Welcome to Film Cambridgeshire.
Welcome to Film Cambridgeshire.
Below we have created guidance for students and amateur filmmakers looking to film projects across the county.
Filming in Cambridgeshire for student and low-budget productions is generally welcomed, but permissions vary depending on location, scale, and the authority responsible for the site. In Cambridge city, filmmakers usually do not require a formal filming licence for council-owned outdoor spaces, but Cambridge City Council requests advance notification through a statement of intent, along with risk assessments and proof of insurance. If filming involves roads, pavements, traffic management, or public rights of way, separate approval must be obtained from Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highway Events Team. County highways typically require a minimum of six weeks’ notice, with up to twelve weeks needed for traffic management or road control.
For Peterborough, all student productions filming on council-managed land should contact Film Peterborough directly. Small shoots may be approved with short notice, but more complex productions involving larger crews, specialist equipment, stunts, or public disruption require permits, risk documentation, and council liaison. Productions must also seek direct permission from private landowners, colleges, businesses, river authorities, or other stakeholders where relevant.
Across Cambridgeshire, productions must notify Cambridgeshire Constabulary in advance when filming includes replica weapons, emergency service uniforms or vehicles, scenes of violence, stunts, nudity visible to the public, or any activity that may create public safety concerns. Failure to secure correct permissions may result in filming being halted.
'Film Cambridgeshire' is not held liable for any policy changes made by local authorities and advises you to check with all legislative requirements before proceeding with a shoot.
Productions have a responsibility to minimise disruption to local communities. If filming is likely to affect nearby residents, businesses, public access, or parking, filmmakers should provide written notice—usually at least seven days in advance—detailing filming dates, times, contact information, and potential impacts.
Letter drops are especially important for:
Filmmakers should maintain clear access to businesses, avoid obstructing pavements or entrances, and remain respectful of the local environment. Community goodwill is essential, particularly in busy heritage locations such as Cambridge city centre or residential areas. Copies of public notification letters may be required by local film offices.
Public liability insurance is mandatory for most organised filming on public land throughout Cambridgeshire and is advisable where access by the general public is usually permitted.
Recommended minimum cover:
Students are often covered under university or college insurance policies, but productions must confirm this directly with their institution and ensure documentation is available on request.
Additional insurance may be necessary for:
No public filming should proceed without valid insurance documentation and supporting safety paperwork.
A comprehensive risk assessment is a core requirement for nearly all public filming applications in Cambridgeshire. Risk assessments should cover:
Traffic management plans are mandatory where public highways are affected. Productions should also comply with Health and Safety Executive guidance for audiovisual production.
Fees depend on the scale of production, location, and required council resources.
Typical guidance:
Film offices aim to support educational filmmaking, but costs rise substantially when productions create disruption or require council resources. Early communication with the relevant authority can help reduce expenses.
Journalism, documentary, and still photography students working in Cambridgeshire may benefit from simplified permissions in some public spaces, but exemptions are limited and depend on the nature of the activity. Small-scale editorial or academic shoots using handheld cameras or basic photography equipment in public areas may not require full filming permits, provided they do not obstruct the public highway, create safety concerns, or involve larger crews.
Students should still notify the relevant authority when filming or photographing:
Photography and journalism students must also comply with:
While newsgathering is generally treated differently from commercial filmmaking, educational projects should always verify requirements with Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, or private site owners before proceeding. Student ID should be carried at all times while filming or photographing in public spaces.
Useful contacts and resources for student and low-budget filmmakers in Cambridgeshire include:
Before filming, students should always confirm current local regulations and codes of practices directly with the relevant authority, as council policies, fees, and operational requirements may change.
Film Cambridgeshire supports students who wish to carry our their film projects in a sustainable way. A code of best practice for sustainable filmmaking can be found here.