EN

Actress Emma Thompson with camera crew during the filming of „Alone in Berlin"

Your Partner for Filming in Görlitz

We support film teams from around the world – personally, efficiently, and with a clear understanding of the region’s unique strengths. From scouting to connecting with regional partners, we guide productions through every phase and create the conditions where creative visions become reality.

For international productions, we also facilitate connections to the Saxon Film Academy (emerging talent, trainees, departments) and MDM, the regional funding body providing guidance and financial support for film projects.


Filming Permits

 

For filming activities in public areas within the city of Görlitz, a filming permit is required in most cases. The Filmbüro Görlitz supports international teams in submitting their applications quickly and efficiently.

When do I need a permit?

A permit is required for:

Filming on public streets, squares, and sidewalks
Any impact on traffic (no‑parking zones, closures, diversions)
Larger crews or technical setups
Drone flights within the city area
Night shoots involving lighting
Disturbing noises / increased noise levels

For private or very small filming activities, a simplified coordination may be sufficient in individual cases.


Responsible Authorities

The following institutions cooperate in Görlitz:

Road Traffic Department / City Administration Görlitz – general filming permits, no‑parking zones
Police / Traffic Authority – traffic measures, closures
Aviation Authority of Saxony – drone flights

The Filmbüro coordinates contacts and accompanies the process.


How does the application process work?

1. Provide project information
Details required include:

Filming locations
Dates and times
Site plans for each location indicating:areas to be used
driving routes for film vehicles
parking/holding areas for team and technical vehicles
any structures in public space (e.g., lighting, dolly tracks, props, etc.)
no‑parking zones
planned road closures
If applicable: shooting schedule and signage/diversion plans

2. Review by the city and authorities

3. Coordination meeting
With the responsible departments.

4. Approval / Permit notice
The city issues a written filming permit.

5. Filming
If required, the Filmbüro provides coordination support and local contacts.


Processing Time & Fees

 

Please submit your application at least 14 days before the planned use of public space.

Fees depend on the complexity, location, and type of filming.
They are based on the time required to issue the permit and currently amount to 25.00 EUR per started 30 minutes. In most cases, the administrative fee does not exceed 50.00 EUR.

Additional special-use fees apply for the use of public traffic areas.
Their amount is defined in Annex 1 of the Special Use Statute of the City of Görlitz.


Our Service for Productions

The Filmbüro Görlitz supports you with:

Initial consultation on permits
Contact coordination with authorities & responsible departments
Scouting & location information for your permit application
Support with traffic measures
Set wall rental
Advice on safety requirements
For international teams, support is available in German and English.


Further Information

Current information about the production location Görlitz (e.g., accessibility, energy, water/wastewater, waste disposal) can be found in the handout of the Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (MDM).

[Services for Productions]