West Sussex falls within the boundaries of the South Downs National Park and offers much potential to the movie industry with a variety of:
- land and seascapes
- ports
- estuaries
- yacht basins
- rivers
- quaint rural villages
- modern towns
- ancient architecture dating back to times of the Romans and through the ages
- historical buildings such as:
- cathedrals
- castles (for example, Arundel Castle)
- stately homes (for example, Goodwood and Petworth House).
Whether you are looking for a location, conducting a photo shoot, creating an advertisement, music video, documentary or the next Oscar-winning blockbuster there are a number of regulatory permissions and insurances required.
Getting permission to film
All filming and photography requires a permit or permission from the council, as well as from land and property owners. These need to be completed before any production or filming starts on council-owned land or property. They could include:
- licences and permits for road closures
- placement of equipment on the highway, such as cranes, skips and/or scaffolding
- the suspension of parking bays.
Filming on the public highway and roads, pedestrianised streets and public places include, and are not restricted to:
- parks and green open spaces
- car parks and on-street parking areas
- beaches
- markets
- schools
- shopping centres
- leisure centres
- libraries
- cemeteries
- crematoriums
- council-owned land and property
- privately owned land and property.
To find your perfect location quickly and easily, West Sussex County Council are working closely with Sussex Film Office, who deal undertake investigations following an application for a permit. They will also advise on filming locations and source cast, crew and industry suppliers within West Sussex.