Filming in Birmingham: permits and fees
Birmingham Film Office facilitates filming across the UK's second largest city including its extensive canal network, civic buildings, and diverse residential streets.
Who issues permits
Birmingham Film Office, operating within Birmingham City Council, acts as the liaison between productions and the relevant council departments — highways, parks, and property services — to issue the correct permits for each location type.
Process
Productions contact Birmingham Film Office at the start of pre-production. An application is submitted covering shoot dates, locations, crew and vehicle details, and insurance certificates. The Film Office then coordinates the necessary permissions. Allow at least two weeks for standard applications; road closures require a minimum of six weeks to comply with highways legislation.
Fees
Admin fees apply for film permits. Birmingham City Council maintains a location hire schedule for council-owned buildings and parks. Road closure costs are additional and calculated by the highways team.
What’s covered
Public highways across Birmingham, council parks including Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park, civic buildings such as Birmingham Council House, the Jewellery Quarter streets, and Birmingham’s extensive canal network (note: canals require separate Canal & River Trust permission).
Typical restrictions
Road closures require full Traffic Management Plans and advance advertising. Noise restrictions apply in residential areas after 23:00. Insurance of £5 million minimum public liability is required. Drone operations over Birmingham city centre require CAA authorisation.
Contact
Apply on the Birmingham Film Office website → birminghamfilmoffice.com