Filming Enquiries And Requests
During COVID-19 any permits issued will be subject to the Kent Partnership Filming Guidelines- COVID-19 Annexe in addition to the Kent Partnership Filming Guidelines.
All filming must take place within the current UK Government regulations and adhere to safe working practices outlined in the relevant film and TV industry specialist guidance – Film & High-end TV Drama: British Film Commission, TV Production: PACT/UK Broadcasters, Commercials: Advertising Producers Association.
ALL PERMITS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE A COVID RISK ASSESSMENT WHICH INCLUDES A STATEMENT THAT ALL MEMBERS OF PRODUCTION WILL OBSERVE 2M SOCIAL DISTANCING FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL BE REJECTED!
Please be aware that COVID-19 restrictions may vary at local authority level (this potentially includes different restrictions in neighbouring boroughs).
For all filming permits, requests and enquiries, please APPLY HERE.
Please be aware that due to staff shortages the Film Office will be closed on Thursdays for the foreseeable future.
Guidance
Lead Times
These lead-in times are to ensure that you are able to film in your first-choice location as areas you apply for may already be pre-booked, have scheduled roadworks or are in need of additional permits as they are privately owned.
We are usually able to turn permits round in shorter time frames but cannot guarantee this.
- For minimal filming we need 2-3 working days’ notice.
- For mid-sized productions or when using special equipment like drones 3-5 days are usually required.
- For larger filming events we ask for at least 8-10 days as these require residents’ letters to be distributed by production at least 6 days prior to filming.
- For timeframes for dispensations, traffic management and road closures, please consult our Highways Filming page.
Fees
We do not charge for filming on the public highway maintained by kent Highway services unless Traffic management or Road Closures are required but reserve the right to administer a £50 +VAT admin charge if the permit has to be changed more than once for reasons other than sickness or bad weather.
Other public spaces, such as parks, greens,beaches, squares etc. will incur filming charges which vary between local authorities.
Below is a guide to the fee structure for non-promotional commercial filming on council owned and KFO managed land :
- Filming for MINIMAL documentary crews with local contributors or when promoting the area to the visitor economy are free of charge.
- Up to 10 people – MINIMAL – from £125+VAT per day
- 10-25 people – from £250 + VAT per day
- 25 + people – from £500 +VAT per day
- 70+ people or for exclusive use From £1000 (up to £3000) +VAT to be discussed with Kent Film Office
For fees relating to Traffic Management and Road Closures please consult our Highways Filming page.
Parking
In some district authorities we can arrange parking in council owned car parks. Production will have to display permits in windscreens and do their own coning as we cannot reserve these spaces.
The fees for this vary, but as a guide, there will be a £50+VAT admin change to issue permits and inform the officers plus compensation for any paid bays used at the regular tariff.
Unit base parking, where it is possible in council managed car parks start from £350+VAT and are dependant on size of the unit
This is currently possible in the districts of Dover, Canterbury and Thanet.
Contact Us
The Kent Film Office is usually open Mon-Wednesday and Friday from 09:00 – 17:00. Due to staff shortages the Film Office will currently remain closed on Thursdays.
Gabrielle Lindemann, Kent Film Officer
Kent Film Office
2nd Floor Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX
Email us at filmoffice@kent.gov.uk
03000422000
