Filming in Vancouver

Guidelines

The Vancouver Park Board has more than 200 parks located throughout the city. Each park is unique and overall there is a wide variety of facilities including playing fields, ball diamonds, golf courses, beaches, outdoor pools, community centres, marinas and gardens.

The Park Board works with the film industry to assist with film production on parks however conditions of filming are negotiated to minimize the disruption of public use or maintenance of the parks.

Application for Filming & Commercial Photography

1. Enter into a Master Agreement with the City of Vancouver for filming. This is not necessary for small productions who will only be filming on park land.
2. Contact the Special Events and Filming office via email parkevents@vancouver.ca to review proposed film sequence(s) and location(s). Depending on the impact of the request, there may be a requirement for a site meeting with the Coordinator and other affected staff (e.g. horticulture, park foreman).
3. An Application Form  must be completed at least two weeks prior to the desired start date. Scan and email (parkevents@vancouver.ca) or fax (604-257-8501) the completed forms to the Special Events and Filming office. They may also be submitted in person between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday at 2099 Beach Avenue.
4. A Certificate of Insurance Form , as described on page 2 of the Application Form, must be provided at the time of application.
5. Staff will review the application and assess the impact to the public, park stakeholders and the park land. Conditions of use to minimize impacts will be established with the location manager and articulated on the permit form. The permit will be faxed for immediate use, then the original will be mailed.
6. Please refer to our website for current fees, charges and refund policy
7. Use of community centres, leased buildings, golf courses, swimming pools or restaurants is negotiated directly with the operators. Contact names and phone numbers can be provided through the Coordinator.
8. Separate approvals or agreements may be listed as a requirement of the Park Permit (e.g. police for traffic control; lease holder approval where there is a disruption of business; resident associations).
9. Production companies are held responsible for any damage to parks as a result of filming. Park staff will liaise with the locations staff on all issues.

Commercial Photography FAQs

1. What kind of Commercial Photography needs a permit?
   Photography sessions that are commercial in nature, i.e. print advertising, magazine or newspaper editorial shoot, etc. require a permit. Photography sessions that require major set up and/or block public access also require a permit. If you are not blocking public access and you are only using a camera and a tripod, you do not need a permit.
2. What is the difference between a Level 1 and a Level 2 fee?
   A Level 1 Commercial Photography fee has no vehicles on site, has a very limited set up and is no longer than 3 hours in duration.
   
   A Level 2 Commercial Photography fee applies to photo shoots that are more than 3 hours long and/or involve a more complicated set up.
3. Does wedding photography require a permit?
   If you are not blocking public access and set up is limited, you do not need a permit. If you are uncertain as to whether a permit is needed, please refer any questions to parkevents@vancouver.ca

Filming between the May long weekend (Victoria Day) and the end of September is considered our High Season

1. Major park areas and beaches including the high tourist areas such as rose gardens, totem poles and beaches areas have restricted filming times. For example, any filming in these areas must be completed by 9:00am, 10:00am or even up til 12 noon (pending the area).
2. For the most part we do not allow filming on the weekends during this season.

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