How to Film in Devon

Filming in Devon starts with a clear brief and an early conversation with Screen Devon. As the county's Film Office, we help productions identify locations, reach the right landowners and authorities, and connect with local crew and suppliers.

Devon offers coastlines, moorland, beaches, historic towns, cities and rural villages within one county. That variety is a major creative advantage, but each place brings its own access, ownership and practical considerations. Planning early makes the difference between an inspiring location and a workable one.

What do you need before filming in Devon?

The requirements depend on the location, landowner and activity involved. A landowner or authority will commonly ask for evidence of appropriate public liability insurance, a location-specific risk assessment and a clear health and safety plan. More complex shoots may also need traffic management, drone permissions, parking arrangements or consultation with residents and businesses.

Devon includes two National Parks, five National Landscapes, two World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Protected and sensitive landscapes can have additional access conditions, seasonal restrictions and environmental considerations, so allow enough time for the relevant organisations to review your plans.

Prepare a useful first brief

Before contacting Screen Devon, gather the essentials: proposed dates, crew size, vehicles, equipment, working hours, location requirements, public impact and any specialist activity. Include reference images or a visual brief where possible. You do not need to have every detail confirmed, but a clear starting point helps us identify the most useful route.

How do you find the right Devon filming location?

Start by separating creative requirements from practical constraints. Define what the location must communicate on screen, then consider access, unit base space, parking, power, sound, weather cover and travel time.

1. Define the visual brief. Describe the period, architecture, landscape, atmosphere and key sightlines the story needs.
2. Set the practical parameters. Include dates, crew scale, vehicles, equipment and any activity affecting roads or the public.
3. Explore Devon's location options. Review the Screen Devon location directory and share your brief with our team.
4. Shortlist realistically. Balance the creative fit with ownership, access, seasonality and local sensitivities.
5. Arrange a recce. Confirm technical and logistical details on site before making final commitments.

Screen Devon can use local knowledge and partner networks to suggest areas and contacts that may not be obvious from an online search alone.

How do filming permissions work in Devon?

Permission comes from whoever owns or manages the location. Private property requires the owner's agreement. Council land, beaches, harbours, parks and other public spaces may be managed by different organisations, each with its own process and lead times.

Road closures and filming on the highway require early contact with the relevant highways authority. Depending on the location, that may be Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council or Torbay Council. Traffic management plans and statutory notice periods may apply.

A practical permissions sequence

1. Confirm who owns or manages the location.
2. Share a detailed brief and proposed schedule.
3. Ask what insurance, risk and method documentation is required.
4. Identify any separate highway, drone, parking, harbour or environmental approvals.
5. Keep written confirmation of permissions and agreed conditions.

Screen Devon does not replace the formal approval of landowners, councils or statutory bodies. We help productions identify the right route and begin the right conversations.

How do you source local crew and suppliers?

Local knowledge can reduce travel, improve decision-making and make a production more resilient when plans change. Screen Devon connects productions with Devon-based crew, facilities, accommodation, transport and specialist suppliers.

Use the Devon crew directory or send us the departments and services you need. Include the production dates, base location and expected scale so availability can be checked efficiently.

What common mistakes should productions avoid?

• Leaving permissions too late. Public spaces, highways and protected landscapes often need longer lead times.
• Choosing on appearance alone. A strong visual match still needs workable access, sound, parking and unit facilities.
• Sending an incomplete brief. Missing dates, crew numbers or activity details makes useful advice harder to provide.
• Assuming one approval covers everything. Landowner consent may sit alongside separate highway, drone or environmental requirements.
• Overlooking local expertise. Devon-based crew and suppliers understand travel times, weather exposure and location-specific constraints.

Start planning your Devon shoot

Contact Screen Devon as early as possible, even if the brief is still developing. We will help you identify sensible next steps, useful contacts and the questions that need answering before the cameras arrive.

Read more about our production support service or send a filming enquiry.