Filming at ICC Sydney

Filming the venue itself

ICC Sydney promotes itself as a backdrop for photo and film shoots, from intimate interviews to large productions, and takes requests through a filming and photography enquiry form. Its suggestions go well beyond exhibition halls.

If you are attending an event, your starting point is different: the event's exhibitor manual and organiser decide what may be recorded on the floor.

• Timber staircases in the Convention Centre overlooking the Cockle Bay waterfront.
• The Event Deck, a 5,000 sqm open-air space overlooking the CBD with an external LED screen.
• Seven exhibition halls of more than 4,000 sqm each, with 10.5 metre ceilings and drive-in loading.
• The Aware Super Theatre's red foyer, illuminated at night.
• Tumbalong Park and the Woodward Water Feature, bookable through ICC Sydney when used with interior locations; other exterior areas are booked through Property NSW.

Loading docks

There are three dock areas with ten docks. Every delivery or pick-up needs a time slot booked in advance, and vehicles without one are not admitted. If your organiser's main freight forwarder is delivering for you, it makes the booking. The venue is moving to a new dock management system, so other transport companies should ask the loading dock team or event planner about booking.

A crew with a small amount of kit has a simpler route. People using a forwarder who also have their own items can unload in car park P1 below the Exhibition Halls and take a goods lift to the stand: Lift 12 or 15 for Hall 1, or Lift 6 for Hall 3.

The level 1 dock serves halls 1 to 4 through doors 5.6 metres wide by 4.5 metres high. The level 4 dock serves halls 5 to 7 from Darling Drive, with doors 6 metres wide by 4.5 metres high and a one-way circulation system.

Power, rigging and AV

Exhibition floors have service pits on a 6 by 6 metre grid with in-ground three-phase power and data, and floor loading of 20 kPa. Power is metered and charged on consumption, with a daily deposit. The Gallery has floor boxes on a 6 by 9 metre grid and a lower limit of 5 kPa.

Halls have rigging capability of up to 2.5 tonnes. Primary rigging points are coordinated and installed by ICC Sydney, and secondary rigging can be done by ICC Sydney or authorised providers. Requirements must reach your AV project manager at least 20 business days before tenancy starts, which also suits any plan for overhead cameras or lighting. AV work in meeting rooms and foyers is more closely held, with rigging there exclusive to ICC Sydney's AV department. Only ICC Sydney configured network switches are permitted, so plan a live stream with its ICT team.

Drones need a permit

Drones count as remote operated plant, which ICC Sydney does not generally permit inside venues or at events without explicit written permission. The permit form must be returned at least 14 days before the hiring period. Operators must retain manual control, must not fly over crowds and must hold a current CASA remote pilot licence or operator's certificate. An operational plan, risk assessment and insurance details are also required, and the plan should address privacy where the flight involves photography.

Events and practical points

The calendar includes the World Business Forum Sydney, The Business Show Australia, the MTAA MedTech Conference, Australian Healthcare Week, the Sydney Home Show and Reed Retail Fairs. Catering is exclusive to the venue, including for crew on a shoot, so ask about that while setting up a filming day.

Fame Crew can source a vetted local videographer or photographer in Sydney. Send your hall number and any rigging or dock deadlines with your brief, so that the plan fits ICC Sydney's notice periods.