Filming on the Gold Coast

Contact Film Gold Coast to advise us of your intent to film on the Gold Coast and your scope of activity.  Where ever you plan to film on the Gold Coast you must get the appropriate permission. 

Filming on privately owned land
If you choose to film on private land the location may charge on a case-by-case basis.  An experienced location manager will be able to get you the best possible price for use of the privately owned land.

Filming on Queensland's State Government controlled land
Approval must be given to film on State controlled land. (eg National Parks and Waterways)  Film Gold Coast can assist you with the contact details of relevant departments.

Filming on Council land
All film production and associated activities on Council land require an approval.  A bond may be required if you are shooting on Council land, dependant on the complexity of the shoot.  Council will discuss bond arrangements direct on a case-by-case basis.

Filming Permits
Gold Coast City is a recognised leader is being ‘film friendly’ and can provide assistance in terms of permits for filming in the city and facilitating local contacts for your filming requirements.  Filming permits may be required to be paid for filming on council land or for associated activity.

If you are applying for a permit, contact Gold Coast City Council. Click here.

Filming on national parks
From picturesque islands and lush coastal rainforests to stark desert landscapes, Queensland’s national parks and other protected areas contain some of the state’s best scenery. Click here. 

Road closure 
If you intend to close a road or part thereof contact Council. If the proposed closure is on a State-controlled road, the written permission of the Queensland Department of Main Roads must be obtained. Note that you must get final approval from Queensland Police for the road closure.

Special effects 
If you intend to use special effects such as pyrotechnic explosions contact Council.  Approval for pyrotechnics/special effects should also be sought from Department of Mines and Energy. You must also advise Queensland Police, Emergency Services and Queensland Fire & Rescue Service of your intentions.

Exotic animals 
If you intend to utilise exotic animal species for film production contact Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water (NRM&W).

Build permanent or temporary structure (including marquee) 
If you intend to build permanent or temporary structures you may need to obtain building approval, either from Council or a private certifier.

Plans 
Depending on the complexity of the shoot, a site plan may be required for each intended film location.

Public Liability Insurance
You must take out public liability insurance to a minimum value of $10 million dollars and name Council as an interested party. A copy of this document must be submitted before your application is given approval.

Production Services
For an overseas production company filming in Australia it is essential that the production be set up as an Australian company.
To do this you must have an Australian resident as partner to register the company. This assists greatly with immigration, union negotiations, banking regulations and accounting.

Important: While all due care has been taken to ensure that the content of this website is accurate and current, there may be errors or omissions in it and no legal responsibility is accepted for the information and opinions in this website.