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 manager in our database.
Basic Information
Filming in Berlin Brandenburg generally requires approval when several actors are involved, objects are set up on public streets, traffic signs or facilities for parking or play areas are required.
General filming permit
The general filming permit is a requirement for filming on public territory and can only be issued for the period covered by the insurance. It is issued by the Central Road Traffic Authority and is valid for up to two years and applies to all of Berlin - excluding motorways.
The following forms must be submitted to the Central Road Traffic Authority:
Fees:
In each individual case, filming must be requested in good time, stating the exact location, time and duration, as well as the type of filming intended. The necessary traffic signs and facilities must be entered in a traffic sign plan and submitted with the application. The general filming permit is combined with additional provisions (in German only).
Good to know:
Please note:
If the provisions are not met, the police are entitled to stop filming or postpone the start of filming until the secondary provisions are met.
Special use of public space
The general filming permit is a prerequisite for an arrangement for putting up stopping bans and other measures, such as interval or full closures. The order is issued by the central road traffic authority. They will also involve the police and district authorities. Sometimes this has to be done by the production prior to submitting the approval. An administrative fee depending on the authority's effort will be charged. It is based on the tariff for measures concerning road traffic. The sliding-scale fee lies between € 10.20 and € 767.00.
We kindly ask you to submit the application as early as possible, at least 2 weeks before the start of the activity. During busy filming periods, the deadline can also be extended.
Application forms:
Special use of public space - Engineering Office
The civil engineering department of the district offices is responsible for the use of public roads and grounds in connection with filming. The special use is independent of road traffic law and is based on road law. The fees for the special use of public road territory for film work depend on the scope and duration of use and are determined in accordance with the Special Use Fee Ordinance.
Application forms:
Authorisation is subject to additional conditions:
Note:
A special use without to corresponsing special use permit, as well as violations of the conditions, will be handled as an administrative offense, which can be punished with a fine of up to € 10,000.
Attention:
The Berlin Roads and Parks Authority added a passage to the ancillary provisions of special use permits with immediate effect. This passage is made mandatory. You may be asked to provide necessary evidence during the application process.
Reason:
Residents' complaints about power generators are increasing. Unfortunately, generators are often not installed carefully by prodution companies, which results in noise and odor polution in the immediate vicinity of houses/apartments. In consultation with the district environment and nature conservation office, the SGA-Mitte of Berlin decided to take this step to achieve a simple and uncomplicated solution. Evidence that the requirements are complied with, can be given through the following system certifications:
VERT (Verification of Emission Reduction Technologies - Swiss standards) FAD (Förderkreis Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies for Diesel Engines) UNECE - Guideline 132 for Retrofit Systems (REC Guideline Level 1, Class 1 and 2)
Special use of green space
When filming in a public green area, a permit from the responsible green areas office is also required. Please see Filming in public green spaces.
Special permit for pollution control
For filming at night (10pm to 6am) as well as for filming on Sundays and public holidays, a permit is required from the responsible environmental office in the district of the location. Please see filming in protection periods.
General filming permit
In the state of Brandenburg, the general filming permit is issued by the respective local traffic authority of the district, to which the application for a single filming permit is submitted. There is no general permission beyond the actual filming as is the case in Berlin.
The prerequisite for the application for individual approval is the proof of production liability insurance for the project and the declaration of exemption. (in German only)
Special use of public space
The required special use permit for roads according to §46 (1) StVO is issued by the responsible local traffic authority of the respective district, county borough or city of the filming location. The
must be made at least 14 days before filming begins. An administrative fee is charged, which is based on the actual effort of the authority and is specified in the fee schedule for activities relating to road traffic.The authorisation is subject to additional conditions:
Special use of public space - civil engineering
The respective district and local authorities are responsible for the approval of filming in the public space of the State of Brandenburg .