Cape Town Film Permits – How to Apply
Cape Town Film Permits – How to Apply
Cape Town is an incredible filming destination, with beautifully diverse locations, long daylight hours and excellent infrastructure. With a Cape Town film permit, you can enjoy all the advantages of the city and surrounds, while working with internationally rated talent, crew and technicians.
When you’re planning a shoot, you’ll obviously want to keep the red tape to a minimum, allowing you to focus on the creative process without unnecessary distractions. If you’re preparing for a film project in the iconic city of Cape Town, the City helps to make the process hassle-free by fast-tracking access to the required film permits.
Do You Need a Film Permit?
For creative shooting in Cape Town, a film permit is required for all film-related activity, including:
- Commercials
- Feature films
- Documentaries
- Micro-shoots
- Music videos
- Short films
- Stills photography
- Student projects
- TV films and productions
- TV pilots or series
A film permit is not needed when filming:
- A wedding ceremony
- A private celebration
- Current affairs or news for immediate release
Why Location Filming Permits are Important
Location filming activities typically impact the public, interrupting traffic flow on municipal roads or restricting access to open spaces and community facilities. By having a filming permit system in place, the City Council is able to protect the environment and communities of Cape Town while still meeting the creative needs of the film industry.
How to Get a Cape Town Filming Permit
The City of Cape Town Film Permit Office (CTFPO) provides permission for shoots in Cape Town, and can also advise when permissions are needed from other authorities.
The City’s online application system is easy and efficient:
- Visit the online film permit system.
- Make sure that you are registered as a user on the system.
- Complete each step of the booking process, providing as much information and detail as possible.
- Submit your application. The City will log and process the booking, and then contact you and any other relevant parties.
- Once your booking is confirmed, the CTFPO will set the conditions of the permit, and assist you with coordinating all filming approvals.
- You will receive your permit/s from the City via email.
To apply for a permit using the city’s online film permit system, click here or contact:
Terence Isaacs
Terence.isaacs@capetown.gov.za
021 417 4022
Film Permit Offices opening hours:
- 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday (all year round)
- 09:00-12:00 on Saturdays (September to April)
Cape Town is a film-friendly city, and we’re proud to say it has become a top national and international filming location. We recognise the valuable contribution the film industry makes to Cape Town’s regional economy, and we welcome creatives looking to bring their vision to life in the Mother City!
