A new era begins for film and TV series productions in Istanbul

New implementation principles containing significant changes regarding cinema and TV series productions carried out in Istanbul have been put into effect. The new system introduced for film shoots aims to ensure that filming is conducted without harming the city while also managing processes in a more professional manner.

The new regulation prepared within this scope offers streamlined procedures and clear rules for production teams in Istanbul. While preserving the texture of Istanbul, which serves as one of the city's open-air studios, the goal is for shoots to have a minimal impact on urban life. It has become mandatory for notifications and permit applications to be submitted to the relevant local administrative authority at least seven days before the shooting date.

New standards have also been set regarding shooting durations and regional applications. Taking traffic and population density into account, the city has been divided into three shooting zones. Teams wishing to film in the first zone will be able to use a maximum of seven large vehicles, and shoots will be permitted until midnight during the winter season and until 01:00 in the summer. In the second zone, the vehicle limit has been increased to 11, while the time limits remain the same as in the first zone. For shoots in the third zone, the vehicle restriction has been lifted, and hours have been arranged more flexibly.

For shoots in public areas that may affect traffic flow or require road closures, applications must likewise be made seven days in advance to the relevant district governorships and municipalities. While no fees will be charged for shoots conducted with handheld equipment that do not cause occupation of public space, productions with fewer than three large vehicles on-site will also benefit from cost relief by paying one-quarter of the determined fee.

Citizens residing in areas where filming takes place will be notified 24 hours before the shoot. Furthermore, within the scope of environmental regulations, it has become mandatory to limit single-use plastics on sets, strictly adhere to waste management rules, and ensure no damage is caused to historical structures.

To ensure processes proceed effectively, "district shooting coordination units" with at least three members, chaired by the district governorship, will be activated in every district. These units will also include representatives from the metropolitan municipality, district municipalities, and relevant institutions.

Additionally, a distance of at least one kilometer must be maintained between different shooting sets operating on the same day, and filming will be permitted between 23:00 and 06:00 in designated zones for night shoots.

All up-to-date information regarding the Film Shooting Implementation Principles can be accessed through the official websites of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Istanbul Governorship.

News Source: 12punto