Filming

“Filming” means the staging, shooting, filming, videotaping, photographing, or other similar process, including the use of land, air or sea mechanical devices, associated for and with the making of still photographs, motion pictures, television programs, commercials and promotional content, videos, and nontheatrical film productions for non-profit or for-profit organizations.

Interested in Filming in the Town of Bourne? 

Submit a Use of Town Property Application.

Filming Procedures

1. Any and all filming meeting the definition set forth in these procedures proposing to use any private or public property within the boundaries of the Town of Bourne including private or public ways, harbors, marinas, conservation and recreational properties, and private properties not under the jurisdiction and/or ownership of the Town of Bourne must submit an film permit application at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance to the Town Administration office, and receive approval from the Select Board prior to commencing work on site in Town.
2. Productions requiring roadway closures or police details must submit a film permit application at least sixty (60) days in advance.
3. Required fees and ancillary enhancement permits associated with the production must be approved prior to filming.
4. For productions involving the use of, or impacting upon public property, traffic flow, pedestrian movement, local business impacts, school zones, public facilities, parks, sidewalks, street areas, beaches, marinas or harbors must include a site plan and traffic plan with the film permit application.
5. Any activities which result in adverse impacts to adjacent neighborhoods from, but not limited to, night shooting between the hours of 11:00pm to 6:00am, the use of explosions, noise from firearms, bullhorns, pyrotechnics, car chases, sirens, lighting apparatus, after hour filming, parking, and obstruction of public access, etc., must be detailed in a written safety plan reviewed and approved by the Police and Fire Chiefs, the Director of Public Works, the Building Commissioner, and the Director of Natural Resources and Conservation Agent (if in an environmental sensitive area). Written safety sign offs must be included with the film permit application and approved by the Select Board prior to commencing work on site.
6. Filming may be a First Amendment protected activity. While these procedures takes such protections into account, scenarios and situations may arise where deviations could be required/allowed by law. Before staff regulates the related filming provisions within these procedures, guidance should be sought from the Administration Office.
7. PERMIT EXEMPTIONS:

1. Credentialed members of the media such as reporters, photographers or cameramen in the employment of a newspaper, news service, radio or television broadcasting station, or similar entity engaged in on the spot broadcasting, reporting or photographing of news of general public are exempt from this section.
2. 1^st Amendment Events and Auditors
3. Private social events (i.e. weddings)
4. Wedding and Family Portraits.
5. Amateur photographers and tourists.

Have questions, or need guidance? 

Submit an inquiry form.