If you are interested in filming or still photography in the Hills Shire you will need to consider the following information. It is important you understand the requirements to avoid any delays.
Small scale filming and photography usually includes:
Type of filming
Cost
Ultra-low impact filming (no more than 10 crew members)
There is no application fee for an ultra-low impact filming application.
Low impact filming (11-25 crew members)
$178
Other fees may apply - if venue hire is required. Fee applicable until 30 June 2024.
Please refer to the NSW Filming Protocol document for filming on Council streets, park and open spaces.
If your production is filmed on private property, you do not need to complete an application form with The Hills Shire Council, however permission from the property owner is essential. Please refer to the NSW Local Government Filming Protocol document for more information.
Additional fees and charges will apply if you require the use of a Council Community Centre or facility during your filming or still photography exercise. Conditions, such as cancellation fees, may apply as with the standard conditions of hire for the venue.
Click here to view Venue Fees and Charges in Council's Fees and Charges document.
Before you start filming you need to letterbox drop in the area you wish to use (business/residential) covering all filming plans at least 5 days before the filming/photography activities will take place. A copy of this notification letter should be provided to council prior to the letterbox drop – council can provide advice or assistance with your letter of notification.
Sample Resident Filming Notification Letter(DOCX, 13KB)
Filming on public land requires NSW Police notification – the local area command should be notified by email or phone. NSW Police may need to be involved in traffic control or controlling planned activities within the same area at the same time of filming.
Ensure you have the right traffic and parking management plans in place if required. This will need to be submitted to council with your application form. Please be mindful of surrounding residential or business areas when making traffic assessments to ensure the safety of our community. Any traffic plans require council approval.
All film projects must have public liability insurance and a copy of the certificate of currency must be provided along with the application before any approvals can be provided.
Click here to apply to film in The Hills Shire
Medium scale filming including usually include filming or photography with between 26-50 crew members. Large scale filming or photography is in excess of 50 crew members - also known as high impact filming. There might be no construction or significant construction, equipment used is usually minimal however can be substantial. Equipment might include; trucks, medium sized cranes or similar extensive equipment. Usually 1 – 4 locations are required during the production.
Medium Impact Filming (26-50 crew)
$356
High Impact Filming (over 50 crew members)
$590
Please refer to the NSW Filming Protocol document for filming on Council streets, park and open spaces.(PDF, 294KB)
If your production is filmed on private property, you do not need to complete and application form with The Hills Shire Council, however permission from the property owner is essential. Please refer to the NSW Filming Protocol document for more information.(PDF, 294KB)
If you meet the above criteria, please complete the filming application form. Please note: This application form requires 5 working days to process.