Film Dorset fees and charges 2026/2027
Dorset Council charges fees for the use of council‑managed land and property, including interiors, exteriors, countryside sites, harbours, and public highways within the Dorset Council area, for filming purposes and associated unit bases.
All rates below are guidance fees. Final charges are assessed based on the level of disruption, crew size, and council staffing requirements.
VAT: All fees are listed exclusive of VAT. VAT is applied at 20%.
To request permission to film you must apply for a filming permit.
| Application type | Crew size | Fee (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard application | Small (up to 10) | £45 |
| Standard application | Medium (11 to 50) | £90 |
| Standard application | Large (over 50) | £90 |
| Late application (under 5 working days before filming) | Small | £80 |
| Late application (under 5 working days before filming) | Medium/ large | £120 |
| Officer site visit (if required) | Any | By negotiation |
Further fees may be charged depending on the nature of the request.
The admin fee includes:
- Insurance verification (Public & Employer Liability)
- Risk assessment review
- Clash checks with other council activity
- Permission certificate preparation and issue
Location fees - filming on Dorset Council land
| Crew size | Duration | Fee (excluding VAT) |
| Small (up to 10) | Up to 2 hours | £90 |
| Small (up to 10) | Half day (less than 5 hours) | £180 |
| Small (up to 10) | Full day | £370 |
| Medium (11 to 50) | Up to 2 hours | £180 |
| Medium (11 to 50) | Half day (less than 5 hours) | £300 |
| Medium (11 to 50) | Full day | £580 |
| Large (over 50) | Up to 2 hours | £400 |
| Large (over 50) | Half day (less than 5 hours) | £550 |
| Large (over 50) | Full day | £1000 |
Premium and heritage sites (such as harbours and country parks)
Premium and heritages site fees are:
- from £1000 for small productions
- by negotiation for medium and large productions
General views (GVs)
Suitable for capturing scenic images of Dorset landscapes, buildings, harbours, streets and public spaces. Does not include:
- pieces to camera
- interviews
- news pieces
- drone filming
GVs hire fees are:
- £30 for up to 2 hours
- £80 for a half day
- £120 for a full day
Drone filming (take off/landing on council land)
If you wish to take off or land a drone from Dorset Council land (including the highway or pavements) for commercial filming, you need to apply for a filming permit. Drone filming charges are stand alone and do not require additional application fees.
Drone filming fees are:
- £85 for a half day
- £140 for a full day
Unit bases
Fees start from £500 per day.
| Charge type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prep/strike days | 50% of applicable day rate |
| Date changes | First change free: £45 per additional change |
| Cancellation | Admin fee non-refundable, other incurred services chargeable |
| Lead times | Typical processing time: 10 working days |
Please note that:
- the same charges apply across all Dorset Council land with the exception of heritage sites, country parks and car parking which will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis
- standard charges assume the land or asset remain open and that normal services are not disrupted and where this is not the case, charges will be negotiated on a case by case basis to account for any loss of income, costs incurred and service disruption
- filming activity taking place in interior locations (internal use of assets) will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may incur additional charges
- bespoke requests may incur additional charges and agreed with productions in advance
- fees are based on the level of service required and the amount of disruption to local residents and businesses
- all fees and charges are subject to review and may change
Discounts include:
- students (handheld shoots): free of charge
- students (non-handheld shoots): application fee applies
- news (editorial, minimal equipment): free of charge
- educational (curriculum based, low impact): 50% reduction
- registered charity/community (Dorset focused): 50% reduction
Filming for news (editorial)
Film Dorset supports news and current affairs coverage. Filming for accredited news media is free of charge where the following apply.
There will be no charge when:
- it is editorial news only (not commercial or promotional)
- it is broadcast within a week of filming
- using handheld or minimal equipment (camera, tripod, microphone)
- using small teams (up to 10)
- filming in public spaces without exclusive occupation
- no traffic management, road closures or specialist support are required
Notify us
Please notify us:
- at least 48 hours in advance where possible
- as soon as practical with breaking news
Filming educational content (50% discount)
Discounts may apply if:
- filming is curriculum‑based or commissioned by an educational body
- content is for teaching or learning, not advertising or promotion
- there is minimal equipment and low impact
When standard fees apply
If there is:
- branded or promotional content (even if aimed at schools)
- large scale shooting, exclusive access, traffic management or specialist services
What we need
We will need:
- a letter from the commissioning or educational institution
- project details showing educational purpose
- risk assessment and proof of Public Liability insurance
How to apply
Apply for a filming permit and include your project details. We’ll confirm whether your production qualifies for discounted educational rates or standard commercial fees.
Most filming on Dorset Council land requires a permit, even low impact productions.
A permit is not required for:
- accredited news crews filming editorial content with minimal handheld equipment
- breaking news (notification still required)
If you’re unsure, get in touch.
Send us your project summary, dates, locations, crew size and equipment list and we’ll advise what’s required.
Email: [email protected]
If your filming will impact the highway, you need to apply for road space and traffic management permissions:
- road closures
- temporary traffic restrictions
- traffic management
- footway or pavement closures
View road space booking charges and temporary traffic restrictions charges.
On and off-street parking spaces may be secured in support of filming.
For a list and map of all the Council run, off-street car parks please visit our directory of car parks and details of on-street parking locations.
Fees are set depending on requirements.