Apply for a Film Permit

You need a permit to film anywhere on Council land in the City of Stonnington, including for: 

  • films 
  • television 
  • music videos 
  • advertising and promotions 
  • student films 
  • stills photography. 

How to apply

Read the permit conditions

Make sure you read and understand the conditions for filming in Stonnington.

  • The activity must not cause any damage to Council property. The permit holder will pay the cost of any repairs.
  • The permit must be kept on-site and produced upon request by a Council officer.
  • All litter must be disposed of by the permit holder.
  • The production company agrees to comply with all the local laws of the City of Stonnington and all other relevant legislation. It also agrees to the special conditions for having a permit.
  • Crew cannot obstruct the flow of pedestrians or force pedestrians onto roadways to pass obstruction. Up to four crew are allowed on the footpath at any one time.
  • Equipment must be marked with traffic cones. Warning signs must be placed on footpaths to advise of activity, and marshals must be used where appropriate.
  • Traders and residents in the surrounding area must be consulted about the activity of the permit holder via a letter drop. Council must be informed of any objections.
  • Display the permit hanging on the rear vision mirror - the permit details must be displayed facing forward. Remove the permit when driving.
  • Only park within the specified permit area.
  • The permit does not apply to parking zones of 30 minutes or less or parking under red statutory parking signs, such as Clearway and No Stopping.
  • Frequently accessed vehicles must be marked with traffic cones. Warning signs must be placed on footpaths to advise of activity, and marshals used where appropriate.

Get public liability insurance

You need to provide a Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance covering at least $20 million.

Prepare your documents

You will need to include the following documents and information with your application:

  • Certificate of Currency.
  • A brief description of the action being shot.
  • A map of the location being filmed.
  • A map of preferred parking spaces, if applicable.
  • Copy of the letter notifying affected residents or traders of the activity.

The scale and extent of your filming project mean you may need to supply additional documentation, such as a traffic management plan, or apply for parking permits.

Unit bases can also be accommodated on request.

We will discuss these requirements with you once we look at your application.

Submit your application

Apply now

Receive your permit

Once approved, we will email you the Film Permit.

Pay the invoice

We will then send you an invoice you can pay by calling our Customer Service team on 03 8290 1333.

Overview

You need a permit to film anywhere on Council land in the City of Stonnington, including for: 

  • films 
  • television 
  • music videos 
  • advertising and promotions 
  • student films 
  • stills photography.

You will need to lodge this form at least 10 working days before you plan to film, to allow us enough time to process your application. 

The scale and extent of your filming project may mean you need to supply additional documentation, like a traffic management plan or to apply for parking permits. Unit bases can also be accommodated on request.  

We’ll discuss these requirements with you once we look at your application. 

 

Use our Permit Finder if you’re not sure what permits you need.

For more information, contact our Festivals and Events team at filmandeventpermits@stonnington.vic.gov.au or call 03 8290 1102

How to apply

  1. Secure public liability insurance

    You need to provide a Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance covering at least $20 million.

  2. Prepare your documents

    Prepare the documents you may need to submit with your application. See the FAQs for a list of documents.

  3. Complete the application

    Download and complete the Film Permit Application Form(PDF, 62KB).

  4. Send your application

    Email your completed form with supporting documentation to filmandeventpermits@stonnington.vic.gov.au

    Or mail to: 
    City of Stonnington 
    PO Box 58 
    Malvern 3144

  5. Receive your permit

    Once approved, we will email you the Film Permit.

  6. Pay the invoice

    We will then send you an invoice you can pay by calling our Customer Service team on 03 8290 1333.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Film Permit cost?

The permit cost depends on the type of filming and how long you need.  

Film

  • $555 for up to 4 hours
  • $1,190 for the full day

Stills photography 

  • $250 for up to 4 hours
  • $445 for the full day

Filming and photographs 

  • $560 for the full day

Film crew parking permits 

  • $80 per day for trucks
  • $35 per day for cars

How long will it take to get a Film Permit?

You will need to lodge this form at least 10 working days before you plan to film, to allow us enough time to process your application.

What documents do I need to apply?

You will need to include these documents with your application: 

  • Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance covering at least $20 million. 
  • A brief description of the action being shot. 
  • A map of the location being filmed. 
  • A map of preferred parking spaces (if applicable). 
  • Copy of the letter that will be dropped to affected residents or traders, notifying them of the activity.  

The scale and extent of your filming project means you may need to supply additional documentation (e.g. traffic management plan) or apply for parking permits. Unit bases can also be accommodated on request.  

We will discuss these requirements with you once we look at your application. 

How can I get parking permits for essential vehicles?

You can apply for film crew parking permits in the application form. This is only for essential production vehicles, not for individual staff parking.  

Fees are per vehicle per day

  • Trucks: $77.16 
  • Cars: $33.07 

You are responsible for reserving the parking spaces you want. A permit lets you park in a space for a day. It does not reserve it for you.  

It’s your responsibility to be aware of the parking conditions for film crew parking permits: 

  • Display the permit hanging on the rear vision mirror—the permit details must be displayed facing forward. Remove the permit when driving. 
  • Only park within the specified permit area.  
  • The permit does not apply to parking zones of 30 minutes or less, or parking under red statutory parking signs (e.g. Clearway, No Stopping etc.).  
  • Equipment and frequently accessed vehicles must be marked with traffic cones. 
  • Warning signs must be placed on footpaths to advise of activity, and marshals used where appropriate. 

What are the conditions for having a Film Permit?

  • The activity must not cause any damage to Council property. The permit holder will pay the cost of any repairs. 
  • The permit must be kept on site and produced upon request by a Council officer. 
  • All litter must be disposed of by the permit holder. 
  • The production company agrees to comply with all the local laws of the City of Stonnington and all other relevant legislation and special conditions provided with the permit. 
  • Crew cannot obstruct the flow of pedestrians or force pedestrians onto roadways to pass obstruction. A maximum of four crew are allowed on the footpath at any one time. 
  • Equipment and frequently accessed vehicles must be marked with traffic cones. Warning signs must be placed on footpaths to advise of activity, and marshals used where appropriate. 
  • Traders and residents in the surrounding area must be consulted in relation to the activity of the permit holder via a letter drop. Council must be informed of any objections.