Locations
This section specifies various generic locations or facilities in Hong Kong which are popular with filmmakers. It contains general guidelines on how to go about filming at these locations. It highlights filming locations in areas under Government control as well as certain properties or facilities which are privately owned or managed. Filmmakers are usually required to pay filming charges, deposit and take out public liability insurance at its own expense and in the joint names of the film company and owner/management of the filming locations. Details of the contact information, application procedures and charging fees of filming locations are set out in Locations-Venues under the Management of Government Departments and Public Bodies published by the FSO, which can also be found in the 'Location Library' on the FSO's website (www.fso-createhk.gov.hk).
Commercial filming on Government land, property or building is subject to an administration fee per application. As of January 2013, the charge for Government land (LandsD rate) is $4,740 for each application up to a period of one month and a further $4,740 for any part of a month thereafter, whereas the charge for filming at Government property or building (GPA rate) is $5,185 for the first four hours and $1,170 for each subsequent four-hour block. If extra Government staff or equipment is required to take part in the production, the actual cost plus overheads will be recovered from the applicant. A deposit is required and refundable without interest upon satisfactory compliance with the terms and conditions of approval. The above charging rates are normally reviewed every year. In case of doubt, please contact the FSO.
Contact information for organisations or companies mentioned in this section can be found in the 'Contact List'.
There are 41 bathing beaches in Hong Kong managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department - 12 on Hong Kong Island and 29 in the New Territories and outlying islands. Some spectacular beaches in remote areas in the New Territories are under the management of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department or the Lands Department. Standard fees will be charged for location filming by the departments concerned (see Contact List).
The Tsing Ma, Kap Shui Mun and Ting Kau Bridges form a stunning gateway to Hong Kong on the way to the city centre from Hong Kong International Airport. The three bridges are part of an impressive infrastructure network linking the airport with the New Territories, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. They look especially spectacular at night when bathed in coloured lighting. All three bridges can be viewed from the Lantau Link Visitors Centre Viewing Platform, while the Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge can also be seen from the administration building of Tsing Ma Bridge management company (see Contact List).
The Stonecutters Bridge is a 1.6-kilometre long dual three-lane high level cable stayed bridge with a clear span of 1,018 metres. Straddling the Rambler Channel, the bridge was opened to public in December 2009 and forms part of the Tsing Sha Control Area.
Hong Kong has numerous tunnels. There are 11 Government-owned tunnels: Lion Rock, Aberdeen, Kai Tak, Shing Mun, Tseung Kwan O, Cheung Tsing, Cross-Harbour, Tai Wai, Sha Tin Heights, Eagle's Nest and Nam Wan Tunnel. They are managed by Government operators and available for filming subject to operational considerations (see Contact List).
Tunnels operated by the private sector include The Eastern Harbour Crossing, Tate's Cairn Tunnel, Western Harbour Crossing, Tai Lam Tunnel and Discovery Bay Tunnel Link. Contact the relevant management company for filming (see Contact List).
The Aberdeen, Chai Wan, Tsuen Wan and Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemeteries are under the management of the Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries. Send the relevant application form to the Secretary of the Board at least five working days prior to filming (see Contact List).
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department manages the following cemeteries, crematoria and columbaria: Hong Kong Cemetery, Mount Caroline Cemetery, New Kowloon Cemetery No. 8 at Wong Tai Sin (Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery), Cheung Chau Cemetery, Lai Chi Yuen Cemetery at Mui Wo (Lantau), Sandy Ridge Urn Cemetery and Sandy Ridge Cemetery, Tai O Cemetery, Wo Hop Shek Cemetery and crematoria and columbarium in Cape Collinson, Diamond Hill, Cheung Chau, Fu Shan, Kwai Chung and Wo Hop Shek. Send the relevant application form to the Department's Senior Health Inspector of respective districts at least 10 working days prior to filming (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Convention and exhibition venues
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Framed by Hong Kong's skyline, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is a magnificent, multi-use venue located right in the heart of Hong Kong on the bank of the famous Victoria Harbour. A stunning glass structure that extends out into the harbour, the Centre was designed to resemble a bird soaring into flight. HKCEC has become one of the largest multi-use venues in Asia and continues to be a globally recognised landmark complimenting Hong Kong's cityscape. Applications to film in the HKCEC should be made to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (see Contact List).
AsiaWorld-Expo
AsiaWorld-Expo is a world-class EXPOtainment venue in Hong Kong, offering over 70,000 square metres of rentable space for exhibitions, conventions, concerts, banquets, as well as sports and entertainment events. Integrated with the Hong Kong International Airport, AsiaWorld-Expo has 10 state-of-the-art, ground-level and column-free halls, including AsiaWorld-Arena, the biggest purpose-built indoor-seated entertainment arena in Hong Kong with a maximum capacity of 14,000; AsiaWorld-Summit is Hong Kong's largest indoor conference and banquet venue that can accommodate 700 to 5,000 persons. Runway 11 is a conference cum function hall which can accommodate 500 to 3,800 guests. Applications to film in the AsiaWorld-Expo should be made to the AsiaWorld-Expo Management Ltd (see Contact List).
The forecourts of court buildings are available for filming outside office hours. Send the completed application form to the Judiciary Administrator at least one month before filming is to take place (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Fire Services premises and equipment
Premises of the Fire Services Department as well as fire services appliances, ambulances, fireboats, equipment and fire services members can be hired for location filming subject to operational considerations. It normally takes seven working days to process an application. Contact the Fire Services Department for more information before sending in the completed application form (see Contact List).
The fee for using fire services premises is charged according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section). Charges for the use of appliances/fireboats range from $1,000 to $21,000 for two hours. Charges for fire services personnel, depending on rank, required for the operation of the appliances, fireboats and equipment range from $370 to $1,190 for two hours.
Government buildings and property
Applications to film in Government property should be made to the department under which the property is used or administered.
The Government Property Administrator (GPA) is responsible for common areas of government jointuser buildings, vacant historical sites and normal vacant sites. Send the completed application form to GPA at least 10 clear working days prior to filming for government joint-user buildings and vacant historical sites, and six clear working days for normal vacant sites.
Fees for commercial filming on Government property
The fee for using Government property is according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Filming for news or public affairs purposes
No fee for using Government property will be levied for this category of filming. However, if there is any "grey area" between filming for commercial purposes and for news and public affairs purposes, Heads of Department or their designated representatives will judge on the merits of the case.
The Lands Department is responsible for approving applications for temporary occupation of vacant Government land for location filming.
Applications should be made to the relevant District Lands Office with information on the name of the applicant, exact location (with relevant location plan or map), date and time, brief description of the scenes and size of the crew. Processing time for straightforward cases is five to seven working days. Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge in line with the LandsD rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Applicants should note that approval from the Lands Department confers only the right of temporary occupation of Government land. Separate arrangements should be made to obtain any other licences/permits from the appropriate authorities/ departments.
There are more than 50 holiday camps/campsites in Hong Kong. Four are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) - one on Hong Kong Island and three in the New Territories. Other holiday camps/campsites are run by a number of non-Government organisations. A list of holiday camps in Hong Kong can be found on LCSD's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_camp. php. To film in a LCSD holiday camp, contact the camp manager before submitting the completed application form. For other holiday camps, contact the respective camp managers (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
There are also privately owned holiday houses and small hotels on outlying islands that may be available for hire. Check with individual landlords.
The Hospital Authority manages all public hospitals/medical institutions in Hong Kong. Send the completed application form to the Authority via the Film Services Office at least two weeks prior to filming (see Contact List).
The Department of Health runs maternal and child health centres, which are available for location filming during non-operating hours. Send the completed application form to the Department's Senior Hospital Administrator (General) at least two weeks prior to filming (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
For location filming at private clinics and hospitals, contact the person-in-charge directly.
Hotels are privately managed and operated. You can find information on most hotels in Hong Kong from the hotel list on the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website at www.discoverhongkong.com. Contact the management of the relevant hotel if you want to film on its premises or use its facilities.
Public housing
The Hong Kong Housing Authority manages over 190 public housing estates, which are home to about 2.1 million residents. Send the completed application form to the Housing Department at least seven working days prior to filming.
The Hong Kong Housing Society manages 12 rental estates, which house over 90,000 people. Send the completed application form to the Corporate Communications Section of the Society prior to filming.
Filming at public housing estates is subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Private housing
Procedures to film at private housing blocks or estates vary from building to building. In most cases, the building management company will handle any requests for filming. Where there is no management company, the Incorporated Owners' Association should be approached.
Filming in individual apartments is a matter between the film company and the property owner and/or tenant.
Public libraries are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and filming can be facilitated outside opening hours.
Send the completed application form at least seven to 10 working days ahead of filming. Applications to film in the Hong Kong Central Library should be made to the Assistant Manager (Hong Kong Central Library) Booking Services. For other public libraries, applications should be made to the Senior Clerical Officer (Libraries) Administrative Support. Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Street markets are full of vitality and provide some of the most interesting and 'typically' Hong Kong scenes for filmmakers. The most popular street markets for tourists are Stanley Market in Southern District on Hong Kong Island, Temple Street Market in Jordan and Ladies' Street in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. Clothing, souvenirs, artwork, watches and toys can be found at these three markets. The street market in Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, is a treasure trove of second-hand goods such as television sets, radios and hi-fi systems and assorted odds and ends.
Large street markets for fresh produce, groceries and household goods can be found in districts including Causeway Bay, Central, North Point, Wan Chai and Western on Hong Kong Island and Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City in Kowloon.
The major wholesale fish markets are at Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island and Cheung Sha Wan in Kowloon. Smaller wholesale fish markets are at Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island; Kwun Tong in Kowloon; and Sai Kung, Tai Po and Tuen Mun in the New Territories. Contact the Fish Marketing Organization for filming (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
For filming in street markets, see 'General Guidelines' in this section.
Most districts have an indoor market complex managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Fresh produce, vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood are sold in these markets as well as clothing, household goods and groceries. Some of the bigger ones have cooked food stalls. Markets in public housing estates are managed by the Housing Department or the Link Management Ltd (see Contact List).
Filming at government-owned markets is subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
When filming in a market, as a matter of courtesy, it is always advisable to inform stallholders of your intentions and the proposed scope of filming. Some hawkers may object to being filmed, while others may be more than happy to play a cameo role.
There are 101 declared monuments in Hong Kong. Applications to film at Government-owned monuments should be made to the relevant Government departments prior to filming. Approval should be sought from the respective owners or tenants of privately owned monuments. A list of declared monuments is available on the website of the Antiquities and Monuments Office (see Contact List).
Hong Kong has more than 20 museums, 17 of which are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Some museums under LCSD are declared monuments such as the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware in Central, the Sam Tung Uk Museum in Tsuen Wan, the Hong Kong Railway Museum in Tai Po and the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum in Sai Kung. To film in a LCSD museum, send the completed application form to the Manager or Curator of the museum at least 10 working days prior to filming. Filming inside museum galleries is generally not permitted (see Contact List).
Approved applications for filming at LCSD venues will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Some museums are run by universities or nonprofit organisations and cover a variety of themes such as art, ethnology, horse racing and medical sciences.
Country parks
About 40 per cent of Hong Kong's area is green space and most of this is within protected country park areas. Before any commercial activity can take place in a country park, a permit must be obtained from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (see Contact List).
For filming, the completed application form should reach the department at least three working days prior to the proposed date of filming. Each application is restricted to one location in one country park. Relevant maps (either Countryside Series Maps or other maps with a scale of 1:20,000 or larger) should be attached. Specific applications for permission to erect props or structures (with sketches showing scale) or to take vehicles or bicycles into a country park should be made at the same time.
A permit is usually valid for a maximum of six days and non-refundable permit fee of $250 per day should be paid when collecting the permit.
It should be noted that filming on Sundays and public holidays is not allowed and vehicles over 5.5 tonnes will not be admitted to these rural areas. Film crew vehicles and bicycles are not allowed to enter the following country park tracks: Tai Mong Tsai Road beyond Pak Tam Chung Barrier, between Shing Mun Fung Shui Woodland and Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, between Twisk Management Centre and Tai Lam Chung Management Centre, and tracks inside Lung Fu Shan Country Park.
Areas where approval for location filming will not be granted in principle are: Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Tai Tam Country Park, Tung Lung Fort, Ng Tung Chai, Pok Fu Lam Country Park, Chiu Keng Tam, Shing Mun Fung Shui Woodland, Tsiu Hang Lions Nature Education Centre, any site of special scientific interest, and any Country Park Management Centre.
In addition, filming the following scenes is strictly prohibited: lighting a fire or the use of fireworks, explosives or any pyrotechnic materials; vehicle chasing or rallying, including motorcycles and bicycles; fishing in reservoirs during the 'offseason'; bathing, washing, swimming and boating in reservoirs or water catchment areas; stunt acts involving actors jumping from trees hung with wire; and damaging, killing or felling any tree or bamboo.
The erection of props or structures is not permitted close to any Country Park Management Centre or Warden Post, inside picnic, barbecue or camp sites, or on hilltops.
Any other acts restricted by the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations (such as taking livestock or poultry into a country park) will be considered on individual merit upon application.
Marine parks
There are four marine parks in Hong Kong, covering 2,410 hectares. A permit must be obtained from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for all commercial filming in a marine park (see Contact List).
For filming, the completed application form should reach the department at least eight working days prior to the proposed date of filming. Each application is restricted to one marine park for two days' filming. Relevant map (either Countryside Series Maps or other maps with a scale of 1:20,000 or larger) should be attached. The exact time and locations of the filming should be confirmed three days prior to filming.
A non-refundable permit fee of $180 should be paid when collecting the permit and a permit is usually valid for two days. Any correction or alteration of any information in the permit will be treated as new application and charged accordingly.
Any vessel brought into and used in a marine park should hold a valid licence issued by the Marine Department and must follow the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation. Mooring or anchoring is only allowed in designated areas and a separate application should be made to the department.
Marine reserve, ecologically sensitive areas inside any marine park and Marine Park Management Centres are not available for filming. Filming involving the following activities is strictly prohibited: lighting a fire; use of fireworks, explosives or any pyrotechnic materials; vessels travelling over 10 knots; any act of hunting, collecting marine life, fishing or spearfishing; and any other acts prohibited or controlled under the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation, unless specific permission has been granted.
Public Parks
Parks and gardens provide people with a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Popular parks on Hong Kong Island include Victoria Park, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park. In Kowloon, the major parks are Kowloon Park and the Kowloon Walled City Park. In the New Territories, major parks can be found at Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Tsing Yi, Yuen Long, Tai Po and North District. These parks have a variety of facilities including children's playgrounds, elderly exercise stations, pebble walking trails, aviaries and restaurants.
Public parks are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. For filming, send the completed application form to the respective District Leisure Services Office at least seven to 10 working days prior to filming (see Contact List). Approved applications for filming at LCSD venues will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Theme Parks
Ocean ParkOcean Park is a world-renowned marine theme park located at Wong Chuk Hang on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It consists of two areas - the Summit and the Waterfront which are connected by a cable car as well as the Ocean Express, the world's first and only themed 1,300-metre funicular system that operates within a theme park tunnel.
Since 2006, Ocean Park has increased the amount of animal exhibits, rides, shows and attractions from 35 to over 70. Since 2009, Amazing Asian Animals, Ocean Express, Sea Life Carousel, The Flash, Aqua City, the Rainforest, the Thrill Mountain, Old Hong Kong and Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures have been in operation. The latest attraction area is the Polar Adventure opened in July 2012.
The Park hosts five seasonal events every year including Summer Splash, Halloween Bash, Christmas Sensation, Chinese New Year celebrations and Animal Month in High Definition (see Contact List).
Hong Kong Wetland Park comprises a 10,000-square metre visitor centre, Wetland Interactive World, and a 60-hectare Wetland Reserve.
Wetland Interactive World has five themed exhibition galleries, a theatre, a souvenir shop, an indoor play area (Swamp Adventure) and a resource centre. The five galleries range from 250 to 1,200 square metres and showcase the importance of wetlands to biodiversity, civilisation and conservation.
The Wetland Reserve is a constructed wetland of re-created habitats specially designed for waterfowl and other wildlife. The Wetland Discovery Centre in the Wetland Reserve provides visitors with a hands-on experience of wetland habitats. Other facilities include Stream Walk, Succession Walk, Mangrove Boardwalk, Wildside Walk, Butterfly Garden and three Bird Hides located near the fish pond, mudflat and riverside respectively, letting visitors experience the different wildlife habitats (see Contact List).
Ma Wan Park was built on a site of about 18 hectares, full of extensive greenery, natural landscapes and waterfalls. The Nature Garden sits on an area of 5.6 hectares and facilitated with a Rainbow Wall, Sweet Garden, Golden Mean Plaza, Windmill Station, Liberal Learning Centre, Hilltop Lookout and Heritage Centre. The world's only full-scale replica of Noah's Ark is built on a site of 25,084 square metres, overlooking the Rambler Channel and Tsing Ma Bridge. The main facilities are the Ark Garden, Noah's Adventureland, Ark Expo, Ark Life Education House, Treasure House and Noah's Resort (see Contact List).
Hong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland is located in Penny's Bay, Lantau. It has six themed areas - Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch, hosting various rides, shops, restaurants and live entertainment. The park features a daily parade "Flights of Fantasy" and a firework show "Disney in the Stars". Seasonal entertainment is held in the park to celebrate major holidays, such as Chinese New Year, Halloween and Christmas (see Contact List).
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) runs most of the major performing venues such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, as well as civic centres and town halls across the city. For filming, the completed application form should be sent to the Venue Manager at least seven to 10 working days prior to filming (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Other performing venues such as the Hong Kong Arts Centre, the Fringe Club and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts are run by non-profit organisations (see Contact List).
The Chief Superintendent, Police Public Relations Branch (CSP PPRB) is the authority for granting permission to use police premises for filming either free-ofcharge or on a hired basis. Applications will be considered only when police operational efficiency is not affected. The completed application form, synopsis and script of the relevant scenes should be sent to the Police Public Relations Branch (TV & Films Liaison Section) at least seven working days prior to filming (see Contact List).
Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Horse racing is a very popular sport in Hong Kong. Racecourse facilities in Hong Kong are among the finest in the world. The historic racetrack in Happy Valley, set against Hong Kong's glittering cityscape, has an exciting atmosphere and is a popular tourist attraction. Sha Tin Racecourse, opened in 1978, has a capacity of 85,000 and is home to some of the world's biggest international events.
Applications to film at either racecourse should be made to Public Affairs, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (see Contact List).
There are over 90 Catholic churches and chapels in Hong Kong and over 1,400 Protestant congregations.
Hong Kong's oldest church is the Anglican St John's Cathedral, founded in 1849. It is a declared monument and is situated on Garden Road, Central District. Applications to film in Catholic churches are handled by the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office. To film in other churches, please contact the pastor of individual churches (see Contact List).
A remarkable Christian retreat centre can be found high in the hills behind Sha Tin. The Tao Fong Shan Service Unit retains its classical Chinese-style buildings. Filming is allowed in some parts of the centre (see Contact List).
Buddhism and Taoism are the main religions in Hong Kong. There are more than 600 temples of varying sizes in Hong Kong, 24 of which are directly administered by the Chinese Temples Committee (CTC) while the others are run by organisations or private institutions. For filming in CTC-administered temples except those classified as Grade I historic buildings, the completed application form should be sent to the CTC Secretariat at least seven to 10 working days (depending on the season) prior to filming (see Contact List). For other temples, contact individual owners/operators to arrange filming.
The Water Supplies Department is responsible for the management of reservoir areas. To film in reservoir areas or in waterworks facilities, the completed application form should be sent to the General Registry/ Headquarters at least seven working days prior to filming. The applicant should call the General Registry/ Headquarters of the Water Supplies Department before making an application (see Contact List).
Approved applications for filming at waterworks buildings will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate whereas filming at waterworks areas will be subject to a standard charge according to the LandsD rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
If the proposed filming site falls within a country park area, approval of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation should be sought separately.
Schools and educational institutions
Most primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong are run by the Government or Governmentsubsidised organisations. Permission to film should be sought from the respective school principal before filming. For non-Government schools, contact the school management.
Hong Kong has 17 degree-awarding educational institutions, including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Lingnan University, Open University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong and Vocational Training Council (which has 13 member institutions). Permission to film should be sought from the individual institution (see Contact List).
Sports centres and sports grounds
Most sports centres and sports grounds are managed by Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). There are also five water sports centres managed by LCSD, two on Hong Kong Island and the others in the New Territories.
For filming, the completed application form should be sent to the Venue Manager or the respective District Leisure Services Office at least seven to 10 working days prior to filming (see Contact List). Approved applications will be subject to a standard charge according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section).
Though most streets in urban areas are crowded, some have unique features that may appeal to filmmakers. For example, Hollywood Road in Central is famous for its antique and curio shops. Lan Kwai Fong, also in Central, is a popular bar and restaurant area with cobbled streets closed to traffic.
Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street and Temple Street in Jordan are places of interest. Chinese opera and fortune-tellers can be found along Temple Street and usual stalls selling clothes, toys and watches are abundant along Tung Choi Street.
See 'General Guidelines' in this section for information about filming at the street.
Since 2000, pedestrian schemes in various districts of Hong Kong including Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai and Stanley on Hong Kong Island, and Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Sham Shui Po in Kowloon have been implemented to facilitate pedestrians and to improve the overall pedestrian environment. Filmmakers intending to film in pedestrian precincts should send the completed notification form to the Film Services Office at least five days before filming. For more information about the types of pedstrianisation, please visit the website of Transport Department at www.td.gov.hk.
AirportHong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the world's busiest cargo gateway. Since it opened in 1998, HKIA has become one of the world's 10 busiest passenger airports in the world. Its island location on Chek Lap Kok, just 23 minutes by high-speed train from Hong Kong's main business and commercial districts, makes it one of the most convenient airports in the world.
HKIA is managed by the Airport Authority. Any requests for filming on the airport island should be directed to Corporate Communications Department of the Airport Authority (see Contact List).
Public bus services run by The Kowloon Motor Bus Co (1933) Ltd, New World First Bus Services Ltd and Citybus Ltd cover Hong Kong, Kowloon and most parts of the New Territories. Long Win Bus Co Ltd provides bus services to North Lantau Island and the airport. New Lantao Bus Co (1973) Ltd serves the rest of Lantau Island. Most routes are served by doubledecker buses.
The respective bus company should be contacted to arrange filming on a bus (see Contact List).
Ngong Ping Cable Car is a visually spectacular 5.7 kilometres bi-cable ropeway. As the first of its kind in Hong Kong, it begins from Tung Chung, crossing Tung Chung Bay to reach the angle station on Airport Island and turning about 60 degrees in the air towards North Lantau. During the 25-minute ride passengers can enjoy some of the best views of the South China Sea in the distance, the rolling grassland slopes of North Lantau Country Park, panoramic views of Hong Kong International Airport, verdant, mountainous terrain of Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue and also the Ngong Ping Plateau. For filming, contact the Ngong Ping 360 Ltd (see Contact List).
Car parksMost multi-storey car parks in Hong Kong, including Government multi-storey car parks, are managed by private companies, while car parks in public housing estates are managed by the Link Management Ltd. Contact respective car park operator for filming (see Contact List).
FerriesMost of the ferry services are provided by licensed ferry operators. As of July 2011, there are 12 ferry operators providing 20 regular licensed passenger ferry services to outlying islands and across Victoria Harbour.
Established in 1898, the Star Ferry Company Ltd operates two franchised cross-harbour ferry services (Central/Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai/Tsim Sha Tsui) and one harbour tour service. Other local ferry services operators include Chuen Kee Ferry Ltd, Coral Sea Ferry Service Company Ltd, Discovery Bay Transportation Services Ltd, Eastern Ferry Company Ltd, Fortune Ferry Company Ltd, Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd, Islands Ferry Company Ltd, New World First Ferry Services Ltd, Park Island Transport Company Ltd, Peng Chau Kaito Ltd, Tsui Wah Ferry Service (H.K.) Ltd and Winnertex Ltd. There are also sampans (locally known as 'kaito') serving more remote coastal settlements. Contact respective ferry operator for filming (see Contact List).
Hong Kong has a spectacular harbour as well as one of the world's busiest container ports.
A permit from the Marine Department is required to film at any location where marine traffic is likely to be busy, for example, Victoria Harbour, fairways, typhoon shelters, public cargo working areas, ports, boating areas, water adjacent to gazetted beaches, and waters off public piers/landing steps. Send the completed application form to the Marine Department at least seven working days prior to filming. A permit fee of $160 will be charged per application. Public cargo working areas are also managed by the Marine Department. Fees will be levied according to the GPA rate (see 'Locations' of this section) (see Contact List).
All container terminals in Hong Kong are privately owned and filming at these terminals will be considered by individual operators on a case-by-case basis.
The MTR Corporation operates nine railway lines serving Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. In addition, the Corporation operates the Airport Express providing connections between the city and Hong Kong International Airport as well as the Light Rail network serving the local communities of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long in the New Territories. For filming, please contact the Assistant Marketing Officer of the Corporation (see Contact List).
Trams and the Peak TramTrams run on Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east. Riding in a tram is a good way to see everyday life on Hong Kong Island. To film on a tram, contact Hong Kong Tramways, Ltd at least four weeks prior to filming (see Contact List).
The Peak Tram is a funicular railway that runs from Central up to the Peak via Mid-levels. It offers a spectacular view of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers of Hong Kong. Applications for filming on the Peak Tram and at the intermediate stations should be submitted to Peak Tramways Company, Ltd at least two weeks prior to filming (see Contact List).
Film crews seeking special arrangements for closing lanes for filming or parking filming vehicles on public roads should contact the FSO.
For lane closure, apply in writing at least seven working days in advance, with information on the location, date and time of filming, details of the temporary traffic arrangement required, etc.
To park filming vehicles in designated or non-designated parking spaces on public roads, the completed application form should reach the FSO at least five working days in advance, with a location map of the exact parking area.
If there is a need to control normal traffic flows at intervals for filming, filmmakers can apply for the hire of police for intermittent traffic control via the FSO. The completed application form should reach the FSO at least 14 working days in advance, which will be considered by the Police and other relevant departments. Filming arrangements are subject to Police operational needs and should not seriously affect traffic conditions. Charges for deploying a police officer range from $288 to $691 per hour, depending on the rank of the officer concerned.
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