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Protocols + Resources

BC Film Commission

Essential safety guidelines, regulatory requirements, and industry standards for motion picture production in British Columbia.

This resource provides production teams with technical specifications for aircraft operations, pyrotechnics, firearms, special effects, electrical permits, food service vehicles, traffic management, and more. 

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Resources, Information, and Protocols

ActSafe partners with B.C.’s entertainment industries to keep workers safe.  The organization is dedicated to the promotion of workplace health and safety in the motion picture and performing arts industries in British Columbia.

Their mandate includes providing health & safety information, education, and training for the performing arts and motion picture industries in our Province. Actsafe has publications, posters, videos and access to industry-specific health and safety consultation When the industry perceives a need, Actsafe responds.

Aircrafts

Transport Canada must approve any aircraft use, including both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft; manned and unmanned. The Aircraft Company is responsible for contacting Transport Canada.

Typically a permit requires ten to twenty days for approval, and a fee is charged for the application. Permits are typically arranged by the pilots of aircraft on behalf of the Producer/Production Company.

Transport Canada BC Regional Office
Actsafe Aircraft Safety Bulletins

Drones

The use of drones for filming is commonplace throughout the province.  When using a drone for filming on location, the production is required to follow all federal regulations issued by Transport Canada, and may be required to include details such as a flight path and proof of aviation liability insurance as part of the submission to the permitting authority (ie: city or park).Note that seasonal or geographic considerations that protect wildlife are key elements in approvals by municipal, regional, provincial and federal parks authorities.

Transport Canada: Flying Your Drone Safely and Legally
Transport Canada: Know Your Drone Category & Operation Level

Please note Transport Canada updated their regulations in 2019, and Actsafe is working on updating the following UAS Safety Bulletin #36 (Oct 2015) on drone usage to reflect those changes.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Pre-Production Memo
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Call Sheet Memo

Creative BC is committed to promoting guidelines that safeguard the welfare of animals involved in motion picture production in British Columbia.

Controlled Alien Species in BC
BC SPCA Position Statement
American Humane Society Guidelines for Filmmakers

Effective January 2, 2024, the Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety, has updated the exemption previously issued under Compliance Circular 02-2019 under Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR) 37.23 to implement the following hours of service rules for commercial motor vehicles providing transportation of persons or property to or from a motion picture production site.

While these vehicles will be exempt from specific portions of Parts 4 to 8 of MVAR Division 37, there are substituted requirements to ensure that drivers are not operating while fatigued and public safety remains a priority.

The substituted requirements may be amended by the Director upon reasonable notice to industry. Any amendments will be published as an update to this circular.

Download the updated Compliance Circular

Effective July 26, 2024, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO) has issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and has rescinded all related orders.  

As such, productions are no longer required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan. They should instead transition to a Communicable Disease Prevention Strategy. 

WorkSafeBC offers a template to assist productions in the creation of their communicable disease plan. The communicable disease plan does not need to be reviewed or approved before production can begin, but WorkSafeBC may review the plan as part of its inspection. 

General Resources 
Actsafe 
WorkSafeBC 

Permits are required for any lighting equipment and other uses of electricity. Most cities and towns require a provincial permit through Technical Safety BC. Some cities handle their own electrical permits and should be contacted directly: Burnaby, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, and West Vancouver.

Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment across the province. In addition to issuing permits, licenses and certificates, TSBC works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

Apply for the provincial temporary electrical operating permit:
Technical Safety BC – Electrical Operating Permit portal
Technical Safety BC jurisdictions
Technical Safety BC Temporary Entertainment Operating Permit [PDF]
Full Entertainment Field Safety Representative – Electrical FSR certification

When Pyrotechnics are being used, permitting authorities may request a Pyro Effects Plan or Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent is usually satisfactory for film and television productions and should include:

  • Locations and dates for filming of effects
  • General description of the scene
  • Effects to be used and their fabrication
  • Anticipated result
  • Safety measures to be taken
  • Method of determining safety distances

Copies of Event Approval and Pyro Effects Plan/ Letter of Intent must be available on set.

Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ): 
  • Fire Chief/Fire Protection Office
  • Provincial Occupational Health (WorkSafeBC) and Safety Organizations (ActSafe)
  • Designated representatives for event approval or site inspections

Demonstration (Show and Tell):
A demonstration may be required to determine if the effect can be performed safely. It is understood that this is not always feasible in film and television production, due to the one-off nature of many performances.

Special Considerations: 
If you are based outside of Canada, and you are participating in the production of a pyrotechnic special effects event in Canada, you must employ a certified Canadian technician of the applicable class and obtain a Visitor Card from the Explosives Regulatory Division in addition to your work permit. For information on the certification of pyrotechnics and pyrotechnical personnel, please refer to this course.

Created by the BC Film Commission at Creative BC in consultation with stakeholders, this comprehensive guide serves as an informative resource for local governments across British Columbia’s diverse municipal jurisdictions to effectively manage the permitting process for motion picture production.

What you’ll find in this guide

Our guide covers everything you need to know about permitting film production in your jurisdiction, including:

  • Film Industry Fundamentals: Understanding production processes and different types of production
  • Location Management Essentials: From scouting to wrap, understanding how the Locations Department operates
  • Street Use and Public Spaces: Issuing permissions for roads, parks and civic properties
  • Community Relations: Supporting positive relationships with residents, local businesses and productions
  • Resource Directory: Contact information, templates, forms and additional support services
  • and more
Who this guide serves

This resource has been developed to serve a diverse range of local governments, business owners, residents, locations professionals, production offices, and film office staff to engage with B.C.’s motion picture industry. It provides a necessary framework of standard practices and processes for permitting filming with precision and efficiency.

The resource addresses the needs of producers of different production types and budgets and the expectations of location managers by providing support to municipal leaders and personnel seeking to understand how developing a planned response to film production activity can contribute to local economic development.

For South Coast municipal film office contact information, please refer to the Greater Vancouver page.

For municipal contact information outside of the South Coast, please reach out to the appropriate Regional Film Commission.

View the guide

Film Permitting 101: A Guide for Municipalities (.pdf)

 

Where firearms are visible or audible to the public, municipalities may require that a police officer be present.  In many cases, only 1/4 loads can be used.

The use of firearms for motion picture activities requires both federal and provincial licences.  The federal business firearms licence specific to the motion picture/theatrical production industry may authorize a business to possess firearms (including prohibited firearms) and other prohibited items such as prohibited devices and prohibited weapons.

For more information or questions about the federal business firearms licence, please contact the Chief Firearm Officer for British Columbia at:

Phone: 1-800-731-4000 extension 9530
E-mail: BCYTCFP@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Fax : 778-290-6174

Firearms Act
The Firearms Act addresses the use of firearms and other prohibited items for the purpose of motion picture/theatrical productions. The Firearms Licences Regulations includes specific provisions for the motion picture/theatrical production industry in regards to:

  • A Non-resident 60-day Possession Licence (Borrowed Firearms) Section 10, 3(g) and 4(g); and,

Application for a Non-resident Temporary Borrowing Licence for Non-restricted Firearms

  • The prescribed purpose for a business to possess prohibited firearms and other prohibited items Section 22, (f) & (g)

The Special Authority to Possess Regulations references the temporary transfer of a replica firearm to a transferee who does not hold a federal firearms business licence for the purpose of motion picture activities (i.e. a licensed supplier temporarily lending a replica firearm to a Prop Master):

  • Temporary Transfers of Replica Firearms 8(a)

Controlled Goods Directorate 
The Controlled Goods Directorate (CGD) is a Federal Government Program administered by the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

The CGD is a domestic industrial security program that helps strengthen Canadas defense trade controls through registration, prevention, deterrence and detection, and prevents the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of conventional weapons. This is done by regulating and controlling the examination, possession, and transfer in Canada of controlled goods and/or controlled technology.

Anyone who deals with controlled goods and/or controlled technology in Canada is required to register with the CGD. The CGD is legislated by the Defence Production Act (DPA) and the Controlled Goods Regulations (CGR).

The MPR Blanket Certificate provides Basic Auto Insurance coverage including Third-Party Liability for rented vehicles specific to the Motion Picture Industry. This product is designed to provide liability protection, and budgeting certainty for productions. The MPR Blanket Certificate replaces the vendor’s basic insurance Certificate while the vehicle is under the control of a production.

  • Provides budgeting certainty to Productions
  • Protects vendors from claims and impacts to insurance premiums
  • Protects drivers’ personal driving records and insurance ratings

Download the Education Materials and Worksheet
Find an ICBC Broker

Created by the BC Film Commission at Creative BC, this resource is designed to assist emerging and new producers in effectively managing the logistical challenges inherent in filming on location. It does not provide content development or creative support or business affairs advice.

What you’ll find in this guide
  • Essential Responsibilities
  • Regional and Municipal Must-Knows
  • Preparing for a Safe Set
  • B.C.’s Filmmaking Community
  • Crewing Up
  • BC Film Commission at Creative BC
  • Avoidable Mistakes to Keep in Mind
Who this guide serves

New and Emerging Producers, as well as filmmakers working in B.C.

View the guide

Download the guide (.pdf)

 

Created by the BC Film Commission at Creative BC, this toolkit is designed to support businesses across British Columbia, particularly non-film industry-focused businesses that supply film and television projects. It outlines how productions operate, what to expect when working as a vendor, and how engagement typically unfolds from initial contact through payment. This resource does not address production support services. 

What you’ll find in this toolkit 
  • An overview of how film and television productions operate in B.C. 
  • How productions connect with and set up vendors 
  • Information on Purchase Orders (POs), payment methods, and invoicing 
  • Key production roles and departments that vendors may interact with 
  • Best practices to help protect your business 
Who this toolkit serves 
  • Businesses providing goods or services to film and television productions 
  • Vendors new to the film industry or unfamiliar with production processes 
  • Businesses that work with productions occasionally  
  • Organizations seeking a clearer understanding of production expectations 
Using this toolkit 

This toolkit is intended as a general informational resource. Production processes and requirements may vary depending on the production type, scale, and timeline of each project. 

View the toolkit 

Download the toolkit (.pdf) 

Conditions on set can change quickly, especially when working on location. Staying informed about local hazards helps you and your crew respond effectively and maintain a safe working environment. 

Below is a list of municipalities and the various Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) they utilize. Please note that General Alerts from Provincial Emergency Services are also issued through alertready.ca/alert-types.  

This list is not exhaustive, as emergency management systems and protocols may evolve. For the most accurate and timely updates, we recommend signing up directly through your municipality’s official website. 

Using Alertable 
  1. Bowen Island Municipality 
  2. Chawathil First Nation 
  3. City of Chilliwack 
  4. City of Burnaby 
  5. City of Hope 
  6. City of Mission 
  7. City of North Vancouver 
  8. City of Port Coquitlam 
  9. City of Surrey 
  10. City of Vancouver 
  11. City of White Rock 
  12. District of Kent 
  13. District of North Vancouver 
  14. District of West Vancouver 
  15. Electoral Area A 
  16. Metro Vancouver Regional District 
  17. Seabird Island (Sq’éwqel) 
  18. Village of Anmore 
  19. Village of Belcarra 
  20. Village of Harrison Hot Springs 
  21. Village of Lions Bay 
Using VoyentAlert 
  1. City of Maple Ridge 
  2. City of Pitt Meadows  
  3. District of Squamish  
  4. Sunshine Coast Regional District  
  5. Squamish Lillooet Regional District  
  6. Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Uxwumixw) 
  7. Village of Pemberton 
Other  
  1. City of Coquitlam – Notify Me (R) 
  2. City of Richmond – Richmond BC Alert (powered by Everbridge) 
  3. City of Abbotsford – City of Abbotsford Alerts 
  4. City of Delta – Delta Alerts 
  5. City of New Westminster – Call In (telephone) updates  
  6. Resort Municipality of Whistler – Whistler Alert 
  7. Sumas First Nation – Sumas Alert (ConnectRocket) 
  8. UBC – UBC Alert / UBC Safe Vancouver App 

FKA Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI)

Having trouble determining if a public roadway or highway is under municipal or MOTT jurisdiction?

To determine which are municipal roads and which are MOTT roads, click this link and follow the steps below:

iMapBC

Here are the steps to get the layer in place:

  1. Click “Data Sources” tab (at top)
  2. Click “Add Provincial layers”
  3. Search “RFI”
  4. Check “Road Features Inventory (RFI) Highways – MOTT” box, Click OK
  5. Zoom in using the ‘+’ button (or click arrow next to where it says “Road Features Inventory” and click “zoom to visible scale”)
  6. Roads in burgundy are MoTT roads, which will appear after you zoom in enough

NOTE: always verify this with MOTT at filming@gov.bc.ca and/or municipal permitting authority before proceeding with any filming activity.

Craft Service and Catering Vehicles, which include but are not limited to trailers, converted motor homes, or other self-contained units, may be required to meet the description of a Food Service Establishment as defined in the BC Food Premises Regulation.

For this reason, the owner/operator of the vehicle must apply to the local Health Authority for approval and to obtain a valid PERMIT TO OPERATE.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Fraser Health Authority

All mobile food trucks owners must ensure systems are up to date for electrical and propane sticker certifications from Technical Safety BC.

Electrical Products
Gas Appliances

Mobile food trucks must also have up to date fire inspection stickers which can be obtained via municipal fire departments.

Municipal fire departments should be notified when staging any stunts related to fire or explosions. Typically, a fire suppression plan is required, involving the presence of fire or water trucks.

Film Permitting Authorities
The authority permitting film work may request a Special Effects Plan or Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent is usually satisfactory for film and television productions and should include:

  • Locations and dates for filming of effects
  • General description of the scene
  • Effects to be used and their fabrication
  • Anticipated result
  • Safety measures to be taken
  • Method of determining safety distances

Copies of Event Approval and Special Effects Plan/ Letter of Intent must be available on set.

SPFX Equipment Operating Permits
Technical Safety BC oversees the safe use of gas appliances and accumulators for the purpose of Special Effects in the Motion Picture Industry. Certified equipment must be registered, and proper operating permits must be in place. Qualified special effects technicians can apply for these items at:

Site Visits
A site visit may be required to determine if the effect can be performed safely. It is understood that this is not always feasible in film and television production, due to the one-off nature of many performances.

Most highway shoots require the use of certified traffic control personnel. On roadways within municipal jurisdictions, producers may have to contact local police to provide traffic control. Private traffic management companies are often approved to provide traffic management and planning services in most municipalities.

Traffic Control + Training

Worksafe BC is committed to creating a province free from workplace injury or illness, and to providing service driven by our core values of integrity, accountability, and innovation. By partnering with workers and employers, Worksafe BC helps British Columbians come home from work safe every day.

Health and Safety for Motion Picture Industry