SCFC is constantly in direct contact with numerous public and private entities with which it has, or soon will have, an agreement enabling filming inside their buildings or on their premises. Our office is also responsible for obtaining the corresponding permits and negotiating their free use for filming or a discounted filming fee.
TRAINS AND TRAIN STATIONS
In relation to projects featuring train scenes or train stations, in addition to the corresponding forms, it is necessary to prepare a letter explaining the production details. SCFC is responsible for processing the corresponding permits. The filming fees established by the RENFE train company vary depending on the type of station, the occupation time and the project’s complexity. Permits are issued directly by the competent organisms. In this type of filming it is important to remember that, due to current legislation regarding image rights, filming is not allowed on trains with passengers. Therefore, in order to film such scenes, it is necessary to rent a carriage for the team’s exclusive use and have extras as passengers.
HOSPITALS
Since filming operations often disturb patients’ rest and welfare, hospitals are becoming increasingly reluctant to authorise the filming of audiovisual projects on their premises. However, depending on each particular case, certain exceptions may be possible, as long as the production company complies with the conditions previously established by the hospital management. Such conditions are not always the same and may vary according to the hospital’s situation.
UNIVERSITY
SCFC has always had a close relationship with the University of Santiago de Compostela, which played an especially active role in its creation. Therefore, although it is necessary to consult the University’s teaching calendar before filming on its premises (and ascertain whether filming is possible without interrupting its normal activities), SCFC is the perfect intermediary for streamlining the applications and negotiating the permits. However, those in charge of the corresponding institution are the ones that establish the regulations and issue the permits.
AIRPORT
In order to film on the premises of Santiago’s Lavacolla International Airport, prior authorisation is required from the airport management. To that end, a report should be sent with details of the scenes to be shot, including the number of people, the technical equipment, the planned duration of filming, etc. The airport management is responsible for analysing and authorising the applications, applying the respective fees:
There is a 300% surcharge for filming or recording on the runway or platform, which is always subject to the airport’s operational availability. Any filming of aircraft requires authorisation from the corresponding airline. When filming involves the use of other services, supplies or consumptions, these will be charged separately..
MUNICIPAL CEMETERIES
SCFC is responsible for obtaining permission for filming in the Boisaca municipal cemetery. The concessionary company “Pompas Fúnebres Reunidas S.A.” is, however, the one that issues such permits. It is absolutely forbidden to film inside funeral parlours or municipal funeral chambers.
In Santiago there are also several private cemeteries belonging to churches, such as that of San Francisco or San Domingos de Bonaval. Obtaining authorisation in these cases involves the same procedure as the one for filming in cathedrals, churches or other religious centres.
CATHEDRALS, CHURCHES AND OTHER RELIGIOUS CENTRES
Permission is required from the Archbishopric in order to film inside Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, inside any church or any other (Catholic) religious centres in the city; authorisation is granted or refused after a copy of the script has been received and analysed. SCFC serves as an intermediary between the Church and production companies, and likewise offers advice to the latter according to each production’s particular needs.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
SCFC has an extensive directory of private property owners willing to authorise filming on their property. Our office assumes the function of interlocutor between the producers and owners, negotiating reductions in the occupation fees.