Victorian Filming Approval Bill Passes Parliament

Victoria’s film industry is set to enjoy a reduction in red tape, better processes and a boost to screen-production awareness in the wake of the passing through parliament of a new filming approval bill for the state.

As a result of the Filming Approval Bill 2014 making it past the pollies, Victoria will see a new legal framework implemented for commercial filming on public land managed by councils and state agencies.

The screen industry is worth an eye-watering $1.4 billion to Victoria annually, with the bill being designed to better encourage local and international investment therein.

“These changes create a consistent, prompt, transparent and responsive approval process for screen practitioners operating in Victoria, reinforcing our reputation as a leading centre for screen business in the Asia-Pacific region,” state innovation minister Louise Asher said in a statement.

The specific principles being introduced by the bill provide that public agencies must:

1. not unreasonably withhold approval, subject to appropriate operational, public amenity, safety and security or environmental/heritage arrangements;
2. approve or refuse permits in a timely manner and take reasonable steps to respond to an applicant within five business days;
3. set out any reasons for refusing a film permit;
4. take reasonable steps to provide a single point of contact for filmmakers;
5. ensure that any application forms or other documents are consistent with a standard approved by Film Victoria;
6. consider the broader economic benefits that commercial filming will bring to the community when setting fees for filming permits, and ensure fees charged do not exceed cost recovery;
7. provide clear information about how a person may apply for a filming permit; and
8. take reasonable steps to ensure that film permitting officers are given appropriate information about the film and television industries.

Now that it has been passed, the Act will be able to unify the largely disparate processes and policies that permeate film approval in Victoria, an essential boon to the industry, Ms Asher said.

“The screen industry is highly competitive, deadline-driven and cost-sensitive. The ease of doing business is a key consideration for a footloose production finalising its project location.

“These principles are backed by legislation to ensure that key public entities across Victoria will apply the same process when assessing a film application and facilitate filming on public land, subject to public amenity, safety and security and heritage, environment and operational requirements.”

Local councils and all other public agencies have until March 1, 2015, to get their affairs in order to comply with the requirements of the Act. See Film Victoria’s website for more information.