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What licences and permits are required to
produce special effects for films, television programmes and theatrical
performances?
A discharge
permit is required for using special effects materials (SEM) to produce
entertainment special effects.
The operators responsible for the discharge shall hold valid
special effects operators licences.
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Under what circumstances may a discharge
permit be exempted?
A discharge
permit is not required if only a limited quantity of non-pyrotechnic
special effects materials (non-PSEM) is used. However, the use of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) or PSEM will always require a discharge permit
regardless of the quantity to be used. The exempted quantities for
non-PSEM are specified in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Nevertheless, for safety reasons,
it is advisable to employ suitably qualified special effects operators
for the discharge as these operators are obliged to comply with the Codes
of Practice issued by the Authority.
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What is the classification of discharge
permits?
Discharge
permits are classified as Stream A or Stream B according to the type of entertainment
programme. In general, films,
commercials, television episodes are classified as Stream A whereas
dramatic and musical works and theatrical performances are classified as
Stream B. When classifying a discharge permit, the Authority may have regard
to the followings:
- the presence of an audience and its proximity to the
special effects
- the types of special effects materials to be used
- the firing venue and its surroundings
- the special effects scenes including the presence and
actions of performers and stunt persons, and their interactions.
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Does the discharge permit issued by TELA
cover fireworks displays?
No,
fireworks displays are regulated under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary for Home Affairs for discharge on
land, or the Director of Marine for discharge at sea.
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What are special effects materials?
Special
effects materials (SEM) are materials that may be used to produce special
effects for entertainment programmes. SEM are classified as pyrotechnic
special effects materials (PSEM) or non-pyrotechnic special effects
materials (non-PSEM). PSEM
are of explosives in nature.
Non-PSEM are dangerous goods without explosive contents. Typical examples of non-PSEM
include LPG, naphthalene and gasoline. Please refer to the Schedule of
the Entertainment Special Effects Materials List Regulation for details.
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How are storage and conveyance of PSEM
regulated?
Storage of
any quantity of PSEM requires a store licence. Conveyance of PSEM requires a
conveyance permit. However, a
conveyance permit is not required for small quantity of PSEM conveyed in
accordance with a discharge permit under the supervision of a suitably
qualified special effects operator.
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How are storage and conveyance of non-PSEM
regulated?
Storage and
conveyance of LPG are regulated under the Gas Safety Ordinance by the Gas
Authority. There is no
licensing requirement if the water capacity of the LPG involved is less than
130 litres. Storage and
conveyance of other non-PSEM are regulated under the Dangerous Goods
Ordinance by the Fire Services Department. There is no licensing requirement
if the quantities involved are less than the exempted quantities
stipulated in the Dangerous Good (General) Regulations.
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What can I do if the shooting of special
effects is postponed after a discharge permit has been issued? Can I apply for refund of the
permit fee?
Fees paid
are not refundable. However,
the holder of a discharge permit may, prior to the expiration of the
permit, apply in writing or by fax [fax no. (852) 3101 0929] for
alteration to the validity period.
If approved, an alteration fee is payable.
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What is the classification
of special effects operator licences?
Special
effects operator licences are divided into Stream A and Stream B, on
the same basis as for classifying discharge permits. Special effects operators are
only allowed to work under discharge permits of the same stream.
Special effects operators of
Stream A are classified as:
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Special
Effects Operator Class I (Stream A)
Special Effects Operator Class II (Stream A)
Special Effects Operator (Stream A Short term)
Special Effects Assistant (Stream A)
Special Effects Assistant (Stream A Short term)
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Special
effects operators of Stream B are classified as:
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Special Effects Operator
(Stream B)
Special Effects Operator (Stream B Short term)
Special Effects Assistant (Stream B)
Special Effects Assistant (Stream B Short term)
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Besides,
some special effects operators may have restricted scope of
operation. Holders of
Special Effects Assistant licences are not eligible to be specified as
the “operator-in-charge” in a discharge permit, but they may work under
the supervision of the operator-in-charge.
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How to apply
for a licence or a permit under the Entertainment Special Effects
Ordinance?
The licensing system under the
Entertainment Special Effects Ordinance is administered by the Special
Effects Licensing Section of the Film Services Office. For enquiries,
please contact (852) 2594 5756. Application forms and guidelines are also
available at the website <www.tela-esela.gov.hk>.
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What is the
performance pledge for the issue of licences and permits under the
Entertainment Special Effects Ordinance?
In order to facilitate the film and
entertainment industry, we are committed to provide an efficient and
courteous service. Our
performance pledge is:
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Type of Service
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Performance Standard
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Issue of
Stream A discharge permits:
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Simple
special effects scenes where on site inspection is not required
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3 working
days*
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Complicated
special effects scenes or where on site inspection is required
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6 working
days*
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Special
effects scenes of high risk level or where consultation with other
government departments is required
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14 working
days*
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Issue of
Stream B discharge permits:
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Special
effects scenes of normal risk level
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6 working
days*
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Special
effects scenes of high risk level or where consultation with other
government departments is required
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14 working
days *
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Issue of
conveyance permits
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1 working day*
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Issue of
special effects operator licences
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3 working days^
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Issue of
supplier licences
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3 working days#
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Issue of
store licences
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3 working day#
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Notification
to applicants on the decision about fit and proper check
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4 weeks
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* Upon receipt
of all key information
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^ Upon
passing the assessment and the fit and proper check
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# Upon passing the fit and proper check
and completion of all prelicensing requirements
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