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LOCATION FILMING
Introduction
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As such, a balance has to be struck between meeting the needs of filmmakers and avoiding inconvenience to the public.
Over the years, the Government has developed various ways to deal with requests for filming. Attempts are made, wherever possible, to streamline procedures for seeking approval and the charging of fees where appropriate.
There are certain rules that relate specifically to the making of commercial films in public areas and properties. These are administered by several Government departments. Private companies or property owners have their own rules for dealing with commercial filming requests.
General Guidelines
Location filming in public places does not generally require permission from the Government, except when:
Filming is to take place on property under Government control including Government property and land, Hong Kong waters, country parks, marine parks, public housing estates, reservoirs, and venues or facilities operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department such as parks and gardens, swimming pools, bathing beaches and public sporting facilities.
Replica uniforms of Government forces/accoutrements, modified firearms, blank ammunition, pyrotechnics or special effects materials, lane closure or special parking arrangements are involved. (See Government Regulations - Police/Explosives and Pyrotechnics/Lane Closure and Special Parking Arrangements)
Filming on private premises or private property requires permission from the property owner or residents' association/owners' incorporation.
Film and television companies are encouraged to inform the Hong Kong Police (Police Public Relations Branch - Attn: TV and Films Liaison Section) of their intention to carry out location filming, giving information on the place, time, date and scenario, especially for scenes involving fighting, chases and use of imitation guns or knives. This information is then passed on to the districts concerned to enable appropriate arrangements to be made to facilitate filming.
Generally, the Police will facilitate, as far as possible, filming by film and television companies, provided their activities are compatible with the maintenance of law and order.
Filmmakers should observe the laws of Hong Kong, particularly in regards to the following:
Obstruction of public places:
Location filming in any public place must not obstruct, inconvenience or endanger members of the public and/or their vehicles.
Road traffic and parking:
All filming vehicles used on public roads must conform with the Road Traffic Regulations.
Noise control:
It is an offence to make any noise that causes annoyance in a public place or on domestic premises between 11pm and 7am, or at any time on a general holiday.
Littering:
Film crews must not create litter by discarding props, rubbish or similar material in a public place.
Damage to property:
Film crews should report and compensate any damage to the property of others.
Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities and film crews should not normally be bothered by undesirable elements. However, from time to time, criminal elements may approach TV and film crews for payment to allow filming to proceed unimpeded. If you encounter such an incident:
Do not pay;
Report the matter to the police immediately;
Try to remember as many details as possible regarding the persons who made the demand for payment and record details of witnesses present during the demand; and
Be prepared to testify in court if the police make an arrest.
The Film Services Office (FSO) assists filmmakers by providing information about possible filming locations, application procedures for use of locations and permits required for particular filming needs. It provides one-stop service for complicated applications, including liaising with various Government departments in accommodating an innovative filming plan. The FSO also co-ordinates the processing of applications for lane closure and parking of filming vehicles that involve advice from a number of departments.
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