Filming Photography Busking

Fotograf fotografiert eine U-Bahn im U-Bahnhof

And action!

Berlin’s underground stations, like the BVG’s buses and trains, are popular subjects and backdrops for photographers, filmmakers, and TV crews from all over the world. We are happy to provide support. Priority, however, must still be given to ensuring that our millions of passengers can safely go about their journeys without being disturbed. Therefore, filming and photography (both for private and professional use) in the BVG’s vehicles, stations and premises always need a prior, written permit.

Filming and photography

Please contact the press office in good time to find out about the types of permit available. You should get in touch at least one week in advance, or up to several months sooner if your project is complex. Permits for filming and photography can generally be issued to news crews at short notice. We require the following minimum information to make an initial assessment of your application:

full contact information, including telephone number, company name, and company address
a brief description of the project
a detailed description of the scenes and images you want to film or photograph on BVG premises (please include the relevant sections of your script for film projects)
the exact location at which you want to film or take photographs
the exact times (date, time, duration)
the number of persons, including crew, actors, and any extras
For student and school projects: a certificate from the university or school confirming that the project is part of a course

The cost of the permit depends on the scope of your project. If required, we will be happy to provide you with an estimate. You must have public liability insurance.

CONTACT

Press, photo, and film enquiries Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) Pressestelle Holzmarktstraße 15-17 10179 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30 256 27901 Fax: +49 (0)30 256 28602

Email for filmundfoto@bvg.de

Busking

Scale-ing the depths. Music in Berlin underground stations has a long tradition. Subject to certain conditions, the BVG allows busking at an appropriate volume at selected locations in connecting footways at stations. Busking is not allowed on trains. Permits can be obtained here: BVG Customer Office (penalty fares offices) An der Michaelbrücke 10179 Berlin (entrance at rear of the building) Wednesdays from 7 am to 11 am A permit costs 10 euros per day. Since 1 January 2019, it does not provide entitlement to travel. Only one permit is required for groups of up to three musicians. Just so you know: Guitars, keyboards, accordions, harmonicas, violins, violas, cellos, double basses, harps, balalaikas, melodicas, tambourines, xylophones, flutes, panpipes, clarinets, didgeridoos, and vocals are permitted. Sound recordings may also be used. Music must be played at a normal volume. No permits will be issued for brass instruments.