Istanbul introduces new rules for film and TV productions

The “Film Shooting Implementation Guidelines,” aimed at making film and TV series production processes in Istanbul more orderly, predictable, and compatible with the city, have entered into force.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, the implementation guidelines prepared under the leadership of the General Directorate of Cinema and the Istanbul Governor’s Office—based on input from relevant public institutions, local administrations, and sector representatives—aim to ensure that film and television productions in Istanbul are carried out in a more planned and professional manner, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The regulation introduced in Istanbul, one of Türkiye’s and the world’s most important open-air film sets, seeks to protect urban life, accelerate operational processes in the sector, and ensure that filming activities are conducted within clear rules.

With the new system, Istanbul residents are expected to benefit from a framework that minimizes disruption to daily life and provides prior notification about filming activities.

At the same time, domestic and international production teams will be able to conduct filming more comfortably and systematically thanks to simplified procedures and transparent rules.

City divided into three zones

Under the regulation, Istanbul has been divided into three main filming zones based on traffic and population density. In the first zone, which includes high-density areas, filming will be allowed with a maximum of seven large vehicles, with working hours permitted until 00:00 in winter and 01:00 in summer.

In the second zone, filming will be allowed with up to 11 large vehicles, following the same working hours as the first zone. In the third zone, there will be no limit on the number of vehicles, and working hours will be applied more flexibly.

Additionally, designated night-shooting zones will allow filming between 23:00 and 06:00. A minimum distance of one kilometer will be required between different film sets operating on the same date.

Seven-day rule introduced for applications

Under the new guidelines, notifications and permit applications for filming in public areas must be submitted to the relevant local administrative authority at least seven days before the filming date.

Filming that affects traffic flow or requires road closures must also be reported within the same timeframe to the relevant district governor’s office and municipality.

The guidelines also include significant incentives and discounts aimed at reducing production costs. Projects supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as productions using three or fewer large vehicles on set, will pay only one-quarter of the standard fee.

No fees will be charged for shoots carried out with handheld equipment that do not occupy public space.

Environmental protection and respect for urban culture are also emphasized in the new framework. Residents in the surrounding area must be informed at least 24 hours before filming begins.

The regulation also prioritizes preventing the use of single-use plastics on sets, strict compliance with waste management rules, and maximum care to avoid damage to historical sites.

Strengthened oversight and coordination

To ensure effective and coordinated implementation, district-level filming coordination units of at least three members will be established in each district under the leadership of the district governor, with representatives from the metropolitan municipality, district municipality, and relevant institutions.

As reported by CE Report, all details regarding the Film Shooting Implementation Guidelines can be accessed on the official websites of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Istanbul Governor’s Office.