Filming in the Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim is a spectacular region of rugged mountains, beautiful rainforests, waterfalls and mountain streams, quintessential country towns, farms and rural vistas. Located only an hour from Brisbane and half an hour inland from the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is neighboring major movie studios and a well-established film industry. The Scenic Rim Regional Council recognises that for these reasons, the area is popular as a filming location.

Locations

Scenic Rim offers a diverse range of filming locations. Find your next filming location on our Film Scenic Rim Location Database

Permits

Filmmakers may need to obtain approval to film on specific sites. To ensure that filming is smooth and successful with a limited impact on the community, council has developed a simple process to ensure a quick and accurate flow of information and a streamlined approval process.   

Commercial filming

Commercial filming on public/council land requires a local law permit for the Commercial Use of Local Government Areas or Roads. The application form can be found here along with the checklist. Please read through the application prior to submitting, as your application may require supporting documentation such as traffic control permits, public liability insurance policy, etc., which may delay the processing of your application. 

For filming on private property: You will need to obtain permission and agreement from the property owner prior to contacting Council. 

For filming on State Government controlled land or assets: You will need permission from the relevant State Government Department prior to contacting Council. 

  • If you are filming in National Parks, recreation areas and State Forests you will need to meet the requirements as outlined here

  • If you are filming on a State controlled road, you are required to complete a road corridor permit. Further details can be found here

  • If you are filming on one of the many dams or lakes in the region, please refer to Seqwater's requirements here

For filming on Council Controlled land or assets: A permit may be required to use a Council asset or facility. You will be required to complete an Application for Park Use Form. A Road Corridor Use permit is required for the temporary closure of traffic lanes, shoulders, medians, verges or footpaths on Council controlled roads. For further information and to view the application form, please click here

If you're unsure who controls land or assets in the region, please get in touch with the Regional Prosperity team for assistance. 

 

Student/not-for-profit/community group filming

If you are a student, not-for-profit organisation or community group, you are not required to apply for a commercial film production license. If your filming involves the use of a Council park or property or involves filming on a road, road reserve or footpath, you will need to apply for a permit for the specific activity to be undertaken. 

To film in one of Council’s many parks, please view the list of parks, playgrounds and lookouts here. You will be required to complete an Application for Park Use Form

A Road Corridor Use permit is required for the temporary closure of traffic lanes, shoulders, medians, verges or footpaths on Council controlled roads. Further information and access to the application can be found here

If filming on a State controlled area, you will need permission from the relevant State Government Department. 

  • If you are filming in National Parks, recreation areas and State Forests you will need to meet the requirements as outlined here

  • If you are filming on a State controlled road, you are required to complete a road corridor permit. Further details can be found here.  

  • If you are filming on one of the many dams or lakes in the region, please refer to Seqwater's requirements here

 

Use of drones for filming and photography

If you plan to use drones for filming and/or photography in the region, please refer to the rules set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which is available here.  For flying drones above public spaces, national parks and gatherings of people read this information from CASA here.

Resident/local business notifications

In the instance of disruption to residents and local businesses, you will be required to deliver a letter to each of the affected businesses and residents outlining details of the production schedule, potential impacts, management plans for minimising impact and how access will be provided to residents and businesses.

Film Industry Associates

  • Screen Queensland: supports and promotes quality film and television production in Queensland.
  • Screen Australia: provides cultural and industry support through a range of measures.
  • Ausfilm: connects the international film community to Australia's incentives, facilities and talent.

Council contact

Filming enquiries should be directed to the Economic Development team, who can provide assistance for approvals, permits or additional information.

Telephone: 07 5540 5111
Email: business@scenicrim.qld.gov.au