Letters of Notification

Notification letters (Sample Notification Letter) must be distributed to residents and business in the area in which filming activity will take place a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your arrival, including prep days and coning. This allows area residents and businesses the opportunity to respond.

Both sides of the street should be lettered where filming activity is taking place, or as otherwise instructed by Toronto Film, Television and Digital Office staff.

Toronto Film, Television and Digital Office staff must review and approve the letters before they are delivered to ensure that variances to the guidelines are clearly stated. E-mail letters to filmtoronto@toronto.ca (always indicate project title in subject line) with sufficient time to avoid delays.

The letter should:

• Identify the film company, type and title of production on film company letterhead
• Provide the name and phone number of the location manager and assistant location manager
• Provide the duration of filming (e.g. 1 day, 2 consecutive days, recurring location for [ x ] # of days over [ x ] # of months) and times (e.g. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
• State the proposed parking locations of the production unit, including street name, side of street, parameters etc.
• Include the date(s) and times that coning and/or production vehicles will arrive at the location, as well as wrap date and time
• Propose alternate parking arrangements for any parking permit holders who may be displaced by the production. It is up to the film company to find suitable alternative parking for residents.
• Detail any street dressing, gunfire or special effects
• Include the general contact information for the Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Office: filmtoronto@toronto.ca; 416-338-FILM (3456). Do not include contact information for individual staff of Toronto Film, Television and Digital Office.
• Include a link to the Filming Guidelines and the Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew.
• Include the following statement: To obtain further information regarding the guidelines for filming refer to the Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Office website www.toronto.ca/tfto

Timelines

Requesting Exemptions

In response to COVID-19, the City of Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Office has revised the filming approval/objection solicitation process to limit the physical interactions between film crews and residents. Film productions will no longer canvass door-to-door, but instead will notify the impacted residents about requests for activity in their neighborhood that is in excess of the street usage and/or time restrictions in the filming guidelines. The Have Your Say letter will be delivered to impacted residents, and the process is confidential and equitable, and allows residents to voice concerns, ask questions, or request accommodations. It ensures citizens are basing their response on accurate information, and is the sole means used to determine if permits can be issued. If you choose to object to the requested film guideline exemption(s), please contact filmtoronto@toronto.ca and the film production company.

Timeline Examples for Requesting Exemptions

Notes on Timelines

• Timelines above reflect the minimum amount of notice. Productions are able to adjust the above timelines to afford the neighborhood and production more time to plan. Please discuss dates with your film coordinator.
• Please plan ahead. The dates and times above reflect Film Office opening and closing hours and consultation with the neighborhood.
• Any changes to the above timelines will require the approval of the Film Commissioner.