Filming in Hamilton
Apply for a Film Permit
Contact Us
Hamilton Film Office
Call 905-546-4233
Email [email protected]
A valid film permit is required for all film activities that will take place in Hamilton, either in-studio or on location, on both public and private property. A film permit is not required for current affairs, press conferences, news casts, street interviews or filming for personal purposes.
Follow the instructions below to apply for a film permit.
Contact the Film Office
The Hamilton Film Office is the go-to resource for planning a successful shoot. Our team can explain the Film Guidelines which apply to your shoot, provide logistical support, location consultation and help guide you through the permit application process. If filming will take place on City property, we will connect you to the appropriate on-site staff and prepare license agreements. Our goal is to minimize the impacts of filming activities on our community as much as possible and will help you create plan to avoid and resolve concerns. We are committed to helping you bring your vision to life.
Register your Production
Submit a Film Production Registration Form and certificate of insurance to the Film Office at [email protected]
- Certificate Holder named as: City of Hamilton, Attn: Film Office, Creative Industries, Tourism and Culture Division, 28 James St. N., Hamilton, ON L8R 2K1
- City of Hamilton listed as additional insured
- Third party liability insurance – minimum $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate
- Name of the production company must match the name listed on the Production Information Sheet
Apply for your Film Permit
Submit a Film Permit Application and Notification Letter Template or a Neighbourhood Canvassing Template to the Film Office
The Notification Letter Template is used for regular filming activities. The notification letter includes an overview of when and where the filming activities will take place, where production vehicles will be parked, and the location manager’s contact information in case residents have questions or concerns. Once approved by the Film Office, notification letters are distributed by the production to each residence and business affected by the filming activity.
The Neighbourhood Canvassing Template is used when filming will take place in a frequently filmed area, before 7am or after 11pm, or at the discretion of the Film Office. The Film Office must approve the letter ahead of canvassing and will provide a map of the residences and businesses that must be surveyed. Through this process, residents and businesses can share concerns about higher impact filming activities, ask questions, or request accommodations. Feedback gathered through neighbourhood canvassing will help the Hamilton Film Office determine if a permit will be issued as requested, issued with modifications/conditions, or declined.
Contact the Film Office to discuss whether you should use the Notification Letter Template or Neighbourhood Canvassing Template.
Road Closures
If filming will include a road closure, submit a temporary road closure application at least ten business days before the date of the closure. The Film Office must have an approved film permit application on file ahead of submitting a temporary road closure application.
Dangerous Filming and SPFX
The Hamilton Police Service must be notified and provide approval for filming with SPFX, explosives, fire, smoke, firearms and gunfire (blanks or squibs), etc.
Fireworks, Flame Effects and Pyrotechnics
The Hamilton Fire Department Fire Prevent Services must be notified and provide approval for filming using display fireworks, flame effects and pyrotechnics.
Notify the Hamilton Police Service’s Paid Duty Office of any dangerous filming activities, use of weapons or first responder equipment as props, or to book Paid Duty officers.
Pay for your Film Permit
Staff will notify you when your permit has been approved and is ready for payment. The Hamilton Film Office has moved to a contactless permitting process. Permits and associated fees can be paid by credit card over the phone 905-546-4233.
Date modified
June 02, 2023