Edinburgh launches new Code of Practice for Filmmakers

Following successful productions such as ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, ‘T2 Trainspotting’ and ‘Outlander’ choosing Edinburgh as a filming destination, the new guidelines outline the do’s and don’ts for anyone seeking permission to film in the Scottish Capital. The Code covers everything from parking and signage, to encouraging the use of local businesses and produce when filming in the city. It also refers to the Council’s new drone filming policy, introduced to deal with the increase in the use of the air-borne devises used not only for TV and cinema but also for engineering, architecture and construction.

The direct economic impact of filming in the city grew to a record £16m in 2017, creating jobs for more than 300 residents and opportunities for 280 businesses. The latest ‘code of practice’ aligns Edinburgh with other leading UK filming cities such as London, Liverpool and Manchester, perfectly timed with the recent news of two new film studios on Edinburgh’s horizon.

The 2019 ‘Code of Practice for Filmmakers’ was approved by the Council’s Culture & Communities Committee on 29th January 2019 and seconded by the Transport and Environment Committee on 5 March 2019.

Rosie Ellison, Head of Film Edinburgh, said: “Following a huge couple of years for Edinburgh’s film industry, our new Code of Practice is about managing the city’s success as a film friendly destination, and ensuring it thrives for all.

“While Edinburgh is open for filming and we are proud to host major productions, Edinburgh is a living and working city. We know people enjoy seeing their city on screen, but we’ve listened to feedback received from residents and business which has been incorporated into the updated Code to minimise any disruption. The documentation is welcomed by production teams, and the new guidelines outline what we expect from filmmakers visiting the city and make it clear how to avoid these pitfalls while respecting the local surroundings.”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We have very successfully established Edinburgh as a film-friendly city with a surge in major productions like Avengers and T2, while shows like Outlander have beamed the city’s streets and historic buildings to living rooms all over the world. This success generated an impressive £16m for the local economy last year, not to mention over 300 jobs for residents and opportunities for 280 businesses.

“So, as Edinburgh’s appeal as a film location increases and as camera technology advances – Edinburgh received more drone requests in 2018 than ever before – this is a good time to look at modernising our guidelines.

“Proposals will be brought to a meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee next week and, if agreed, Film Edinburgh will share them with every movie and TV production filming in the Scottish Capital.”

Any residents or businesses who want to discuss filming can call Film Edinburgh on 0131 622 7337 or info@filmedinburgh.org.