This memo is intended to provide information to our stakeholders regarding film permits in the COVID-19 environment.
The Film and Special Events (FASE) branch is currently open with film officers working remotely and available to process film permits weekdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
We would like to alert the film industry that our permit processing times have increased. In order to avoid disappointment please allow for double the amount of time needed in the pre COVID-19 environment – up to 2 full weeks. Please check with the officer assigned to your file for information specific to your situation.
We are still requiring the use of our notification and polling template letters (click here for downloadable PDF samples), however we are suggesting that productions include COVID-19 specific wording in the “Film activities include” section near the top of the page, or provide an addendum to the letter with additional information on your production’s COVID-19 protocols if appropriate. Should you choose to include the information in the body of your letter we suggest the following: “(INSERT PRODUCTION COMPANY/PRODUCTION NAME) will be ensuring that all Provincial Health, Worksafe BC and industry standard safety protocols related to COVID-19 are in place at all times on set.” We understand that this situation is constantly evolving and will be providing updates to the industry when appropriate. We look forward to issuing more permits in the coming weeks and thank you all for considering Vancouver for your film production.
See example below:
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact me directly at jodie.shebib@vancouver.ca or 604-707-5394.