Screen Yorkshire Filming Code of Practice

Permissions must be granted by all the relevant parties before any filming activity can take place. All those affected by filming must be consulted and informed of arrangements. This is the responsibility of the production company.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES
The local authority must be informed of all filming activity taking place on public or private property within their area. Creative England can liase with the local authority on the productions behalf or put you in touch with the correct contact providing they have the following information. Contact chris.hordley@creativeengland.co.uk

§ The name of the production company, the type of production and a contact person and telephone number
§ A copy of your Public Liability Insurance details to the value of no less than £5million
§ Copy of the script or synopsis
§ The scale of the production in terms of numbers of personnel and vehicles
§ The removal, alteration and disguising of street furniture and carriageway markings
§ The use of cranes, aircraft, cherry pickers, track, low loaders, ‘A' frames and other potentially hazardous equipment in a public place. Permission to use any of the above or to alter street furniture must be sort from the relevant local authority.
§ Filming on any public highway, in any public building or park, also to hold traffic or to close a road. NB: Please allow adequate time to secure permissions.
§ The parking of production vehicles on yellow lines, in meter bays or resident's bays. Permission needs to be sought from the local authority giving them good notice.
§ The use of special effects, rain or snow machines, wet downs and stunt work on public footways or carriageways
§ Productions which depict subjects of a controversial nature
§ Filming involving children or animals

Local police must be informed of filming activity in their districts. Special guidance should be sought with regards to the following:

§ The staging of crimes, accidents or use of firearms
§ The dressing of artistes in police uniforms. It is an offence to impersonate a police officer and the cast should be asked to cover such uniforms in between takes

Where relevant the Emergency Services should be advised of:

§ Special effects, fires or explosions
§ The impersonation of fire officers or use of pseudo fire tenders
§ The impersonation of ambulance staff or use of pseudo ambulances
§ Access for emergency vehicles must be maintained at all times.

Filmmakers should ensure that location owners are:

§ Kept fully informed of the intentions of the production company whether they are used for the filming or not
§ Given a reasonable site rental fee in accordance with the budget of the film
§ Issued with an approved location contract which clearly states the terms agreed between themselves and the production company
§ Given details of any art department requirements including dressing and construction

Proof of adequate public liability insurance and any other relevant insurances should be made available on demand to anyone affected by location filming activities of the production company.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is the responsibility of the production company to ensure that employees are in compliance with current Health and Safety regulations when filming on location.

§ All locations must be assessed for risk and hazard. When necessary a Health and Safety professional should be consulted.
§ A person qualified in first aid should always be present during filming.

RESPECT FOR RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Filmmakers on location are visitors and should be sensitive to the community in which they are working. Members of the Public should be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times.

§ Letter, of filming arrangements in their area, should notify all neighbouring residents and businesses affected by filming in advance. Residents must be informed at least 48 hours before shooting is due to commence and supplied with details for the designated contact on the production.
§ Lighting and other equipment must not cause a hazard to the general public. Cables should be covered with matting when crossing pavements. Where appropriate warning cones and hazard tape.

§ If filming activity blocks a footway, an alternative safe and supervised route for pedestrians must be provided.

CARE OF THE LOCATION
Filmmakers are guests on a location and must treat both public and private property with the utmost respect. Filmmakers' activities should be limited to areas and times for which permission has been granted.

§ Production vehicles should be parked where agreed at pre-arranged times. Engines should be switched off on arrival. Cast and crew should not park in the immediate vicinity of a location unless spaces are provided.
§ Rubbish bins and ashtrays should be made available by the company and must be cleaned regularly.
§ Protective materials or dustsheets should be provided where appropriate to cover furniture and flooring for interior filming.
§ Objects belonging to the location must not be moved or removed without the owners express permission.
§ All signs or property removed or disguised for filming purposes must be reinstated upon completion of filming.
§ If you are in an area that allows unit signing (check with Screen Yorkshire) All signs posted to direct the company to location must be removed at the end of the shoot.
§ Whenever necessary the company must ensure that security staff protects the location and its environs.
§ The crewmember responsible for the location should check it thoroughly before departure to ensure that the property has been restored to its original state and that any evidence of filming activity has been removed. Any damage caused by its activities should be made good immediately after filming and all parties concerned should be notified.

The production company and its employees are solely responsible for any filming undertaken and any liability incurred.