Newham Film Office

It is recognised that most production companies act in a responsible and professional manner. However, all crews are asked to take their surroundings into consideration and not obstruct others from carrying out their business, or cause a disturbance or safety hazard.

Newham Film Office has a duty of care towards residents and businesses and will exercise control if a particular production is causing an unreasonable nuisance or noise.

Any filming undertaken is the responsibility of the producer. Adequate notice (we prefer more than a 24 hours!) must be given to the Newham Film Office when making any arrangements.

Health & Safety

Full consideration of health and safety issues for all employees must be taken and proven by the production. More information on health and safety in film and television production.

More information on health & safety in the film industry.

Indemnity & Insurance

The production company will be expected to indemnify Newham Council, its officers and employees against any claims or proceedings arising directly from any injury to persons or damage to property as a result of the activities of the production company or its agents.

All production companies filming in the streets and on location must carry public liability insurance.

Consultation

Successful filming relies upon the local residents and businesses having knowledge of what you plan to do in their area. Newham Film Office strongly recommends that you contact relevant people in the area, at least one week in advance, by way of a visit or a phone call. Newham Film Office may be able to provide details of important contacts in the area.

Letters should be sent to local residents and businesses outlining fully the intended filming and should include dates, times, and locations, clear details of the proposed shoot, together with contact numbers for those in charge of the location shoot. Newham Film Office has a template letter should you need it.

Police

It is a legal requirement for the production company to inform the Police of all details of filming on the street or in a public place. This includes any staging of crimes, accidents or use of firearms and special effects. Newham Film Office will do this on your behalf.

Should it be advised that Police officers are required to be in attendance on location then their role will always be to maintain the peace and up hold the law. The production company must cover any costs of providing this service but Police officers are not employees of the production company.

Night Filming

Filming at night in residential areas can of course be sensitive and it is essential to consider and consult with local residents and businesses in the planning process.

Newham Council has the right to take action under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) as a result of any unreasonable noise and nuisance caused by filming. It is advisable to shoot all scenes requiring noise above conversational level before 22.00hrs. Silent radios are essential after this time.

There may be cases when equipment or heavy vehicles that cannot be removed silently at the end of filming must be left ‘in situ’ and attended by overnight security. This must be cleared by Newham Film Office as soon as possible ahead of filming.

Please keep noise to a minimum when setting up early in the morning. Generators should not be switched on until after 08.00hrs unless they are silent and approved by Newham Film Office.

Parking

Location managers should discuss all parking plans with Newham Film Office at least one week in advance of filming, in particular, if there is a need for technical vehicles or other equipment to be parked on streets, or if bays need to be reserved or kept empty for ‘continuity’.

More information on parking in Newham.

Charges

Newham Film Office does not charge for filming in the street, however, we may charge for time spent assisting filming. We may also levy a charge for administration if it happens that we’ve been required to liaise with other agencies or issue any kind of licence.

The following services may also incur charges at cost:

1. refuse collection.

2. removal of street furniture.

3. removal of unit signs that have not been removed by the production company.

4. suspension of parking meters and any other parking provisions. More information on parking in Newham.

5. closing of roads for filming. More information on road closures in Newham.