Authorities to strengthen filming safety regulations following traffic incident

Authorities are tightening regulations on filming safety after a theater crew violated driving requirements, leading to traffic accidents.

Cultural Affairs Bureau director Deland Leong confirmed to the press yesterday that multiple departments are reviewing the incident and will introduce clearer guidelines to ensure compliance.

According to Leong, theater crews planning complex filming projects—such as those involving road closures or moving vehicles—must submit detailed filming plans.

The bureau will also consult relevant departments to safeguard public safety and environmental protection while “maintaining the city’s appeal as a filming destination.”

In response to the incident, the bureau has suspended the group’s filming and is gathering feedback from various departments.

If the group is found to have violated filming commitments, authorities may cancel the project entirely.

Addressing concerns about the potential impact on the city’s attractiveness to foreign filmmakers, Leong noted that over 300 overseas film crews applied to shoot in the city last year, the highest number on record.

The official stated that the incident provides an opportunity to review and improve policies to enhance safety and efficiency for both local and international film productions.

Last month, the IC has suspended the filming permit for a project following a traffic accident that injured 12 crew members.

The incident occurred during a high-speed driving sequence, which the Public Security Police (PSP) had previously deemed unsafe for filming at Rua do Seminário.