Here you will find all the information necessary to plan your shoot. If you have any problems, the staff of Málaga Film Office (MFO) will be more than happy to personally assist and help with whatever you need.
MFO offers a Locations Library that will help you in your search. Additionally, in our Audiovisual Guide, you will find local experienced location scouts.
MFO advises that it is essential to receive the information as early as possible in order to resolve any questions in a timely fashion to be able to process all necessary permits
1. Film Permit Application:
MFO will process FREE of charge all requests for filming in Local Authority buildings, spaces and roads as soon as the completed application form is received. The form must be completed out with as much information as possible and submitted as soon as possible. (Online Film Permit Application)
2. Timeframes:
We encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible so we can be aware of the production and schedule filming accordingly. From the moment that we are able to process the application (once any/all questions have been resolved) and depending on the complexity/scale of the shoot, a minimum of 10 business days (Monday to Friday) is generally required in order to obtain the necessary permits. This period should be extended to a minimum of 15 business days whenever road closures, changes to street furnishings, etc., are required.
3. Maps:
A map must be attached to the application clearly marking both the film location(s) and the requested parking area(s).
MFO will handle all necessary permits for filming on public grounds, including: beaches, parks, gardens, Botanical Garden, historical buildings & monuments, among others.
The Production Company must submit the Film Permit Application together with a brief synopsis of the scene(s) to take place, as well as a copy of the insurance policy (when applicable). For authorization, each project will be studied together with the corresponding Department.
In order to place any material, technical equipment and/or vehicles on sidewalks or other pedestrian areas, the Production Company must provide the following:
For applications which involve occupying public spaces and/or public grounds with film equipment and/or that entail parking reservations for production vehicles, the Production Company must provide MFO with a copy of a current Insurance Policy together with proof of payment, or a Certificate of Insurance Coverage, before the start of the shoot to cover any injuries or damages which may occur while filming. The Public Liability Insurance shall provide a minimum capital of 151,000 euros for personal damages caused to third parties taht should result of death and permanent absolute disability. JUNTA DE ANDALUCIA LAW
The MFO logo must be included in the production credits. The Production Company must also notify MFO of the distribution date and deliver the following:
In order for MFO to arrange reservations in public parking spaces for both filming and/or for production vehicles (even when filming is within a private location). As a prerequisite, a public liability insurance policy must be provided together with the following information via our Online Film Permit Application Form:
In Malaga there are three ZONES for parking on public streets:
In general, spaces will not be reserved in reserved spaces where general parking is prohibited (this type of non-compliance is subject to fines): handicapped, motorcycle, loading and unloading, etc.
All areas involved in the shoot must be well marked;
1. Local Police: :
The Local Police will reserve the requested space using fences, indicating the date and schedule of the reservation. In every case, MFO recommends that the area be checked the day prior to the date requested in order to have sufficient time to solve any alert of missing signage (which must be advised within our working hours) or by calling 092 (outside of hours and/or weekends, festivies) to request removal of vehicles found in the reserved areas (if applicable).
2. MFO Signs:
MFO will supply the Production Company with signs on loan (example LINK) by way of a refundable deposit upon their return. These must be placed in visible places within the reserved areas as alert to residents and visitors.
3. Obligations on behalf of the Production Company:
The minimum timeframe must be extended as much as possible and with a minumum of 15 business days whenever a traffic interruption is requested. It is recommended that the interruption be intermittent, during non-peak hours, and/or on weekends to avoid daily traffic problems.
When the interruption involves rerouting the traffic, the Local Authorities may require an announcement be placed in the local newspapers at least one day prior to the shoot. This notice will be coordinated by the MFO and paid for by the Production Company.
To request any modification to street fixtures and furnishings, the following must be specified;
MFO will provide a sample letter to advise the residents and businesses of the location. This communication must be distributed in mailboxes a minimum of 5 days prior to the shoot, and must have the signature and seal of the Production Company as well as the contact details to call in the case they have any questions. (Download Word document in Spanish)
Compliance with all Municipal Regulations that dictate the conditions, schedules and instructions reflected on the film permits. Film tax on public streets, squares and gardens is only €117 per day (regardless of the number of locations requested)
Fee will be waived for filming on these public areas when the purpose is non-advertising, for social awareness and/or NGO filming, provided that it promotes the city and acknowledges the collaboration of the Malaga City Council and its Malaga Film Office in the credits and in the promotion of the production.
In order to carry out catering on public grounds of Malaga (only in spaces far from pedestrians, restaurants and terraces) the production company must have the catering crew fill out and sign the following Sworn Health Declaration.
Filming must allow for the passage at all times of ambulances, emergency vehicles, pedestrians (particularly those in wheelchairs), access to private or public garage entrances/exits, and respect all traffic signs.
All crew members will respect the Environmental Municipal Ordinance regarding noise, especially during night shoots (See ordinance in PDF. Spanish only), as well as prevent possible glare caused by spotlights so as to reduce any nuisance. For this, the Production Company must:
Any weapon or explosive must use blanks and be issued by an official agency, and its documentation must be presented to MFO.
Furthermore, MFO must be informed of scenes in which actors are dressed in official uniforms (i.e.: policeman) and of any prop/vehicle that simulates emergency services (i.e.: ambulance)
Download the Málaga Film Guide
