As a rule, no special permit is required for basic film and photo shoots (e.g. mobile reporting) However, additional permits must be obtained in certain situations, including:

• Closure/reservation of parking spaces
• Deactivation of public lighting
• Attraction of public attention (e.g. violent scenes, noise, etc.)
• Closure of pavements or roads

Since this type of activity concerns several cantonal offices and departments, a coordinated procedure is required.

No requirement for a permit

Film shoots of short duration at each individual location, which involve minimal, portable equipment, do not require a permit. Examples of this type of equipment include cameras, tripods, hand-held reflectors, spotlights or drones. 
The same applies to topical, unscheduled media reporting as well as shoots that do not affect any public space or restrict normal common usage. 

Notification requirements

Film or photo shoots of up to half a day (12 hours) in areas like pavements or squares, which do not involve any suspension of motorised or stationary traffic, must be reported no later than 14 days before shooting starts.

Simplified application procedure

For film or photo shoots lasting up to 4 consecutive days, with or without the closure of roads and pavements, an application must be submitted no later than six weeks prior to the start of filming. This must include a detailed filming schedule (placement of props, disruptions to traffic including precise times, deactivation of public lighting and a detailed description of film scenes). 

Standard application procedure

For film or photo shoots lasting more than 4 consecutive days, a standard application must be submitted no later than three months prior to the start of filming. This must include an outline of the activities and plans involved. Depending on the external impacts, an official publication may be required.