Rules and Standards for Location Filming in Istanbul.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced new regulations for film and television series productions in Istanbul, aiming to ensure a planned and professional process. The new regulations will make filming processes more predictable while also prioritizing environmental considerations. 

According to a statement from the Ministry, the 'Film Shooting Application Principles,' prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cinema and the Istanbul Governorship, and in consultation with relevant public institutions, local governments, and industry representatives, have come into effect.

The regulations, implemented in Istanbul, one of Türkiye's and the world's most important open-air film locations, aim to protect urban life, accelerate the operational processes of the industry, and ensure that filming activities are conducted within clear rules. With the new regulations, Istanbul residents will benefit from a system that minimizes disruption to their daily lives and provides prior notification, while domestic and foreign production teams will be able to conduct filming processes more easily and systematically thanks to simplified procedures and clear rules.

THE CITY DIVIDED INTO 3 ZONE

Within the scope of the regulations, Istanbul has been divided into three main filming zones, taking into account traffic and population density. In the first zone, which covers the most densely populated areas, filming will be limited to a maximum of 7 large vehicles; working hours will be until 00:00 in the winter and 01:00 in the summer. In the second zone, filming will be possible with a maximum of 11 large vehicles, within the working hours determined for the first zone. In the third zone, there will be no limitation on the number of vehicles, and working hours will be applied more flexibly. In addition, designated night filming zones will allow filming between 23:00 and 06:00. A minimum distance of one kilometer will be required between different film sets operating on the same date.

7-DAY RULE INTRODUCED FOR APPLICATION PROCESSES

According to the new regulations, notifications and permit applications for filming in public areas must be submitted to the relevant administrative authority at least seven days before the filming date. For filming that will affect traffic flow or require road closures, applications must also be submitted to the relevant district governor's office and municipality within the same timeframe.

The implementation guidelines include significant facilitations and discounts aimed at reducing production costs. Under these guidelines, projects supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and productions using three or fewer large vehicles on location, will only pay one-quarter of the determined fee. No fee will be charged for filming carried out with handheld equipment and not occupying public space.

In the new period, sensitivity to the environment and urban culture is also prioritized. It is now mandatory to inform local residents 24 hours before filming; preventing the use of single-use plastics on sets, strictly adhering to waste management rules, and showing maximum sensitivity to avoid damaging historical structures are also emphasized.

FILMING COORDINATION UNITS WILL BE ESTABLISHED

To ensure the efficient and coordinated execution of the processes, District Filming Coordination Units will be established in each district, chaired by the district governor, and consisting of at least three members from the metropolitan municipality, the district municipality, and relevant institutions. All details regarding the Film Filming Implementation Guidelines can be accessed on the official websites of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Istanbul Governorship.