal Duties
HSE Free information Line 08701 545500
HSE Publications 01787 881165
HSE Website: www.open.gov.uk/hse/entertainment
11.1 High Visibility Clothing†
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992
12 Highways/traffic management†
Management Regulations 1999
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Highways Act 1980
Traffic Management Act 2004
14 Indemnity and insurance†
Employers’ Liability Act 1969
Employers’ Liability Regulations 1988
15 Lighting†
Electricity at Work Act 1989
BS 7709 Provision of Temporary lighting
HSE Guidance note S50 Electrical Safety places of entertainment
17 Night filming†
Management Regulations 1999
Environmental Act 1990
18 Noise†
Noise at Work Act 1989
Environmental Act 1990
19 Parking†
Management Regulations 1999
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Highways Act 1980
Traffic Management Act 2004
20 Police/emergency vehicles†
Metropolitan Police Service – Filming in Streets: Form 833
For all London Borough Police Contacts see - www.filmlondon.org.uk/listsandforms
24 Risk assessment†
Guidance on writing risk assessments is available at www.hse.org.uk/entertainment
HSE - A Guide to Risk Assessment Requirements
HSE - 5 Steps to Risk Assessment
27 Scaffolding/lighting Towers†
HSE Work At Height Regulations 2005:
A Brief Guide HSE Entertainment Information Sheet No. 6
29 Signage†
Highways act 1980 Section 132(1)
31 Stunts/special effects/pyrotechnics†
STUNTS
Management Regulations 1999
HSE Entertainment Information sheet no 17 [Stunts & Fight Scenes]
HSE Entertainment Information sheet no 22 [Filming Involving Vehicles]
Road Traffic Acts 1988, 1991
SFX
Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998
Fire precautions [Workplace] Regulations 1999
HSE Entertainment Information sheet no 3 [Smoke Effects]
HSE Entertainment Information Sheet no 16 [Pyrotechnics]
Dangerous Substances and explosive atmospheres 2003
Storage of dangerous substances 2003
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002
WET DOWNS & RAIN EFFECTS
HSE Guidance note 155 [Slips and Trips]
For full details of all statutory legislation visit www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop
If you need help finding your locations, please contact Film London 020 7387 8787 or go to www.filmlondon.org.uk
2 Cabling†
Health and Safety at Work Act
Management Regulations 1999
Electricity at Work Act 1989
HSE Guidance Note 155 [Slips and Trips]
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