Filming guidance

Carrying Out Activities on Landmarc Managed (MOD) Property

Please bear in mind that Defence is our core business and this takes priority over all activities we run on MOD locations. If a site is unavailable due to operational requirements we will endeavour to find an alternative site.

We will require proof of your Public Liability Insurance and you will also be required to submit a Risk Assessment to cover the filming activity. Without these documents we will not be able to issue a licence for the filming activity so it is imperative that these documents are submitted as soon as possible.

In line with current Government aims to reduce smoking levels across the UK, from the 1st of January 2023 smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) is not permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment, which is the entire Defence estate by default. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. Use of e-cigarettes are restricted to designated ‘vaping’ areas.

Please be aware; if your filming proposal includes the building of a ‘temporary structure’ such as a set, you will need to discuss with the relevant planning authority if planning permission will be necessary. If it is then construction cannot commence before this planning permission is received so please factor in the additional time required in order to complete the planning process. Planning permission may also be required if the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is recommended that location managers check their filming proposals with the relevant local council at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid any delays later on in the process. The council will confirm if planning permission is required or not. Natural England will have to give their permission for any filming on SSSI sites. If any of the proposed filming is to take place on land designated ‘Common Land’ under the Commons Act of 2006, then you may have to apply for permission under Section 38 of the Act. Please check the guidance by clicking on the link:

 Filming on MOD Training Estate Information Pack

Filming on MOD Land

If the request contains any military content it will have to be cleared by our PR Department so please factor in some extra time for these types of requests. Depiction of actual MOD sites by name is not allowed.

If you have found a specific site or sites on the website that you are interested in visiting, please list them on the Location Application Form.

When requesting to film on MOD land you can help by giving us as much notice as possible – typically 10 working days is the minimum required. You should also provide as much information as possible as to the nature of the filming activity in order to avoid delays later on in the process. As stated above; proof of Public Liability Insurance and Risk Assessments should be submitted as soon as possible. To apply to use a location, please use the application form:

Filming Application Form

Attach this to an email and send it to:  [email protected]