CDM in TV and Film: What Productions Need to Know

TV and film productions regularly involve temporary construction work, from set builds and scenic structures to platforms, rigging and studio fit-outs. Much of this activity falls under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).

Understanding how CDM applies in a production environment helps clarify responsibilities and supports safer planning on set and on location.

How CDM fits within TV and film

CDM applies to construction work of all sizes, including short-term and temporary builds common in TV and film, such as:

• Set construction and strike

• Temporary stages and platforms

• Rigging and lighting gantries

• Location builds and studio alterations

  
  

The regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and are intended to be applied proportionately, focusing on early planning and coordination rather than unnecessary paperwork.

Principal Designer and Principal Contractor roles

CDM requires clear appointment of duty holders.

• The Principal Designer manages health and safety during the design stage, helping reduce foreseeable risks through design decisions.

• The Principal Contractor manages health and safety during the construction phase, coordinating contractors and site activities.

  
  

In TV and film, these roles often align with existing production and construction management roles, but may not always be formally recognised.

At Calvin Hanks we support productions in identifying and supporting these roles, ensuring CDM responsibilities are clear and practical within a fast-moving production environment.

CDM duties in practice

Under CDM, duties sit with:

• Clients (production companies) commissioning the work

• Designers influencing how sets and structures are built and used

• Contractors carrying out the construction activities

  
  

This may include construction phase planning, coordination and appropriate documentation.

Calvin Hanks Event Safety provides proportionate CDM advice and documentation, aligned with production schedules and on-set realities.

Supporting CDM on production

CDM is not about slowing production down. When applied well, it supports clearer responsibility, better coordination and more controlled construction activity.

Calvin Hanks works with TV and film productions to support CDM compliance through practical advice, planning support and on-site safety input, helping teams manage construction risks with confidence. Get in touch to discuss on-set health and safety support.