Permit Application
Screen Manchester is Manchester’s Film Office and delivers a comprehensive support service for all types of production seeking permission to film on location in Manchester. Our experienced team have worked on a wide range of high end TV, feature film and commercial productions and provide a detailed service, which includes; location finding, permissions & liaison, road closures & traffic management and links to sourcing local crew and suppliers.
National Restrictions in England from 24 February – Covid-secure Film & TV Production Continues
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of changes to self-isolation rules in England from February 24th cast and crew working on film and HETV projects should continue to follow the British Film Commission’s Working Safely During COVID-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production guidance, the production’s own COVID-10 protocols and the production-specific Risk Assessment.
From February 24th suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are not required to self-isolate by law. However, anyone who tests positive is advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least five full days, and then continue to follow guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days. Those testing positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to inform their close contacts so that they can follow the relevant guidance.
For all location enquiries and to speak to someone before making an application, please contact:
Bobby Cochrane
Film Office Manager
Tel: +44 (0)161 710 3371
M: +44 (0)7976 629 933
E: [email protected]
Connor Slann
Production Liaison Coordinator
M: +44 (0)7741 656 563
E: [email protected]
All requests to film in Manchester require the relevant permissions and include (but not exhaustive) the following types of locations:
- Public Highways and streets
- Event spaces (Albert Sq, St Ann’s Sq, Piccadilly Gardens, Exchange Sq, Market St, Lincoln Sq, New Cathedral St, Cathedral Gardens, Castlefield Bowl, St Peter’s Sq and King Street)
- Parks & Green spaces
- Council managed land/property & Municipal Buildings
- Parking (on street suspensions and dispensations)
- Cemeteries and Crematoriums
- Libraries & Galleries
Once you have discussed your proposals with Screen Manchester, please click on the ‘Apply for Permit’ button to confirm your application. All applications must provide evidence of public liability insurance (min £5m / £10m for city centre event spaces) and a risk assessment.
Once you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions / Code of Practice / Permit Admin Fees and submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgement by email. If the application is successful, your permit will follow.
Please see ‘Useful Documents’ for:
- Film Permit T&Cs
- Manchester filming Code of Practice
- Film Permit Admin Fees
- Drone Guidelines
- Night Filming (unsociable hours)
Screen Manchester is a trading name of Manchester Creative Digital Assets Ltd.
Manchester Creative Digital Assets Ltd
Thorp Road
Manchester
M40 5BJ
Company no: 10300159
VAT no: GB 259 1344 94
We’re proud to use Worldpay to process online card payments in pounds sterling (GBP).

Please note that if you need to cancel your shoot, please let us know in writing (via E mail – quoting the Permit Application reference number) as soon as possible. A cancellation fee of 50% of the total sum owed is payable if more than 48 hours’ notice is provided before the shoot start time. If less than 48 hours’ notice is given in writing, the full sum will be payable.