Frequently asked questions
The Essex Film Office aims to provide assistance not only to the film industry but also to the communities in which film crews operate. Below, you’ll discover answers to some commonly asked questions.
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Why does the Council support and encourage location filming in Essex?
Being located within easy reach of London and the major film studios in, or around the M25, the Essex economy has the potential to benefit from film related activity. According to the BFI in 2020, 57% of the UK Film and Television production workforce were from London and the southeast. The industry is worth approximately £12 billion per year and creates around 180,000 jobs annually.
The economic benefits of location filming come in the form of jobs created for crew but also the products and services which accompany a film production such as accommodation, catering, transport and equipment hire which is sourced locally.
In addition, when people see a location on screen, this can promote tourism by attracting people to come and visit.
How can I get my property listed as a potential location for filming?
If you own a property, site or venue which you think would make a good location for filming, you can register your property or site for free on our database here.
I’ve had a letter from a production company telling me that they will be filming near my house / business what should I do?
If you have received a letter this is usually a good sign that the production is acting responsibility and in line with our Essex Filming code of practice which sets out that anyone undertaking filming location should contact residents near where they want to film.
If you have concerns or questions, you should contact the person named in the letter. The letter should give you all the information you need to understand what will be happening and how, or if it will impact you. If you are unsure, you can email film@essex.gov.uk and we can speak to the production company for you.
I was not notified by a production that are filming on my street, what can I do?
When a production approaches us seeking permission to film on council owned or managed land as part of the approval process, we require the production to carry out a residents and business consultation before they receive a permit.
If you have not been notified and suspect that the production is operating without a permit/licence, you can either ask to see a copy of their permit/licence from the council or contact the Film Office to confirm whether they have the necessary permissions. If a production is found to be operating on council managed/owned land or property without a permit, we will seek to have them removed from site.
I am being disturbed/impacted by filming on private land, what can I do?
While the Essex Film Office may have no direct involvement with the filming you can contact the Film Officer who will contact the production provided. If possible, you should contact the property owner directly.
I’ve spotted a film crew operating in the county, how do I find out who it is?
The Essex Film Office is unable to disclose information about productions currently filming due to the confidential nature of the business.
We will wherever possible promote productions on their release on our social media channels or news section.
I’ve had negative experiences with film crews in the past, how can the Essex Film Office help?
We understand that having a film crew in the area can be disruptive, the Essex Film Office has developed a Code of Practice with the aim of improving consultation and setting out guidelines for productions to adhere to when operating in the county.
If you have concerns that you don’t think are addressed by our Code of Practice please contact the Film Office and we can work with the production to alleviate your concerns.
I’d love to work in the film/tv industry, where do I start?
If you want to find out more about the various roles available in production companies check out ScreenSkills which lists the jobs available in each department of a production and details their responsibilities and potential entry routes.
There are numerous courses available in the county from short courses to MA’s that will give you the skills to the work in the Creative Industries. Check out our Training and Courses page for more information.
A production company want to use my property for filming, what should I do?
If the production company want to hire your property, you will need to negotiate terms with regards to their use, proposed alterations and any fees.
Production companies will often have a standard filming agreement for you to sign, ensure you read this and happy that your property and rights as owners are fully protected. If you are uncomfortable with any terms of the agreement, you can request amendments.
Key Questions to ask:
− Main point of contact
− Number of cast and/or crew
− Dates for preparations, shoots and reinstatements?
− What are their intentions? What changes are they making, and will these be reinstated?
− What areas of the property are they using?
− Request a copy of their Public Liability Insurance
− Have they read the Essex Film Office Code of Practice?
− Have they logged the project with Essex Film Office?
We always recommend that you speak with you neighbours to make them aware of the plans. However, if the production need specific permissions from the Essex Film Office – for example where filming activity will take place on the street, require traffic management or the parking of vehicles outside of private property – they will be asked to carry out a consultation in line with our Code of Practice.
Whilst the Essex Film Office does not offer direct advice regarding fees and contracts, we are happy to provide ad-hoc support where there are specific concerns.
Essex has a vibrant filmmaking scene which is why we are dedicated to building networks and showcasing the wealth of Essex based creative talent within the county. We are building our database of local filmmakers, crew and studio space all the time.
If you would like to be added to our crew and supplier’s database, contact us here.
