Filming

Toronto's diverse neighbourhoods and vibrant culture makes it one of many film-friendly cities in Canada, where productions have become a regular part of our urban landscape. If you're considering filming in Toronto or choosing it as your film destination, it's essential to know that our city requires you to obtain a film permit through FilmPal, our city's online portal. Fortunately, Toronto's film industry is here to support you every step of the way, with a robust network of unions, guilds, and associations to help bring your project to life.

At the same time, we prioritize the safety and comfort of residents impacted by nearby filming. If you have any concerns or complaints about filming in your area, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected], where emails are actively monitored and resolved. On this page, you'll find detailed information on film permits, regulations, and resources to help navigate filming in Toronto.

Who's Responsible for What?

Municipal

Chapter 459 - Filming

Chapter 591 - Noise

Provincial

Federal

Regulations for Drone Filming

What’s Currently Filming?

As a resident, occupant or business owner, you may experience some disruptions during film productions in your area. To minimize disturbances, production companies are required to provide advanced notice of any loud noises on location, such as special effects or simulated gunfire. Production companies must comply with legislation governing noise to ensure minimal disruption to residents, occupants, business owners and City of Toronto employees where filming occurs. They are also required to retain pedestrian and vehicular access to properties surrounding the filming location. Additionally, production companies must make every effort to accommodate displaced residents with valid street parking permits and those requiring accessible accommodations.

If you experience issues with parking, late-night filming, high volumes of filming, or noise disruptions, you can email your concerns to [email protected]. Emails are actively monitored, and complaints are typically responded to within the same day.

My office cannot approve or deny film permits. The City of Toronto is responsible for approving film permits, and we have no authority over the permitting process. If you have concerns about a specific film shoot, please contact [email protected]. We will redirect you to the appropriate contact, but ultimately, the City of Toronto makes decisions regarding film permits and production.

If you are interested in having your house or any other property that you own used for filming, you can register your property online with Ontario Creates.

Call Ontario Creates directly at 416-314-6858 and ask to speak to the locations library.

Please note: The City of Toronto’s Film, Television and Digital Media Office (TFTDMO) cannot be involved in the decision to use your house for filming. We cannot recommend how much to charge the production company. This is strictly between you and the production company. However, the City's Film Office can happily confirm the legitimacy of the production, production company and location manager/assistants/scouts.

When filming within the City of Toronto, it's crucial that you have a film permit. To request a film permit(s) and production information, you can visit the web portal, FilmPal. Please note that my office does not approve or deny film permits; this process is handled by the City of Toronto. Currently, uploading documents through FilmPal is unavailable, so you'll need to email insurance certificates, park maps, letters of notification, and other documents to [email protected].

When applying for a film permit, make sure to fill out the application form with the required information and use Toronto Maps to verify that street names, types, directions, and addresses are accurate. You can also use the "Special Instructions" box to provide scene descriptions or note potential impacts on the area. If you need to make any changes, simply email your film permit coordinator or [email protected]. To add more locations, select your existing production and apply for additional permits.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to pay the permit fees. New fees have been added for filming on City-owned properties and streets, which vary depending on the type of production and permit. To pay for these film permitting fees, visit the City of Toronto website and navigate to the “Plan Your Shoot” tab. The Production Registration Fee is mandatory, regardless of whether any permits are applied for.

If you need to request a refund, please contact [email protected] for a Refund Request Form. By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and efficient film permitting process in Toronto.

When filming with drones in Toronto, you'll need to follow Transport Canada's regulations and obtain necessary permits. Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and register drones over 250g. Drones must be flown within visual line-of-sight, below 122m (400ft), and at least 30m away from bystanders. You'll also need to maintain a distance of 5.6km from airports and 1.9km from heliports.

Furthermore, you'll also need to comply with City of Toronto film permitting requirements. When applying for a film permit, ensure you discuss drone operations with your Film Permit Coordinator, especially if taking off or landing on City property. You'll need to submit federal approvals as part of the permitting process. Ensure you follow all rules and regulations to avoid fines up to $1,000-$15,000 for non-compliance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and efficient film permitting process in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a filming permit in Toronto?

You can obtain a filming permit in Toronto by submitting your application through FilmPal, the City of Toronto's online portal for film permit requests. You'll need to complete the mandatory fields of the production information form to the best of your knowledge. Any supporting documents, such as insurance certificates and park maps, can be emailed to [email protected]. Once you submit your application, you'll receive a receipt as proof of submission. If you need to make revisions or changes, you'll need to email your assigned film permit coordinator or [email protected]. If your application is approved, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to pay the related film permitting fees.

Please be aware that my office does not approve or deny filming permits. The City of Toronto's Film Office, accessible through FilmPal and [email protected], handles the permit approval process. If you have any questions or concerns about the status of your application, I recommend reaching out directly to them.

Who do I send my complaints to when I am impacted by nearby filming sites or production companies?

You can direct your complaints to Film Toronto by emailing [email protected] if you're a resident impacted by nearby filming sites or production companies. This email address is actively monitored, and complaints are typically responded to within the same day. You can also reach out to the film permit coordinator assigned to the production, if applicable. For non-emergency issues, you can contact the City of Toronto's 311 Service by phone at 3-1-1 or through their online portal, and they will connect you with the relevant department or personnel to address your concerns.

When submitting your complaint, it's helpful to include the location of the filming site, the nature of the complaint, the date and time of the issue, and any relevant details about the production company or film crew. Once you've submitted your complaint, it will be reviewed and addressed by the relevant authorities. Film Toronto and the film permit coordinator will work to resolve the issue or provide guidance on how to mitigate the impact of the filming. By knowing where to direct your complaints, you can help ensure that your concerns are heard and addressed in a timely manner.

What kind of support is available for film productions in Toronto?

You can find support networks for film productions in Toronto through unions and guilds like ACTRA Toronto and the Directors Guild of Canada, which provide resources and support for industry professionals. Additionally, registered charities like the AFC offer emergency financial aid and wellness support, while eligible workers can access Employment Insurance. Trade associations like the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) and provincial agencies like Ontario Creates also play a key role in facilitating economic development and advocating for the industry. For more information on filming in Toronto, visit the City of Toronto's website.

Can I register my property as a potential filming location?

Yes, you can register your property with Ontario Creates, which maintains a database of potential filming locations. This can help increase visibility for your property and potentially attract film productions. You'll need to provide detailed information about your property, including photos and descriptions. You can also work with location management companies that specialize in Toronto locations to increase exposure for your property. For more information, please visit the City of Toronto’s website.