The City of Cape Town has implemented a new policy for the film industry to strike a balance between growing the industry’s profitability while minimising the headache of shoots on the doorsteps of private residents and businesses.
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The City also placed a freeze on all safety and security tariffs for the 2022/23 financial year, which included the costs for traffic services, metro police and law enforcement, to “assist the industry” to recover post-COVID-19.
According to Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith, 4,221 permits were issued by the Film Permit Office and none had been issued yet for 2023.
“The (new) policy, which comes into effect immediately following Council approval, will guide how the City of Cape Town works with role-players to build a film industry that contributes to City objectives, such as economic growth, job creation and social inclusivity,” he said.
“It will also give direction to the regulation process which will be detailed in the review of the Film By-Law.”
“The City wants to develop a well-resourced Film Office to promote Cape Town as a competitive film business destination, improving the film permitting and facilitation of services offered.”
The CoCT might also establish a film fund, in terms of the policy, in order to provide support and discounts to the industry.
The CBD, Grand Parade, Lion’s Head, Artscape Theatre, St George’s Mall and Bo-Kaap are among the most popular locations for film shoots in the city.
Speaking to the Weekend Argus, Chairperson of the Bo-Kaap Civic Association, Osman Shaboodien, said that the organisation welcomed the economic contribution that the film industry made to the city despite the inconvenience it posed to some.
“It’s not a bad thing at all. But it’s a catch-22 situation,” Shaboodien said. “Economic benefits should also be used to uplift communities and address the legacies of the spatial inequalities. I don’t think jobs should come at all costs. We need to strike an acceptable balance.“
Smith added that the City was working hard to “regain” the ground lost during COVID-19.
“Already the permit applications this year prove that film-makers and international clients are still interested in filming in Cape Town.”
“With some of the best expertise in the world, together with our excellent locations and world-class infrastructure and the ability to make any production happen, Cape Town is set to retain its reputation as a global filming destination,” he added.
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