How we make your video/Plan/Locations and permits

Plan · Guide 5 of 13

Choosing a filming location (and when you need a permit)

The short answer

Most corporate videos are filmed where the work happens: your office, site, clinic or factory. That is usually the most believable backdrop and needs no permit. When the concept calls for something else, we find the right location with you. Filming on streets or in parks may need a council permit, and shoots further afield add travel time. We plan all of this before the shoot so the day runs smoothly.

The WVFRM team·Updated 3 November 2026·5 min read

WVFRM crew filming on location at a client workplace

Plan1 · Video brief 2 · Scripting 3 · Storyboarding 4 · Interview prep 5 · Locations

→Film6–8→Finish9–13

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Guide 5 of 13

Your workplace

Filming where your people actually work shows viewers the real thing. We look for three things, then check them in person.

A quiet room for interviews

With some depth behind the person and as little background noise as possible.

Places where the work is visible

For supporting footage: a production line, a meeting, a site walk.

Practical access

Parking, loading, lifts and any site induction or safety requirements.

A site visit with you

As part of pre-production, we visit each location with you to confirm the shot list, so there are no surprises on the day.

A studio

Hired near Fitzroy

When a workplace is too busy, too small or not the right look, a studio gives full control over light and sound. We hire a studio close to our Fitzroy office, chosen to suit the type of shoot.

Public places and permits

Filming on streets, in parks or in other public spaces may need a permit from the local council, especially with a crew, lights or a tripod. Permits can take time to approve and some carry a fee.

If your video needs a public location, we arrange the permit for you as part of pre-production and build the approval time into the schedule.

Regional, interstate and overseas shoots

We are based in Fitzroy and regularly film outside Melbourne. For Toyota we filmed in regional Western Australia, and for Jerome Clothiers we filmed inside a working factory in Dalian, China, with less than 24 hours on the ground. Travel time and, for longer trips, accommodation are listed separately in your quote.

Example: Jerome Clothiers

The Jerome Clothiers shoot shows how much planning matters when time on location is short.

With under 24 hours in a working factory in Dalian, the plan had to be locked before we travelled.

Read the case study

What we need from you

The address of each location and a contact on site

A few photos of the rooms or areas you have in mind

Parking and building access details

Any site induction, safety or security requirements

Permission to film from the venue owner, if it is not your building

FAQ

Locations and permits FAQs

Still have a question? Talk to our team

Do we need a permit to film at our office?

No, not on your own premises. You may need building management's approval for shared spaces such as foyers or car parks.

Do we need a permit to film on a Melbourne street?

Often, yes. Councils usually require a permit for filming in public places, especially with a crew and equipment. We check this when we plan the shoot and arrange the permit for you.

Can you film in more than one location in a day?

Yes, but each move adds pack-down, travel and set-up time. Two locations close together are much more efficient than three across town.

Do you film outside Melbourne?

Yes. We film across Victoria, interstate and overseas. Travel and accommodation are quoted separately.

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