Shooting in Australia

An excellent overview outlining requirements for offshore producers shooting in Australia is available on the AusFILM website at www.ausfilm.com.au

More information is available from the websites of the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs www.immi.gov.au .  Advice regarding Australian production services companies is available from the NSW Film & Television Office.

Australian crew hire: prior consultation with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) is advised.

Producers should be aware that industry specific regulations apply to occupational health & safety, the employment of children, the use of firearms and the use of animals on film sets in Australia.

Shooting on Roads

Public roads in the region are controlled by either the NSW Roads & Traffic authority (RTA), the Broken Hill City Council, or the Central Darling Shire.  Producers intending to shoot on public roads regardless of the jurisdiction must comply with certain permission and procedural requirements prior to shooting.  It is advisable to contact Film Broken Hill at an early stage to determine who needs to be contacted to seek permission to shoot.

In most cased it will be necessary for the producer to commission a Road Traffic Plan, seek permission from NSW Police, ensure that trained traffic controllers are employed and provide proof that they hold adequate Public Liability Insurance.

The Road Traffic plan will evaluate the volume and speed of the traffic that uses the road, road surface line of sight and the position of the sun at the time of shooting before making recommendations regarding the placement of traffic control measures and signage to ensure the safety of the filmmakers and the public.

Some roads, (particularly those leading to properties) although they may appear to be public are privately maintained requiring permissions to be sought from the property owner.

While much of this work can be undertaken at a local level and can be facilitated by a local location manager once it is determined a road falls under the jurisdiction of the RTA an initial application must be made through the RTA’s Film & Location Coordinator in Sydney  www.rta.nsw.gov.au

Many of our roads are unfenced making it difficult to determine where the road verge ends and the adjoining property begins.  Hence when shooting on roads it is advisable to contact the property owners and inform them of the production’s intention.

It is also imperative that sufficient notice is provided to all authorities to allow adequate time to secure necessary approvals.

It should also be noted:

Shooting in National Parks

Mungo, Kinchega, Mutawingi, Sturt and Paroo Darling Nation Parks are all within our region.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS) www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au has clear can consistent guidelines for filmmakers and commercial photographers wishing to use parks that encourage cooperative working relationships between Rangers and filmmakers

When assessing filming proposals consideration is given to impact on areas of environmental and indigenous significance as well possible disruption tourists and campers, and others who patronise parks. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/commercial/NewStaffFilmingApprovalForm.htm

The Far Western Regional Office of the NPWS is based in Broken Hill and producers are encouraged to contact the office in Sydney or Broken Hill and discuss their intentions prior to submitting a written application to shoot.
Guidelines, application forms & price lists are available from the NPWS/Environment website.

Shooting on Station Properties

Most of the land in the far west is Crown Land leased to individuals and companies for specific purposes.  Most station (ranch) properties are managed under pastoral leases governed by Western Land Management (WLM), a division of the New South Wales Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC). Website: http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au/

As all leases are specific to particularly activities it is necessary for the lessee (pastoralist)to apply to WLM for a variation to their lease to allow the property to be used as a film location. Many pastoralists in the region have done this.
Some property in the region is managed under mining lease.

When seeking approval to shoot on WLM leased Crown Land the producers should approach the lessee in the first instance and then seek approval from WLM. WLM requires an overview of what the filming activity will involve so the environmental impact of the filming can be assessed. Depending on the site it may also be necessary to consider areas of indigenous significance.  Film Broken Hill cans assist in determining who needs to be contacted and WLM has an officer based in Broken Hill who can also offer advice. It is advisable to allow at least 14 days for filming approval.

Shooting on Other Crown Lands

When making application to shoot on unleased Crown Land it is necessary to obtain a licence issued under the Crown Lands Act 1989. In some circumstances, where filming activity is restricted to short time with minimal environmental impact, permission may be given via a letter or authority from DLWC. It is advisable to allow one month to obtain a licence. Lodgment and Licence Fees are applicable and costs may be charged for a field inspection & Impact report if deemed necessary.