The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) reports a busy March in terms of shooting activity in the province, based on the fact that a total of 21 shooting permits were issued.
Film crews are required to obtain film permits when filming in public spaces such as streets, pavements, sidewalks, government-owned buildings, etc. The number of permits reflected above obviously does not include any shoots that may have taken place in studios and private areas.
All 21 permits issued in March were for local shoots as no international productions were logged. Out of the permits nine were for commercials; one was for a feature film; two were for television dramas; three were for music videos; one was for a student project; two were for promos; and three were for documentaries.
Locations used were Rosebank, Newtown, Soweto, Johannesburg CBD, Yeoville, Ormond and Broederstroom.
Some 285 crew members were employed on commercials; 60 on the feature film; 53 on television dramas; 76 on music videos, eight on student productions; 12 on promos and 23 on documentaries.
The number of shoot days in total was 151 broken down as follows: commercials – 34; feature film – 15; television drama – 22; music videos – 17; student project – 5; promos – 30; and documentaries – 28.
The GFC recommends that filmmakers apply for permission at least 14 working days before filming is due to start.
Its online Directory offers listings of location scouts, location managers, facilitation companies and location agencies who offer services securing private locations.
