Producing a shoot, whether for a movie or a commercial or just one still, can be a complicated process. Before you find the perfect shot, you need to find the perfect location. And before you find the location, you need to get the permission. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to shoot on location in Cape Town.
READ MORE: Our Favourite Places to Take Photos in Cape Town
Cape Town, with its beautiful locations, gorgeous people and attractive exchange rate, has long been a desirable location for international productions. Boasting a diversity of natural and architectural locations, experienced English-speaking talent and industry, plus the undeniable advantage of long summer hours during the northern hemisphere winter and under the European time zone, Cape Town and South Africa make a compelling destination for film and photo shoots.
Cape Town becomes packed with local and international productions from October to April
With a busy production season from October to April, Cape Town becomes packed with local and international crews filming in and around the city, you should book your filming location and apply for your permit well in advance.
The City of Cape Town Film Permit Office provides a one-stop solution for all aspects of the permitting of film activities on council-owned land within the jurisdiction of the municipality. First, you will need to register with the office, as well as sign an indemnity form and provide proof of public liability insurance. Once you have completed these steps, you can apply online for a film permit.
No film permits are needed for shoots on private locations
You don’t need a film permit if you’re filming on private property or for news or personal use, provided it does not impact negatively on private citizens or the environment. This encourages productions, making the process simpler and cheaper. And with a vast array of private locations in the Cape, the possibilities are almost endless.
Working with a locations scout can not only help find the ideal location, but they can calculate the costs and logistics of any potential solution. Amazing Spaces is the largest location specialist company in South Africa with hundreds of unique spaces in Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering everything from beach houses and gardens to nightclubs and farms, and are highly recommended.
Whether you need a film permit or not, it’s always advisable to secure your location agreement in writing. Protect yourself, protect your work, and happy shooting!
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The Production Company: ________________________________ The Property: __________________________________________ Property Address: ______________________________________ Agreement between ‘the Production Company’ and the owner/manager of ‘the Property’. Permission is hereby granted to the Production Company to use the Property for the purpose of photographing and/or recording scenes for the duration of the production. Permission includes the right to bring personnel and equipment onto the property and to remove them after completion of the work. The permission herein granted shall include the right, but not the obligation, to photograph the actual name connected with the premises and to use such name in the program(s). The undersigned hereby gives to the Production Company its assigns, agents, licensees, affiliates, clients, principals, and representatives the absolute right and permission to copyright, use, exhibit, display, print, reproduce, televise, broadcast and distribute, for any lawful purpose, in whole or in part, through any means without limitation, any scenes containing the above described premises, all without inspection or further consent or approval by the undersigned of the finished product or of the use to which it may be applied. The Production Company hereby agrees to hold the undersigned harmless of and free from any and all liability and loss which the Production Company, and/or its agents, may suffer for any reason, except that directly caused by the negligent acts or deliberate misconduct of the owner of the premises or its agents. The undersigned hereby warrants and represents that the undersigned has full right and authority to solely enter into this agreement concerning the above described premises, and that the undersigned hereby indemnifies and holds the Production Company, and/or its agents, harmless from and against any and all loss, liability, costs, damages or claims of any nature arising from, growing out of, or concerning the use of the above described premises except those directly caused by the negligent acts or deliberate misconduct of the Production Company and/or its agents. Dated: _________________________________________________ Property Owner/Manager: ________________________________ Signed: ________________________________________________ Production Manager: ____________________________________ Signed: ________________________________________________