What is the Barcelona Film Commission (BFC)?

The Barcelona Film Commission is the service that the Barcelona’s City Council offers to the audiovisual industry in order to help the shootings in our city.

It’s a public and free service with personal, telephone and online assistance through the website www.barcelonafilmcommission.com.

What services does the BFC provide for producers?

We act as intermediaries between the producers that wish to film in the city and the municipal departments that manage the City Council locations, providing information about the conditions for filming and the possibilities that each location can offer. If needed, we can also intermediate with privately owned landmark buildings of the city.

Is the BFC a profit-making organisation?

No, the Barcelona Film Commission is a municipal service operating within the framework of the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB).

What do I need in order to shoot in Barcelona?

To film or hold a photo shoot in the public spaces of the city of Barcelona, or to indirectly affect any public space (such as placing material, blocking passage, reserving space, etc.) for the purpose of filming or a photo shoot, an authorization is always required.
It is essential to request this authorization from the entity responsible for managing each space. Check the "Shooting with Us > In Barcelona" section of this website for more information.

How much will it cost to process my shooting permits through the BFC?

Nothing. The BFC processes shooting permits free of charge.

What is the procedure for shooting in the rest of Catalonia?

The Catalunya Film Commisison can make enquiries and initial approaches to the place or places where you want to shoot. Nevertheless, you have to apply directly to the organisations in charge of shoots in the location itself. Each local authority establishes its own rules and conditions regarding occupation and use of the public thoroughfare and other public spaces. In case of difficulties, the CFC can help to coordinate applications for permits.

How much does it cost to shoot in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, municipal regulations set specific rules for the occupation of public roads, parks, gardens, and other municipal spaces, with fees that are reviewed annually.
For public road permits, there is a processing fee.
You can find the updated prices for each case in the "Shooting with Us > In Barcelona" section of this website.
The regulations also define cases that are exempt from paying the fees, which can be consulted here, and cases where you can request a 90% reduction of the fee for occupying public roads and parks and gardens (more information here).

How can I apply for shooting permits in Barcelona through the Barcelona Film Commission?

To film in Barcelona, you need to complete the Production Registration and Barcelona Location request forms. The first is a form to gather general details about the production and the producer, and the space requests are forms depending on the type of permit needed.
The procedure for managing permits varies depending on the type of space (public road, parks, markets, etc.).
All these forms and additional information can be found in the "Shooting with Us > In Barcelona" section.

Who pays for filming services?

Production companies are responsible for filming services such as the need for city police officers, the fire brigade or medical staff, cleaning services or supplies of all kinds, for example water or electricity. The cost of these services, established in an estimate or according to municipal ordinances, must be paid in accordance with to the terms and conditions established by each department.

Does the BFC also process permits for advertising productions?

Advertising usually works with very short time periods and production companies generally departments and entities directly to obtain permits faster.

Can the Film Commission team act as a film location scout?

No. The Barcelona Film Commission can advise location scouts to facilitate their work. For example, we can provide information on the feasibility of filming in public spaces, as well as point out the pros and cons of potential locations and suggest alternative places. On the office website, there is a useful and extensive database of public (Location Directory) and private locations throughout Catalonia, as well as contacts and references for professional location scouts (Professional Directory).

Does the production company have to insure the shoot?

All productions must have civil liability insurance that covers their own risks. Civil liability insurance covers any possible damages that people working on a production may cause to third parties. Insurance must cover the whole period from the start of production to the end of postproduction, and is compulsory on most shoots. In certain cases - complex shoots or filming at special locations - the body managing the site may require other kinds of insurance or guarantees.

Does the Barcelona Film Commission have a job vacancies section?

No, but the BFC website has two directories: one for companies (Company Directory) and one for professionals (Professional Directory), where they can register for free and share their services and contact details. This platform is designed to make it easier for anyone looking for a company or professional in the sector in Barcelona and Catalonia.

Does the Barcelona Film Commission own film sets?

The BFC does not own studios. On this same website, under the "Location Directory" section, you can find a full list of studios available in Barcelona and Catalonia.

In the case of foreign productions, does the office handle travel and accommodation for production teams?

The BFC does not provide a booking service or payment for travel or accommodation for production companies, although can provide information and advice about such arrangements.

However, we recommend to hire a local fixer in order to arrange all this in our city. Check our Company Directory) and Professional Directory.