We are setting new film permit records every month so we know you are busy! But with the increase in volume has come an alarming rise in resident and business complaints regarding issues that would not arise if guidelines and established practices were being conformed to.
Please, please, please:
- Only set up and film in the locations and times/dates outlined in your permit.
- Start and stop work at the permitted time. Do not exceed the noise bylaw without permission from the Vancouver film office .
- Park equipment and trucks within the area outlined in your permit.
- Ensure that crew are not parking on the street.
- Inform and be granted permission before moving City of Vancouver parking signs and infrastructure.
- Consult and inform BIAs. Between construction (both private and City), events and filming they are under enormous pressure in the summer. They also have limited resources and do not have staff dedicated to answering/addressing film inquiries, so as much lead time as possible is appreciated. Please copy your Film Liaison on your initial correspondence with BIA.
- Any impediment to rush hour traffic without a permit is a serious infraction and generates an inordinate amount of negative public feedback. Please do not do this!
- Treat citizens with respect. The cause of their frustration may not lie only with the film industry, but it is you they have decided to speak to. It is expected that they will be treated with civility and compassion.
Frustrated citizens are reaching out to media and senior management. The City is getting media requests regarding those complaints as well as questions about our practices and procedures and how we enforce them. Citizens are also claiming to have photographic evidence showing various infractions. They seem more willing to share that documentation with the media than with the film office.
All of this feedback must be responded to by film office staff, who would ideally be processing your permits rather than dealing with complaints.
Ultimately, the industry controls how welcome filming is; it is an industry that is only as good as its reputation. While we wholeheartedly support filming, the City also has an obligation to address the concerns of the our citizens. Non-compliance by even one production brings undesirable scrutiny, which can lead to changes and ramifications for all.