Help with locations
The Balearic Islands Film Commission offers information concerning the rules for filming in public places in the Balearic Islands. It can also help location managers with their job, advising and informing them on the viability of filming in different places in the Balearic Islands region.Obtaining permits and information
The Balearic Islands Film Commission will inform producers, location managers and production personnel of the relevant government agencies to contact for the granting of permits, depending on where filming is to take place, and how to request and obtain applications for film permits.The Balearic Islands Film Commission does not process or issue film permits or authorisations, the production companies are responsible for requesting authorisation and monitoring processing by the relevant authorities.
By law, all activities involving filming must have public liability insurance. Public Liability insurance covers possible damage a production might cause to Third Parties. This insurance can be obtained through a local insurer or from a foreign one. The policy must be in force from when production starts until it is completed.
Every production ought also to have insurance to cover its own risks. Dealing with insurers specialising in the audiovisual industry is recommended.
Safety and risk prevention
Production companies ought to act in a responsible and professional manner and take all steps to guarantee safety and reduce workplace risks, supplying staff with adequate measures to prevent accidents and to reduce hazards. On shoots taking place on roads and streets open to vehicular traffic, the production company concerned must supply reflective jackets and the road safety signage required by current legislation.Filming in public areas in towns
Each district has its own rules and charges relating to using public spaces and streets for filming in town, stated in the relevant municipal bylaws.The procedure common to all districts is to present the application to film at the appropriate district council registry as far in advance as possible. The details relating to the production company in charge, the contact person and telephone number must be stated on the aforementioned application, which must include as much information as possible concerning the requirements and the film operations planned, expressed clearly and concisely: dates and times of filming; area to be occupied; the area to be reserved for parking; and the quantity of technical vehicles, the number of people and the time required for preparation and collection of props and sets etc.
Vehicle parking
The Local Police in each town are in charge of assessing the parking requirements for film-shoots. As long as the Local Police have authorised vehicle parking for the filming, the production company in charge is responsible for turning up at the right place and reserving the spaces with barriers, signs, cones or security tape. In some districts, like Palma de Mallorca and Calviā on Mallorca, the Local Police are in charge of placing signage to reserve parking spaces.Temporary closure and occupation streets and roads
If the filming might affect vehicle traffic and/or imply the temporary closure of local streets and/or roads, or passers-by might have their access to any part of the highway restricted, then it will be necessary to liase with the Local Police. In order to do so, one can go to the Local Police headquarters in the district where filming is to take place and request the services of the relevant officers to study the viability of the application.Permit charges
Municipal and administrative charges to audiovisual producers for occupying public spaces, police services, supplies etc. depend on the location, district, the type of production, the time spent and the area concerned.Production companies are obliged to pay for the following services: Police, reservation of parking spaces, tow-away truck service, cleaning and supplies of water, electricity etc. arising from filming carried out in municipal streets or infrastructure.
Catering
In most districts, it is forbidden to organise a catering service on public streets. This rule must be born in mind when organising a shoot, because it will be necessary to find an appropriate place, close to where filming takes place, where the actors, crew and extras can enjoy this service. The production company has the responsibility of ensuring that all waste and rubbish from the area occupied is appropriately disposed of, once filming has finished for the day.Aerial filming
All productions thinking of filming one or more scenes from a plane, helicopter or other aircraft must comply with the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. These state that, except when taking-off or landing, flying is forbidden below the following altitudes:- Over populated areas such as cities, towns, villages or anywhere people are gathered, 1,000 feet (approx. 300 metres) above the highest obstacle in a horizontal radius of 600 metres from the aircraft. Flying over cities with more than 50,000 people (like Palma de Mallorca) by helicopter is only possible in twin-engine machines.
- Over other areas, it is necessary to fly at an altitude of 150 metres above ground level, except over the open sea or none crowded areas, in which case the aircraft cannot fly below 150 metres altitude where there are people, boats, vehicles or buildings.
Filming with skydivers
All jumps need to be made in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations. All skydivers participating in the scene or scenes must be members of a professional parachute association or be able to present documentary evidence of the required level of experience in accordance with U.S.P.A. (United States Parachute Association) qualifications. Skydivers holding the USPA class D licence and a high level of experience will be allowed to land in crowded areas, always under the supervision of an air-traffic controller.Filming with animals
Law 1/93 of 13/04/93 (published 22/04/1993), which protects pets and wild animals held in captivity, lays down the general principles of respect, protection and defence of living things in the Balearic Islands region. In accordance with this, it is forbidden to use animals in filming if they might suffer harm, be caused suffering, or be subject to unnatural treatment.Filming with weapons and/or explosives
There are a series of regulations that production companies need to consider before filming scenes that, according to the screenplay, require the use of firearms or explosives. Firstly, the weapons used, whether real or imitation, must be disabled so they cannot be used to shoot for real. If they are being used in normal working order, then firearms can only be used to fire blanks and they must have the appropriate documentation for their type.In Spain, the organisation responsible for granting licences for the use of firearms is the Civil Guards department for the supervision of weapons and explosives. Each production's armourer must comply with all the requirements this department insists on, in order to be granted a licence. This does not however mean that informing the owner of the place where filming is to take place should be overlooked, because his permission is required; to avoid possible disagreements and misunderstandings, it is also a good idea to inform relevant authorities (Local Police, emergency services etc) and, as far as possible, people living nearby. The transport of explosives is governed by road traffic legislation.