We are a film friendly authority with great locations for all types of productions. The past year or so has seen more new and returning dramas to be filmed in Bolton. Talamasca, Missing You, Funny Woman 2, A Gentleman in Moscow, Passenger, Fool Me Once, The Power of Parker, Sleepover, Cobra and Coronation Street to name but a few. These all come on the back of the likes of Peaky Blinders, It's a Sin, Nolly, Brassic, The Ipcress File, The Full Monty, Alma's Not Normal, Red Rose and we have also seen Sylvestor Stallone running up our town hall steps. You will recognise some of our iconic architecture, outstanding countryside and green spaces but we also have fabulous internal spaces such as court rooms, cells, former retail units and office space to offer as filming locations.
To enquire about filming on Bolton Council land please email marketingeventsteam@bolton.gov.uk We are a very small team and so our response time to filming requests can take upto 10 working days. Longer lead in times also need to be factored in particulary for High-End TV filming. If you do get in touch please ensure you are as specific as possible about the location you wish to film and the dates. Please give as much information as you can i.e. crew size and where your filming will be broadcast. If we need to come back to request more information this may delay the turnaround time.
You must ensure your location is available and that you have permission to film before setting your filming date(s).
We can arrange to attend recces and tech recces, work with location managers and other key production team members to ensure they have all the information about the location to hand. So whether you need locations for productions, commercials, permission to use Council land for small scale filming or are just looking for GV's, Voxpops, Library or Museum items (for filming purposes only), student filming or corporate promotions please enquire as below.
As a minimum we require a copy of your public liability insurance (£10million cover level minimum) and Risk Assessment before any filming will be granted permission.
For news broadcasts whether pre-recorded or live OB's, this is separate to our filming facilitation service and all such requests need to be emailed to pressoffice@bolton.gov.uk or visit our news media page.
The filming in England website is a fantastic resource for every type of production. www.filminginengland.co.uk
Road Closures for Filming
If you are seeking to close a road then this can require upto 12 weeks lead in time. You will need to apply for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) from the Councils Highways Department. Recces with Bolton Council must take place before any TRO is applied for. The details and cost can be found here - https://www.bolton.gov.uk/roads-pavements/road-closures-restrictions
Usage of Drones for Filming
Bolton Council does not have its own policy on the usage of Drones for any purpose. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the airspace and as such all regulations and guidance can be found at https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/ and https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/
However should you require to use a Drone for the purposes of TV/Movie or Corporate filming on Bolton Council land, specifically the taking off/landing of the drone then you must engage with Bolton Council. Advanced planning and liaison must take place with the CAA (where applicable), Bolton Council and any other stakeholders.
All documentation to be submitted no later than 7 working days before the filming day.
Such documentation could include, but is not limited to:
- proof of CAA approval to use the airspace (if applicable),
- take-off and landing zone plans (if Council land),
- flight paths, people management and traffic management plans (if applicable),
- copy of the drone pilots certification,
- PL insurance of £10million minimum. A Risk Assessment may also be required depandant on the weight of the drone. Charges may also apply.
If you are looking to use a Drone to carry out a site survey to assess building works for example, this is dealt with separately to this filming facilitation service and the contact email is CPS_ClientTeam@bolton.gov.uk.
We cannot offer advice on the flying of drones for purposes which are not in relation to TV/movie or corporate filming and would advise contacting the CAA as above.
Filming in the Rivington area
If you are looking to film in the Rivington area, the pike, gardens, or Winter Hill mast, unfortunately these locations are not in Bolton. Your liaison may need to be with Chorley Council, United Utilities or Rivington Terraced Gardens.
The Jumbles reservoir is also looked after by United Utilities.