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Filming on public streets and grounds

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Please note

To receive filming permits, the forms must be filled out in German. If you need assistance please find a list of production and location managers in our database.

 


Basics

Filming in Berlin and Brandenburg that goes beyond public use generally requires a permit, with the exception of current reporting:

The following permit options are available for filming on public roads:

1. Individual traffic law order from the road traffic authority in Berlin or the corresponding district

  • Regulates traffic measures such as no-stopping zones, road closures or traffic light shutdowns.
  • Requirement in Berlin: General filming permit as proof of insurance coverage.
  • Only required for filming that interferes with traffic (pedestrians and vehicles).
  • Must always be applied for together with the special use.

2. Special use under road law in the district or municipality

  • Allows the use of public areas for filming purposes (e.g. streets, sidewalks, squares).
  • Required for all filming on public areas.
  • The mini team application (in Berlin) only results in a special use permit.

Berlin

ATTENTION! The “General Filming Permit” is not a filming permit! It serves solely as a basic requirement for applying for individual orders from the road traffic authorities.

The following three forms must be submitted for the general filming permit:

Fees: 

  • 1 day - 50€
  • 3 months - 120€
  • 6 months - 200 €
  • 1 year - 300 €

Information on the required minimum insurance sum according to the federal administrative regulation can be found here. The general filming permit is subject to additional conditions that must be observed.

If closures, larger structures or no-parking zones are required for filming, an individual order must be applied for at the Central Road Traffic Authority. The basic requirement for this is the general filming permit. Special use must also always be applied for at the district office at the same time. 

The application should be submitted as early as possible, at least 2 weeks in advance - ideally 3 weeks or more before the start of the measure. Short-term temporary changes to the application deadlines cannot be ruled out. We will communicate these under "News" as soon as we become aware of them.

An administration fee is due based on the actual expenditure incurred by the authority and is based on the fee schedule for measures in road traffic. The basic fee is between €10.20 and €767.00.

In addition, the applicant must create a digital traffic sign plan, which must always be part of the application.

To support the application process, the BBFC offers the following tools/forms and tutorials:

The special use is independent of road traffic law and is governed by road law. The respective district offices are responsible for special uses of road land in connection with filming.

The fees for the special use of public road land for filming depend on the scope and duration of the use and are determined according to the special use fee regulations. The application for special use is usually coupled with the application for an individual order from the Central Road Traffic Authority.

To support the application process, the BBFC offers the following resources, forms and tutorials:

The permit is subject to additional conditions (In German only).

Note:
Special use of the road land without the appropriate permission, as well as violations of the conditions, constitute an administrative offence, which can be punished with a fine of up to €10,000.

This involves filming that only minimally exceeds public use. The filming must be carried out without any traffic-related measures (no stopping, interval closures, etc.). A general filming permit is not required! 

The district in which the filming location is located is responsible . A screenshot from Open Street Maps , in which the filming area has been marked, must be attached to the application email.

Mini teams:

  • consist of max. 5 people
  • have max. 1 tripod for the camera
  • do not require any lighting structures
     
  • Application: Miniteam

A special usage fee is due depending on the effort involved.
For productions based abroad, the fee must be paid in advance.


Brandenburg

The necessary road traffic regulations are issued by the responsible lower road traffic authority of the respective district, the independent city or the large district city in which filming is to take place.

The application must be submitted at least 14 days before filming begins. 
An administration fee will be charged, which is based on the actual expenditure incurred by the authority and is set out in the fee schedule for measures in road traffic.

The application is used both to apply for the road traffic permit and for the special use of civil engineering. 
The necessary liability waiver and insurance declaration are also part of the application. 
Another important part is the digitally created traffic sign plan, in which the planned filming project, structures and traffic law measures must be drawn.

The order is subject to additional provisions:

  • The filming location must be kept clear with no-parking signs and the necessary additional signs and must be put up at least 96 hours before the ban comes into effect. The time limit and the length of the no-parking area must be kept to the absolute minimum.
  • Conflicting signs must be covered.
  • After completion, signs must be removed immediately.
  • Storage of technology in the street space is not permitted.
  • Coordination with other uses in the area is necessary and residents must be informed of the measure at least three days in advance.
  • Any contamination of the road surface caused by filming must be removed immediately.

To support the application process, the BBFC offers the following tools/forms and tutorials:

The respective district and local authorities  are responsible for permits for filming in public spaces . 
In most cases, the application for special use is made together with the application for road traffic permits, although there will be some district and municipal administrations that provide their own application forms and prefer these for the application process.

To support the application process, the BBFC offers the following tools/forms and tutorials: