Resources

DEVON FILM OFFICE

FAQs

If you’re interested in filming in Devon and looking for some initial advice, we have put together a comprehensive list of FAQ’s to start you off.  If we haven’t managed to answer your question here, then send us an email or give us a call.

Filming

We’re happy to hear this! Devon can offer a great deal to productions and it’s our aim to help you unlock its full potential. The process for gaining permission can differ depending on which part of the county you need to be in. In the first instance, please get in touch and we can help get you to the right people.

In a word, no. Devon currently has a two-tier local government system.
In practice this means we have Devon County Council forming the upper tier, alongside Unitary authorities Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council, with 8 district councils across the rest of the county.

Devon Film Office works closely with each local authority so we can help you navigate and streamline the process of planning your shoot.

To help you have a safe and successful shoot and to minimise disruption to the public, you will need permission to film on Devon’s public highways.

Devon Film Office can help with applying to film on Plymouth’s roads and assist in arranging special measures, such as traffic management or parking suspensions where necessary and possible. For filming in Torbay, you will need to speak directly to the council. Elsewhere, the public highways are maintained by Devon County Council. Devon Film Office can help liaise with the highways team on your behalf.  You can read more information, along with guidelines here.

If you are filming using a drone and it is intended for broadcast or commercial use, you will need permission from the relevant landowner, who will require evidence of the documents that authorise you to operate the drone. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure full compliance with the regulations governing use of drones, as defined by the Civil Aviation Authority. Filming in England provides a useful resource for further information, which can be accessed here.

In certain situations, yes, and a police presence may be required. Instances include where there are likely to be public safety issues, where crime enactments are involved, and liveried emergency vehicles or uniforms are being used, as well as weapons, whether real or props.

Devon Film Office works with Devon & Cornwall police and can liaise with the relevant personnel on your behalf. If you have questions initially, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to advise. For more information, please visit Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Crew & Suppliers

Devon Film Office holds a database of professional crew, which is always growing. We champion local talent at all levels and are very happy to help connect you to the right individuals for your project. Get in touch and tell us which roles you need to fill - we can support across all levels of skill and experience. 

We are frequently contacted by production companies and crews looking for local talent. Our crew database is our first resource for enquiries. Please consider registering with us, which is free and simple to do. We also share call-outs and opportunities to our filmmaking community via our website and socials where possible. Keep in touch and give us a follow @devonfilmoffice

Taking your first steps into the industry can be exciting; it can also be overwhelming. If you are currently studying, your course leaders will be able to advise of any internal placement schemes that may exist. In addition, to help you navigate useful points of entry, we will soon be publishing some tips and guidance for graduates and new entrants.

While we do have contact with film and TV productions working in Devon, we will not be able to share specific details with individuals who get in touch about roles. If a production does require support, we will look to our crew & supplier databases in the first instance.  We may also occasionally - and with the express permission from the production - advertise call-outs if necessary.

A production is only as strong as the supplier chain that supports it. We are always keen to hear from local businesses who feel their services could benefit the film & TV industry. Get in touch to discuss joining our Suppliers Database.

Skills & Development

Devon Film Office actively supports opportunities for local creatives to develop industry skills. We will share details of current training, workshops and programmes that we become aware of via our news and socials (and if you are a training provider looking to promote an opportunity please send us an email with details). On occasion, we also collaborate with other organisations and funding bodies to run our own skills and development events.  Keep an eye on our news for updates!

Devon Film Office does not currently provide direct funding for filmmakers, but we will share any funding opportunities that we feel are relevant to our community.

Networking is a fantastic way to make new connections and nurture existing relationships.  If you are new to this, don’t feel intimidated! Devon’s filmmaking community is friendly and supportive and we will share news of networking events that are worth exploring. Additionally, Devon Film Office has hosted successful networking events previously and we very much hope to run more in future.

Film Promotion

Absolutely. We can offer advice on exhibition, audience development and how to package up your film. Get in touch and we can chat.

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