Commercial film and photography on Redlands Coast | Redland City Council

Commercial film and photography on Redlands Coast

Cylinder Beach

Located just 25 minutes’ drive from the Screen Queensland Studios at Hemmant, and a one-hour drive from the Gold Coast studio, Redlands Coast has a track record of being a film-friendly city.

Few locations within Australia – and internationally – can provide the same calibre of calm bay water, idyllic island settings, breath-taking beaches, rugged wild country and a relaxed atmosphere all within one city boundary.

Productions that have filmed on Redlands Coast include Joe Exotic, Young Rock, The Wilds, Holey Moley, Love and Monsters, Tidelands, Aquaman, Harrow, Safe Harbour, In Like Flynn, Hoges, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Unbroken and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and more.

Redland City Council is proud to part of Screen Queensland’s Film-Friendly Pathways Program.

Fees

There is no application fee to Council to film on Redlands Coast. Fees may be associated with some permits (for example, traffic control permit) and use of Council assets, including but not limited to:

  • parks and reserves
  • buildings and areas managed by Council.

Permits and approvals

Council regulates film production and photography for commercial purposes to ensure that activities are carried out safely, with minimal disruption to our local community.

When you need permits or approvals

An approval, permit or booking may be required if the proposed activity includes:

  • use of public areas (for example, parks, beaches, pontoons, jetties, roadways, car parks and footpaths)
  • vehicle access to a public area such as a park or reserve
  • use of a conservation area
  • take off and landing of a drone
  • could impact traffic
  • involves longer-term use of a Council-managed area.

Exempt activities

The following users do not require a permit for land-based commercial filming and photography in a Council-managed park or reserve, however you will need to lodge the proposed activity and supporting documentation via the "Apply to film and photograph on Redlands Coast" form:

  • news/current affairs programs
  • wedding photography
  • low impact photo shoots or filming with a maximum cast and crew of 10 people.

How to apply 

Supporting documents 

To prepare for your online application please have the following supporting documentation ready:

  • Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance – for a minimum of AU$20 million, noting Redland City Council as an interested party for all claims for personal injury and damage to property arising out of the filming. Note: the dates of the certificate need to cover the proposed filming dates (plus any contingency dates for wet weather)
  • Risk assessment/safe work method statement
  • Resident/business notification letter – a copy of the letter you will use to inform any residents and businesses that may be affected by filming activities
  • For students:
    • a letter from the lecturer confirming: proof of enrolment in the relevant subject/unit; and that filming is part of course assessment.
    • a Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance from their study institution. This needs to be for a minimum of AU$20 million, noting Redland City Council as an interested party for all claims for personal injury and damage to property arising out of the filming. The dates of the certificate need to cover the proposed filming dates (plus contingency dates for wet weather).

If you propose to film on a road, car park of footpath you can apply for a traffic control permit

If you propose to pilot a drone, contact City Sport and Venues on 3829 8999.

Businesses, residents or students that meet Council’s eligibility requirements may apply to film and photograph on Redlands Coast. 

Apply now

More information

For more information email film@redland.qld.gov.au.