What can Cornwall offer in terms of landscape and environment?

From wild moorlands and ancient mystical forests to craggy coastlines that tumble into the pounding surf of the Atlantic or slope gently from rolling hills into charming coves, our natural resources are incredibly diverse. So is our architecture. As a former industrial heartland, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly still boast heritage houses and remnants of a triumphant tin-mining past. But as time has gone by, dynamic contemporary architecture and modern industrial sites have sprung up, providing an abundance of location choices.

Does Cornwall have Film Studios? 

Cornwall is not currently home to any film studios; our nearest studio is in Bristol.  As an alternative we use converted farm buildings frequently, such as Roscarrock Farm which has been kitted out as studios for the purposes of making ITV’s Doc Martin, and similar was achieved for ITV’s The Trouble with Maggie Cole. We work with numerous landowners as well as Cornwall Council and therefore we have a wide range of unused industrial buildings at our fingertips which can be converted into pop-up studios when and where there is demand. Get in touch with us to discuss what you’re looking for.

Who are the main landowners in Cornwall and who do I need to contact to seek permission to film?

Our main landowners are Cornwall Council, The Duchy of Cornwall and the National Trust but we also have a wealth of private owners whose estates offer a diverse range of locations.  Screen Cornwall is happy to connect you to relevant landowners for your production needs. 

How do I get permission to film?

If you know where you would like to film on Cornwall Council-owned land and you would like to make an application, please do so here. If you would like to seek permission to film on land/property within our region which is not owned by Cornwall Council, you will need to seek permission separately. Screen Cornwall is happy to assist you in seeking ownership and permission. 

Do you offer location finding services?

Screen Cornwall is a central hub for information, we aim to facilitate productions by sharing our detailed knowledge about filming within our region. We maintain a locations database and continually build our network of film-friendly landowners and locations. We’re more than happy to connect you to location or landowner and furthermore, we can also suggest one of our talented local location managers.

What are the lead times like?

Lead times are proportional to the size of the production and crew and we’ll endeavour to be as responsive to your needs as possible. Please bear in mind that road closures have a standard processing time of 12 weeks

Can I hire crew locally?

Screen Cornwall maintains a crew database with a multitude of early-career, emerging, experienced and expert crew members across the entire production sector. We also have a large network of industry professionals and partner organisations through which to put out an open call. Get in touch with us to search our database or to advertise a vacancy. 

What accommodation is available?  

Screen Cornwall maintains a production services database. Please contact us and we can suggest suitable accommodation for your needs. We work in partnership with Visit Cornwall, our tourist board, and may be able to suggest out of season holiday accommodation. 

Can I shoot over the busy summer period? 
Many productions do shoot over our busy summer period! That being said, permissions to do so would be dependent on the type and size of your crew. Traffic and travelling around Cornwall during this time can be more challenging, there may also be limitations on the type and quantity of accommodation available. Planning as far in advance as possible is advised.

Can I film on SSSI land? 

A large proportion of Cornwall’s natural assets are classed as SSSI and therefore filming permission can be granted, however there may be additional conditions to help protect nature and wildlife. 

What do I need to know about filming on Cornwall’s beaches?

Please be wary of the changing tide. The tides are far from predictable and do not come in and out evenly. You can keep up to date with tide times by visiting Surf Line or Surf-Reports. Please also note that if the beach is patrolled, then the lifeguards must be informed before filming takes place. If you plan to film on water, please also inform the coastguard when and where you plan to do so.

If you are interested in filming during low tide, the entire foreshore is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and therefore you must seek permission separately. Carparks and access roads are also often owned by different landowners within Cornwall and therefore it is likely you will be required to seek multiple permissions.

What do I need to consider in terms of environmental impact? 

Here’s our practical suggestion for keeping your environmental impact in-check: 
·         Use a carbon calculator to help you to identify areas where you can reduce your carbon. footprint, and where you could be saving time and money on your production.
·         Reuse items and invest in energy efficient or recyclable products.
·         Source crew, tradesmen and supplies locally.
·         Investigate and employ the use of renewable energy for powering equipment on location.
·         Use natural light, cold water and outside air where it is available and appropriate.
·         Promote car sharing, using public transport and cycling to and from set.
·        Recycle unwanted items and materials and dispose of waste in a responsible way.
·         Leave the location how you found it or in a better state.
·         Engage with other production companies on strategies and ideas which further promote sustainable practices.

For detailed sustainable production practices and a carbon calculator, please see: Albert.

I am working on both sides of the Devon/Cornwall border, what should I know? 

We welcome productions which shoot on both sides of the Devon/Cornwall border. Through our partnership with Creative England, we work closely with Plymouth City Council. We list locations, production services and crew from both sides of the border on our databases.  Please note that you must use the Tamar bridge to cross between Devon and Cornwall which can frequently become very congested.