Please make sure to send location checks to your Liaison via email as opposed to calling. Location checks take some time and are quite often too complex to be able to answer via telephone. It is also helpful for your liaison to be able to refer to an email for reference.
Upcoming Survey
The City is continuing to examine and improve its process regarding the use of City assets for filming (an asset being defined as City-owned, managed or leased property). The DGC Locations Caucus has agreed to help us gather your priorities and recommendations regarding this issue by distributing a short survey. The survey will allow location managers to identify issues relating to City assets as well as comment on areas where City process or accommodation could be improved. The film office team will then meet with Real Estate and Facilities or the relevant branches to address your concerns and requests.
We hope to have the survey distributed in the next 10 business days.
Permit Totals and Parking
Based on 2014 numbers, the amount of film permits issued has risen by 12% compared to 2013. Additionally, according to the number of meter hooding requests in 2014, numbers indicate that parking footprints have been reduced; thus minimalizing impact to their filming areas. We appreciate the effort to lessen parking requests wherever possible, thank you!
Applications
Please be sure to file an application as soon as possible when considering filming in Vancouver. Your Liaison is unable to soft book locations without first having an application.
Location Checks
Location checks are critical in order to make sure that the Film Office can secure your desired filming location. The Film Office aims to provide timely, detailed, and accurate information to Location Managers and Scouts. Location checks involve a multitude of steps including:
- Checking our calendar to ensure there are no conflicts in the desired area
- Checking for complaint history in the neighborhood
- Checking for filming history in the area, when it was last used and any issues associated with recent filming
- Checking for road construction, utility, or various other projects in the area that might impact potential filming
- Making sure the location is not a "hot" location, or a recurring location for another production
While sometimes this process is straight forward and Liaisons are able to provide a quick answer, other times these checks can be quite detailed and require a thorough look. The average location check takes about 10 minutes for each location. Please be mindful of this when clearing locations with the Film Office, and where possible, request to clear a limited list of your most desired locations to ensure timely response.
Keep Local Businesses Informed
Keep local Business Improvement Associations in the loop about filming. If you are filming in in a Business Improvement Association zone, make sure to make contact and inform them about your proposed activity. Business Improvement Association contact information can be found here.
Review! Review! Review!
Please be sure to review your paperwork prior to submitting it to your Film Liaison. This includes:
- Making sure your street use requests are accurate
- Street use requests match what is written on your residential notification letter
- Street use requests match what is indicated on your maps
When the information is clear and concise, it allows your Film Liaison to provide faster service for you!
Maps
Please submit maps with all polling results and film location packages. This allows your Film Liaison to better understand the footprint or scope of results. Below is an example of a clear and concise map.
Crew Parking
The Film Office is not able to accommodate crew parking on Vancouver streets. Crew parking should be contained to private property. Please remind your crews to refrain from parking outside of the designated crew parking lots wherever possible.
Work Truck Parking
In most instances, the Film Office is not able to allow work truck placement on both sides of a street. This creates a "tunnel" effect which usually results in complaints from the neighbourhood.
Check Permits and Signs!
Please thoroughly review your film activity and street use permits for accuracy as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure to check your location for accurate signage prior to your shoot date and notify the Film Office if there is an error.
Departmental Charges
Make sure to let your Film Liaison know if you are working with any other City of Vancouver departments for permits, including the Vancouver Parks Board and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.
Let Us Arrange Your Transit Requests For You!
For any Transit related requests or inquiries, please contact your assigned Film Liaison with the details of your inquiry. Your liaison will contact Transit on your behalf.