Location filming in Salford Code of Practice
Introduction
Although this Code of Practice (“the Code”) is a voluntary agreement, it incorporates references to statutory obligations to which all those engaged in filming within the City of Salford must adhere to. The objective of the Code is to make Salford a more film-friendly city for all, while offering clarity on the statutory obligations, which govern the activity of filming.
The Code aims to ensure that:
- The industry can film effectively and efficiently across Salford.
- All those involved in location filming act responsibly, professionally and considerately at all times.
- That best practice is demonstrated.
- Timescales and notice requirements are highlighted in relation to regulatory and statutory matters.
- The economic and cultural benefits to Salford of such filming are maximised.
- The practical impact of filming on people and businesses across Salford is minimised.
- Through a combination of all the above, the long-term sustainability of filming in Salford is secured.
This Code applies to all forms of moving image production shot on location in public places in Salford, which are likely to, or have the potential to cause disruption to normal activity.
Screen Salford in consultation with Salford City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police, have developed the principles of best practice, which are detailed in the Code, and all the signatories have agreed to support. Screen Salford will facilitate the process of reviewing and updating the Code annually.
Definitions
- ‘Filming/Shoot’ will relate to all types of moving image production in particular, feature films, television productions, commercials, pop-promos, corporates, student films, short films and stills photography.
- ‘Production/s’ refers to a Producer, Location Manager, Production Company or Production Manager or any authorised officer or employee of such a company.
- ‘Screen Salford’ refers to the officially recognised film office for Salford and endorsed by its local authority and other partners as the coordinating body for all requests to shoot in and around Manchester.
- ‘SCC’ refers to Salford City Council
- ‘GMP’ refers to Greater Manchester Police
Location filming
No filming activity should take place until all the relevant parties have granted permission. The Production must ensure that all those affected by filming have been consulted and informed of arrangements within a time frame that is adequate and proportionate to the scale of filming. This is the Production’s responsibility. The Production must be covered by a public liability insurance policy, no less that £5m (£10m for commercial event spaces), and provide copies of the necessary risk assessments.
Filming application process
All Productions planning to film within Salford should liaise directly with Screen Salford in advance of shooting to ensure permit requirements (see permits below) and effective liaison with all relevant parties has taken place. With direct links to Salford City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police and other key stakeholders, Screen Salford will effectively facilitate the required permissions and permits in order for the shoot to take place. Productions should also inform Screen Salford about filming taking place on a private location, as this may require similar mediation.
General timescales
- Small scale productions – a crew of five people or less, using portable/handheld equipment, tripod and sound, where filming will have no major logistical impact on the highways and public areas. 24/48 hrs noticed period required.
- Medium scale productions – filming which includes equipment (tracking, lights, jibs/cranes, generators etc.) or a large number of cast/supporting artistes, which will have an impact on the highway and /or interfere with public access. A site meeting with the relevant council and police representative maybe required. 5-7 days minimum notice period required.
- Large-scale productions – filming which will have a major logistical impact on the highways and public areas (i.e. road closure requests, stunts, removal of street furniture etc.) A site meeting with the relevant council and police representative will be required. 4/6 weeks minimum notice period required.
*timescales may differ depending on your particular request, location and/or setup.
Disclaimer
Any filming undertaken within the City of Salford is the sole responsibility of the Production and its employees. Screen Salford will accept no liability for loss, financial or otherwise, alleged to have incurred as a result of this code. The guidelines in this document are aimed to be as comprehensive as possible but they are for guidance purposes only and not exhaustive. You should always consult with Screen Salford on requirements/procedures for filming in the City of Salford. Screen Salford has no rights of the films, photographs and recordings made and/ or taken by the Production. In all cases, you will indemnify Screen Salford and SCC against any damage which may be caused on council managed land by the negligent act or omission of the Production, your agents, employees or invitees.