Ireland is a film-friendly country. Over the previous two decades, our film, television, and animation sector has received constant government support and has grown into a global success story.
Guide to Filmmaking in Ireland / Wicklow
Filming
When filming in Ireland, we recommend that you hire a competent Location Manager. They’ll assist you in locating and securing suitable venues, obtaining the necessary fire, Garda, and other regulatory permissions, and coordinating the logistics of your production. They’ll also be an excellent source of local information.
You’ll need the landowner’s permission and approval if you’re shooting on private property. Prior to filming, it is standard procedure to have a site agreement signed by both the Production Company and the owner. Insurances that are appropriate for the situation should also be in place.
If you want to shoot in a public space, you must first get the necessary permits from the relevant local authority or any other entity in charge of such areas. All information about filming on the street or in a public location should be notified to An Garda Síochána by the production firm. This includes any re-enactment of crimes, accidents, or the use of guns and special effects if the situation warrants it.
The production company should make sure that everyone who may be affected by the filming is consulted and told about the plans ahead of time.
When filming on location, it will be necessary to have members of An Garda Síochána in attendance to guarantee effective traffic control. A Site Manager or other designated crew member must contact the Gardai and the local council, who will advise on the necessity for Garda support at any specific film location.
Garda officers dispatched through the Office of the AGS are always directed by Garda Management, not by the production company that sought Garda help. The production firm will be responsible for any non-public duty Garda charges. The Office of the AGS can provide details on all charges upon request.
Road Closures
If you need to divert traffic from a road or need the road cleared for a scene, you should apply for a road closure.
Road closure applications should be provided at least 8 weeks’ notice and must be supported by a Traffic Management Plan. Please seek guidance from the Screen Wicklow office.
Health & Safety
All Health and Safety legislation, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Health and Welfare at Work Act (Construction) 2013, the Health and Welfare at Work Act (General) 2007, and the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003, must be followed by the Producer.
At all times, the cast, crew, and general public’s health and safety must be ensured. It is the production company’s obligation to ensure that safety requirements are met at all times, and filming should be halted immediately if it is hazardous to continue.
On-site crew workers and production professionals must dress appropriately for their activities and responsibilities.
Aerial filming
The Irish Aviation Authority must receive flight requests and permission applications, and the procedure might take up to three weeks. Information on permitting can be found on the IAA website here: https://www.iaa.ie/.
Drone Use
Drones weighing more than one kilogram must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority. On the IAA’s website, you will find a list of registered drone operators, as well as other relevant information on using drones for filming.
Water
Ahead of any planned water filming, including rivers, lakes, sea or coastlines, please seek guidance from the Screen Wicklow office.
Climate in Ireland
The dominant influence on Ireland’s climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude.
The warm North Atlantic Drift has a marked influence on sea temperatures. This maritime influence is strongest near the Atlantic coasts and decreases with distance inland.
The hills and mountains, many of which are near the coasts, provide shelter from strong winds and from the direct oceanic influence.
Winters tend to be cool and windy, while summers, when the depression track is further north and depressions less deep, are mostly mild and less windy.
Get the latest weather forecast for Wicklow from Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service here: https://www.met.ie/weather-forecast/wicklow.
Sustainable Filmmaking
Screen Ireland is dedicated to environmental aims and can now provide carbon calculations and Albert certification to projects filming in Ireland.
Social sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability are the three pillars of sustainability.
Social in film relates to the health and wellbeing of cast and crew. Heating/lighting and ventilation of workspaces is just as important as professional development, fair work practice and social inclusion.
Economic Sustainability in the film sector would include the continuity of work, the empowering and support of indigenous Film businesses and the circular support of the communities we work within.
For many, Environmental Sustainability is the most pressing. The process of filmmaking can, on one hand, provide an incredible boost to a local economy but on the other it consumes so much ‘energy’ over its life cycle, that it has the potential to have a negative environmental impact. ‘A single film technician typically generates up to 2.5 tonnes of carbon on an eight-week shoot, or 32 tonnes per year.’ Melanie Dicks 2009 Nurturing the Greenshoots of sustainable filming | Sponsored | Broadcast (broadcastnow.co.uk)
Managing Sustainability for your production
Communicate, Measure, and Act are the three phases to managing your production’s sustainability.
Communicate
Encourage your team or crew to make sustainable decisions.
Simple signage at waste collection points around the office/stage/workshop/location site can be effective in encouraging and reminding crew to separate their waste appropriately.
You can download key labels/signs for your production office here: https://www.wastesolutions.ie/about-us/labelling-signage and sustainable production office infographic here: https://www.greenproductionguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sustainable-Production-Infographics_GPG.pdf.
Measure
Use the Carbon Calculator to take control of your carbon impact. Sign up for Albert and use the tool to anticipate your CO2 emissions during pre-production. Create a production plan and establish goals for yourself; then commit to making the adjustments and putting on your show.
Action
Always keep the five ‘R's' in mind:
- Reduce your energy use and your usage of hazardous products.
- Recycle – Recycle, sort, and manage garbage.
- Reuse - wherever possible, reuse
- Take responsibility for your actions.
- Consider alternate energy/material sources when rethinking. Create items that may be reused or repurposed - Be creative
