Media production

The term “media production” refers to commercial filming and photography.

You will need to apply for a media production permit if you are:

• a commercial business or media production company
• a not-for-profit organisation
• a student of a media-related topic/course.

You will also need a permit if you want to:

• use the city streets, footpaths, Park Lands or Rundle Mall
• close or have exclusive use of public areas such as the Adelaide Park Lands, malls, roadways and footpaths
• use freestanding equipment such as lighting, generators, dolly tracks and tripods in public areas that could impede public use 
• have cables on the ground in a public area.

The activity, location or subject matter you wish to film, or photograph may involve risks (including setup and dismantling). For example, doing stunts, blocking paths, or using electrical equipment.

As part of the application approval process, the City of Adelaide must ensure the safety of both the applicants and the general public has been considered and that all risks have been identified.

All permit applicants must prepare a risk management plan which identifies any risks involved in the proposed activity and how they will be handled. These risks may affect whether approval is granted or rejected.

If you want to close a road, street or lane you will need to get the appropriate permission first.

Fees may apply, so please ensure you fully disclose exactly what it is you’d like to do on your application. Alternatively, you may wish to use our Temporary Parking Controls to reserve spaces for your essential production vehicles. Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs or see our parking controls page for more information.

The Media Production Guidelines detail the rules for media production permits. Terms and conditions apply to all permits. 

We recommend you read these conditions thoroughly before applying. Other conditions may apply depending on the nature of your activity.

Fees are based on space occupied per day, and if you will need an exclusion zone.

Exclusion zones are where footpaths or roads are closed to members of the public during filming. This usually requires the traffic management of pedestrians or vehicle traffic.

Further fees may apply for items such as:

• closing a road
• taking out parking spaces
• utilising infrastructure (such as water-filled barriers, setting up marquees).

Use our fee calculator to estimate your fees before applying.

Fee-free permits are available for students.

Please note, all media production permit applications must be submitted a minimum of five business days prior to the intended start date of your activity.

Before you start, please have the following handy as you will need to submit:

• a description of the activity
• your proposed location(s)
• a plan showing the setup of any infrastructure (if applicable)
• a risk management plan
• contact details for the on-site representative.

You may also need to supply the following items where applicable:

• a Certificate of Currency of your Public Liability Insurance noting City of Adelaide as an interested party (generally requires a minimum cover of $20 million)
• a separate application for a Temporary Parking Control (TPC) which has its own permit fee.

Apply now

It is now easier than ever for students to use Adelaide's city streets and Park Lands for media production.

Students can apply for a free, instant permit.

A copy of a valid student ID must be provided.

Apply for a student permit now

The City of Adelaide is keen to work with filmmakers and commercial photographers. We own a number of buildings and businesses throughout the city and North Adelaide that may be suitable for your project. They include (but are not limited to):

• North Adelaide Golf Course – 8267 2171
• Adelaide Town Hall – 8203 7590
• Adelaide Aquatic Centre – 8344 4411
• City of Adelaide Nursery – 8203 7203
• UPark carparks (multiple locations) – 8203 7203

If the City of Adelaide is the base for your stay while you film around South Australia, you may need to contact other councils for media production and associated permits. 

Use the Local Government Association map to help you in secure  your location. Simply click on the area you are interested in filming to show which Council has jurisdiction over that area and their contact details. You can then contact that Council for permission to film or photograph in their precinct.

If you have any questions about media production permits or would like to give us feedback about your experience, please contact us: