Film Permit Process

Hamilton Film Office
Call 905-546-4233
Email [email protected]
There are three steps to obtaining a film permit, outlined below. Please contact us as early in the planning process as possible and vet locations through the film office before committing. Permit applications are due at least 3 business days prior to the proposed filming date(s); applications for a road closure are due at least 10 business days in advance. Prior to submitting your application, review:
- Special effects & dangerous Filming activities
- Temporary road closure permits
- Film shoot parking
Staff will review the permit application and contact you if there are any questions or changes required.
Submit a Production Information Sheet, signed Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew and certificate of insurance to the Film Office by emailing [email protected].
Insurance requirements:
- 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
Submit a Film Permit Application and Notification Letter Template to the Film Office at [email protected]. Please review the entire permit application process including the film shoot parking information before submitting. Staff will review the application and contact you if there are any questions or changes required.
Health & Safety
NEW: Productions must plan for health and safety considerations at each location, and follow the Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry as well as the Ontario Section 21 Health and Safety Committee COVID-19 Guidance Document.
Road Closures
If filming will include a road closure, a temporary road closure application will need to be submitted at least ten business days before the date of the closure. For more information and to download the application form, review the Temporary Road Closure Permit for Filming section below.
Filming with Special Effects
If filming will include any special effects (e.g. pyrotechnics, fireworks, guns), you will need approval from the Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton Fire Department. For more information and to download application forms, review the Special Effects and Dangerous Filming Activities section below.
Notifying residents, occupants, and businesses
Notification must be provided to all affected residents, occupants, and businesses at least 5 days before filming.
NEW: Productions must use the Film Office’s new letter of notification template and submit the notification letter for review by staff prior to distribution.
Productions will be required to obtain neighbourhood consent if filming will be taking place outside of the hours of 7 am to 11 pm, in a neighbourhood that has had three of more instances of filming in a calendar year, or in areas deemed sensitive for other reasons (at the Film Office’s discretion).
NEW: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process for canvassing residents has been updated to limit the physical interactions between film crews and residents as much as possible. Productions will no longer collect signatures door-to-door and instead will deliver a release form indicating their filming plans. Residents will be invited to call or email with any questions or objections. If the majority of residents do not object, the film permit will be issued. Productions must use the revised neighbourhood canvassing template below and contact the Film Office for a map of affected residents and businesses.
Notification templates are available:
Staff will notify you when your permit has been approved and ready for payment.
NEW: The Hamilton Film Office has moved to a contactless permitting process. Permits and associated fees must be paid by credit card over the phone 905-546-4233. Staff will email a detailed invoice and receipt along with the approved permit.