VICTORIA
ALMG’s Victorian State Representatives
MEL DUNSTONE 0419 804 776
YUKI NAGASHIMA 0408 836 714
VICTORIA — Locations Overview
Capital City: Melbourne
Population (Greater Melbourne): approx. 5.3 million
Victoria is one of Australia’s most active and diverse screen production states, with locations that can convincingly double for Europe, North America, and a wide range of international and fictional settings. Melbourne in particular is renowned for its period European architecture, dense urban fabric, and highly experienced production workforce.
The state’s screen reputation is built on long-established crews, a deep production services ecosystem, strong post-production capability, and a mature approvals environment that supports high-end drama, feature films, commercials, and international productions. Victoria also offers competitive state incentives that can be combined with federal offsets, making it a key jurisdiction for both domestic and inbound production.
Victoria’s locations range from inner-city laneways and heritage precincts to coastal environments, regional towns, alpine areas, and expansive rural landscapes. The state has supported major international and local productions across film, television, and streaming platforms for decades.
Practical Considerations When Filming in Victoria
While Victoria offers exceptional location diversity, filming — particularly in Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs — requires careful planning.
Melbourne’s rapid population growth and urban densification have significantly reduced street parking in many areas. Councils, including the City of Melbourne, have prioritised bike lanes, outdoor dining, and green spaces, which can impact unit bases, parking holds, crew access, and equipment movement.
With Greater Melbourne’s population growing from approximately 4.9 million in 2019 to over 5.3 million, productions should factor in:
High pedestrian density
Busy retail and hospitality zones
Increased demand for overnight security
Traffic management and barricading requirements
Victoria has over 30 metropolitan councils, 12 regional councils, and multiple state agencies involved in filming approvals. Location Professionals must allow time for layered approvals, complex processes, and varying council interpretations of the Film Friendly Act.
For smaller commercials or lower-budget projects, it can be worth weighing whether an alternative council or regional location may better support the production’s needs.
Working with Councils & Agencies in Victoria
For larger productions with significant screen investment, early engagement and appropriate resourcing are critical. When filming in complex or tightly regulated council areas:
Increase locations and production support resources
Ensure requirements align with the Victorian Film Friendly framework
Engage early with VicScreen, particularly the Locations & Production Services team, for guidance and support
Agencies to Allow Extra Time For
Parks Victoria
Minimum 10 business days for simple permit applications
Up to 30 days for drone permits
Heritage and environmentally sensitive locations require longer lead times
No central point of contact — on-site ranger engagement often requires persistence
City of Yarra
Widely regarded as one of the least film-friendly councils
Limits of five parking bays per street
Detailed application scrutiny and frequent resubmissions
City of Stonnington
Generally cooperative but does not allow park holds
City of Boroondara
Allow 10–15 business days for permits
Does not allow park holds
Strong architectural appeal, but limited nearby unit base options for crews over 70
Councils Known for Faster Turnaround & Support
City of Moreland
Offers fast-tracked permits (additional fee may apply)
Approvals sometimes possible within 2–5 days
City of Port Phillip
Actively supports arts and screen production
City of Bayside
Highly film-friendly
Premium location costs should be factored into budgets
Studios
Docklands Studios Melbourne
ABC Studios Melbourne
State Screen Authority - Vicscreen
VicScreen is Victoria’s state screen agency, supporting production through funding, incentives, studio access, and practical production liaison services. The agency works closely with Location Professionals from early enquiry through to delivery and plays a key role in facilitating complex, high-impact, and international productions.
First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations — Victoria
Location Professionals working in Victoria must consider First Nations engagement, cultural heritage obligations and Country-specific protocols as an integral part of the location process.
Requirements vary depending on land status, council, state agency and Traditional Owner group. Filming on parks, waterways, coastal areas, regional land, reserves and culturally sensitive sites may trigger consultation, cultural heritage assessments or formal approvals under Victorian legislation.
Early and respectful engagement is essential. Location teams should allow adequate time for consultation processes, ensure the correct Traditional Owner groups are contacted, and follow any guidance provided regarding access, activity restrictions or cultural sensitivities.
Understanding when First Nations consultation is required — and who to speak with — is a core responsibility of Location Professionals working in Victoria, particularly on projects with regional, environmental or high-impact locations.
VICSCREEN
VicScreen is Victoria’s state screen agency, supporting Location Professionals with guidance on permits, public agency processes and film-friendly pathways across the state. They assist with complex approvals, council and agency liaison, and provide access to industry resources and location support tools to help productions move efficiently and compliantly.
Phone: 9660 3200
563 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
MAIN CONTACT: Dan Beck
Dan.Beck@vicscreen.vic.gov.au
Production Support & Locations Coordinator
T: + 61 3 9600 3262 M: +61 423 829 650
VICTORIA Resources
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Screen Australia
Screen Australia is the Australian Government’s national screen agency, supporting the development, production, promotion and distribution of Australian screen content across film, television, documentary, online and interactive platforms. They provide funding, industry research, market intelligence and administer key federal programs including the Producer Offset and Official Co-production Program, helping productions navigate national frameworks and build sustainable screen businesses.
Email: enquiries@screenaustralia.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 8113 5800
Address:
Level 7, 45 Murray Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Screen Australia’s Upcoming Productions listings and industry data are widely used as a national reference point, although listings are curated and may not reflect early-stage or confidential productions.
NATIONAL Resources
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