Film Charter and Code of Practice 2023

The City of Edinburgh Council has updated and ratified its Film Charter and Code of Practice for Filming.

The Film Charter is a statement of support for filming in Edinburgh and demonstrates the city’s film-friendly credentials. It is aligned with the Code of Practice for Filming, capturing the Council’s commitment to, and procedures for, the facilitation of filming that observes the Code of Practice.

A Scottish frontrunner of Filming Charters, the City of Edinburgh Council has had a Film Charter and Code of Practice for Filming since 1999. These were reissued in 2008 and again in 2014, with a further update to the Code of Practice approved by the Council in 2019.

The updated Film Charter reiterates Council location fees and charges for services, confirms that Police Scotland will provide guidance for filming involving the staging of crimes, accidents and where the use of weapons is intended; and that the review of scripts will be for the purpose of coordination and assistance but not for content approval, with exceptions regarding Council reputation and security.

The Code of Practice has been expanded to provide further details about environmental sustainability, tree protection and community engagement and timelines.

Councillor Val Walker, convenor of the Culture and Communities Committee said:

"It is a source of real pride that Edinburgh attracts high profile film and TV productions that project our city onto screens around the UK and the world. In the last few years alone, Edinburgh has been the backdrop for films and high-end TV drama such as Avengers: Infinity War and Outlander, and it is fantastic to see visitors in Edinburgh who have been captivated by films and literature set in or inspired by our city.

"We welcome filming not only for the on-screen promotion and tourism benefits but also for the direct economic impact from filming, and the employment and commercial opportunities it brings to our city’s creative industries, local businesses and residents.

"Our positive reputation as a filming destination is supported by both our Film Charter and our Code of Practice for Filming which set out guidelines for successful filming within our community, ensuring the continuation of the city’s film-friendly credentials.

"The interest in our beautiful capital city as a filming location looks set to grow and we look forward to working with many more exciting productions over the coming months and years."