Apply for filming permission, find filming locations and studio space, request parking suspension, and opportunities for getting into the industry.
A UNESCO City of Film and winner of the 2024 Global Production City of Film Award, Bristol is one of the most film-friendly cities in the world.
The council supports the local film sector through the work of our Film Services, comprising Bristol Film Office, The Bottle Yard Studios and Bristol UNESCO City of Film.
Location filming
You should contact Bristol Film Office and apply for a filming permit before you start planning to film on any Bristol City Council managed locations.
Check the charges and payments page for information about the costs of filming in Bristol.
Bristol Film Office can also assist with finding locations.
Request a parking suspension
Bristol Film Office deals with requests for parking suspensions. They have details of the different types of parking suspensions and their cost.
Apply to suspend a parking bay
You must allow 3 working days for your parking suspension application to be processed. We won't contact you to tell you your application has been approved; we'll only contact you if we need more information.
Studio filming
The award-winning Bottle Yard Studios in Hengrove is the largest film and TV production facility in the West of England. It's only a 15 minute drive from Bristol city centre and 2 hours from London.
It offers:
- 11 stages, 8 at the main site and 3 at TBY2, its premium facility which opened in 2022 and offers fully soundproofed space
- more than 35,000 square feet of furnished production offices
- a 5,000 square foot green screen studio
- ample ancillary workspaces
- a creative hub of more than 15 businesses offering production-related services
To enquire about studio space, email thebottleyard@bristol.gov.uk.
For more information, visit The Bottle Yard Studios website.
UNESCO City of Film
In 2017 Bristol was designated a UNESCO City of Film, a permanent status that recognises our city's achievements as a world-leader in the field of film and moving image.
Bristol UNESCO City of Film works with a range of partners in the city and beyond, to develop opportunities that further embed UNESCO values of cultural diversity, inclusion and sustainability across Bristol's film sector. The opportunities cover production, talent development, education, exhibition and heritage.
For more information visit Bristol City of Film website.
Getting into the industry
All Set West, a BFI National Lottery funded programme, supports emerging talent from the West of England to access opportunities in film and TV production.
Delivered by our Film Services, the programme includes:
- the All Set West Hub, an inclusive digital platform connecting entrants with opportunities, events and resources to support their first steps in the industry
- All Set West Training delivered at The Bottle Yard Studios to equip entrants with 'set-ready' skills before connecting them to placements on active productions where possible
- outreach engagement with educators and and communities to demystify the industry and widen awareness of film and TV careers
- research into regional skills gaps to inform future workforce development strategies
For more information about the programme visit the All Set West website.
How to request a film for classification in the Bristol City Council area
Visit our Local film classifications page.