Introduction

Somerset is a film friendly county. Its local authorities work together and with Creative England to welcome productions of all kinds.

We have countless stunning locations and Screen Somerset is here to help you find them and help your filming run smoothly.

For filming to take place, permissions are needed from the relevant agencies, for example, Somerset Council, Police and land/property owner. Who will be involved depends on the location and details of your planned shoot.

The relevant local authority should be informed of all filming due to take place on public property – and on private property if it might impact highways or cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

For information or advice on locations, potential unit bases and other aspects of filming in Somerset please email filming@somerset.gov.uk

We may be able to help you access office or meeting room space and put you in touch with local colleges whose students may be able to help fill skills gaps.

Highways and Filming

If your filming will have any impact on the highway – such as road closures, temporary traffic restrictions, traffic management, or footway/pavement closures – you will need to complete the relevant application forms and get permission from the Council Highways Team – see section 15 of the Guidance Pack for Event Organisers or email eventsTM@somerset.gov.uk

The team will need a risk assessment and proof of adequate Public Liability Insurance. Road closures require 12 weeks’ notice (with a fee of £1,250). A quicker turnaround will be considered if possible, but the charges are higher.

Filming on local authority land or property

If you wish to film on assets – land or property – owned by Somerset Council, you can apply for a Temporary Licence to Occupy. We will turn this round as soon as possible. Please email filming@somerset.gov.uk for more information and to discuss your plans.

Please note, that from 1 April, 2023, Somerset County Council and Somerset’s four district councils (Sedgemoor, Mendip, South Somerset, Somerset West and Taunton) were replaced by Somerset Council. Please direct any requests to film on assets previously owned by any of these authorities to the new Somerset Council.

Why Somerset?

Close to Bristol and Exeter and with easy access from the M5, Somerset offers country and coastal locations within striking distance of major production hubs.
Highlights include the coasts of Sedgemoor and West Somerset on the Bristol channel, the moorlands of Exmoor, Several AONBs, the unique Somerset Levels, and countless photogenic towns, villages and historic buildings.
Filming hotspots include Cheddar Gorge (Jack the Giant Slayer), Wells (Hot Fuzz) and Wells Cathedral (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Dungeons and Dragons), and the beaches at Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea (Chloe).

Downloads

Guidance Pack for Event Organisers

PDF,