New legislation has been introduced by the Victorian Coalition Government to streamline the highly complex process for obtaining commercial filming permits.
Minister for Innovation Louise Asher said that the Filming Approval Bill 2014 would create a clear legal framework for commercial filming on public land managed by local councils and State Government agencies.
“The introduction of new Film Friendly Principles and complementary guidelines will cut red tape and create a more consistent, transparent and responsive approval process for film and television companies,” Ms Asher said.

Ms Asher explained that The Principles will provide that public agencies must:
1. not unreasonably withhold approval, subject to appropriate operational, public amenity, safety and security or environmental/heritage arrangements;
2. approve or refuse permits in a timely manner and take reasonable steps to respond to an applicant within 5 business days;
3. set out any reasons for refusing a filming permit;
4. take reasonable steps to provide a single point of contact for film makers;
5. ensure that any application forms or other documents are consistent with a standard approved by Film Victoria;
6. consider the broader economic benefits that commercial filming will bring to the community when setting fees for filming permits and ensure fees charged do not exceed cost recovery;
7. provide clear information about how a person may apply for a filming permit; and
8. take reasonable steps to ensure that film permitting officers are given appropriate information about the film and television industries.

“By making public filming simpler and easier, the Coalition Government will enhance Victoria’s competitiveness as a screen production destination and reinforce our reputation as a leading centre for screen business in the Asia Pacific region” Ms Asher commented.
Tony To, Walt Disney Studios Executive Vice President of Production and producer of award-winning HBO series The Pacific, which filmed in Melbourne over 18 months, said the Filming Approval Bill is a smart move by the Coalition Government and would make the state even more attractive. “Ease of access, permits and cost of locations is a consideration for any production. This Bill is bound to give Melbourne and Victoria a greater advantage as a location destination,” Mr To said.
John Edwards, one of Australia’s leading drama producers who has shot 168 hours of drama in Victoria over the past 6 years, said Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs offer a diverse choice of historical and contemporary architecture, street scapes and parklands.
“Legislation that improves access to any of these will certainly be attractive to all producers looking to film in Victoria,” Mr Edwards said.