Filming on Campus

 

 

 

Filming Requests

All entities and individuals wishing to film on the UNA campus should fill out the Filming Request Form. A filming request form should be submitted at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the planned filming.

 

(UNA-Affiliated)

UNA faculty, staff, or students do not need to get permission for filming or photography if:

  • The filming requires no special services (e.g., parking, UPD, etc.) and/or does not disrupt the normal functioning of UNA.
  • The filming is for non-commercial or internal use.
  • The filming is for UNA-affiliated websites, social media, or personal use.
  • The filming is done inside a film/photography studio operated by any UNA colleges/schools, departments, divisions, or offices.
  • The filming is for a class or research project that does not require special services (e.g., parking, UPD, etc.) and/or does not disrupt the normal functioning of UNA.*

*Faculty, staff, or students who plan to use campus or any buildings as a set for documentaries, short or feature films should follow the procedures below so that any logistical problems can be minimized. Colleges/schools, departments, divisions, or offices who contract with an outside production company for filming on campus should follow the procedures listed below.

(Non UNA-Affiliated)

If the requestor is not affiliated with UNA, or if a college/school, department, division, or office is using a non-UNA affiliated individual or organization for a project, the non-UNA affiliated individual or organization must complete a Location Agreement, and provide a Certificate of Insurance to UNA evidencing that they have the following insurance policies:

  • General Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence insuring against all liability arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the location.
  • Property Damage Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • Adequate Workmen’s Compensation Insurance.
  • Adequate Automobile Insurance.

A Location Agreement will be sent electronically to the non-UNA affiliated individual or organization after review and approval of the filming request. No filming by a non-UNA affiliated individual or organization can take place at UNA without the execution of a Location Agreement by both parties.

The filming request will be evaluated and a decision will be made based on the following factors:

  • Does it interfere with educational, research, program functions, or previously scheduled events?
  • Does it pose a security or safety risk?
  • Does it compromise the privacy of any faculty, staff, student, or visitor at UNA?
  • Does it include any potential logistical problems?
  • Is it appropriate and protective of the intrinsic value of the UNA name and deemed consistent with UNA’s best interest?

A form should be submitted at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the planned filming.

 

Location Agreement

If a college/school, department, division, or office is using a non-UNA affiliated individual or organization for a project, the non-UNA affiliated individual or organization must complete a Location Agreement, and provide a Certificate of Insurance to UNA evidencing that they have the following insurance policies:

  • General Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence insuring against all liability arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the location.
  • Property Damage Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • Adequate Workmen’s Compensation Insurance.
  • Adequate Automobile Insurance.

A Location Agreement will be sent electronically to the non-UNA affiliated individual or organization after approval of the filming request.

No filming by a non-UNA affiliated individual or organization can take place at UNA without the execution of a Location Agreement by both parties.

 

Grounds Use Permission

All persons wishing to film outdoors at UNA must complete an Application to Film on Campus Grounds.

The application should be submitted at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the planned filming.

The application is required to help coordinate logistics, prevent scheduling conflicts, and ensure that appropriate UNA departments are notified in advance of any filming activity.

 
Use of Drones and Aerial Devices

The operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), drones, or other aerial devices on the 天美传媒 campus is strictly regulated. All such activity must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state law, and University policy.

Individuals or organizations wishing to operate a drone or aerial device for filming or photography on UNA property must:

  • Obtain prior written approval from the University.
  • Submit a flight plan and proof of FAA authorization, such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Maintain appropriate liability insurance covering drone operations, naming the University as an additional insured.
  • Operate only within visual line of sight, at altitudes not exceeding 400 feet, and never over groups of people or occupied buildings.
  • Coordinate all flight operations with the University Police Department and Facilities Administration to ensure campus safety.

Use of drones or aerial devices without UNA’s authorization or in violation of FAA rules is strictly prohibited. UNA reserves the right to deny, restrict, or revoke approval for any drone activity that poses safety, privacy, or operational concerns.

For additional information on federal requirements, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS Guidance Page.

 

Fees

Grounds and location fees for filming on UNA’s campus range from $500 to $1,000 per day, depending on factors such as the length and scope of the shoot, locations involved, and the nature of the production.

UNA reserves the right to charge additional fees for required University services, including but not limited to University Police, parking, facilities, or grounds support. These charges, if applicable, will be billed separately and added to the total production cost.

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the estimated total cost is due no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the first day of filming. Full payment of all grounds and location fees must be received on or before the first day of filming. Payment for any additional services is due within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the final invoice.

The University reserves the right to waive fees, in whole or in part, for projects such as public service announcements or productions that directly promote a UNA college, school, department, division, or office.

 

UNA Identification and Appropriate Use of Campus Images

The use of UNA’s name, logo, brand, or identification of UNA as the filming location is not permitted, except in rare instances and only with prior written approval from the University.

Requests will be reviewed and will only be approved when determined to be in the best interest of UNA.

Identification includes, but is not limited to:

  • The use of UNA trademarks, logos, or icons.
  • Widely recognizable campus landmarks, buildings, or signage.
  • Merchandise or props bearing UNA’s name, logos, or imagery (e.g., apparel, flags, posters, or other branded items).
  • Verbal references to UNA, its name, nickname, or associated entities within the script or dialogue.

All such uses must be approved in advance and may be subject to additional review or licensing requirements.

 

Cancellation

If written notice of cancellation is received prior to the start of production, the production company will be responsible for any actual costs incurred by UNA up to the date of the cancellation notice.

UNA reserves the right to cancel the permit or agreement if the permit holder is deemed insolvent or fails to perform any material terms of the agreement after receiving written notice from UNA specifying the failure and allowing a reasonable opportunity to cure.

 

Script Review

A copy of the final script must be submitted for review. In some cases, storyboards may be accepted in lieu of a script, subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.

The review process may take up to ten (10) calendar days.

Any changes or revisions to the script must be submitted to the Director of Media and Public Relations for further review at media@una.edu. Substantive changes may result in UNA revoking its approval.

 

Scout Visits

Scout visits are beneficial for both the production and UNA, as they help clarify the production’s needs and assess logistical requirements.

Scout visits are required and can be submitted to the Director of Media and Public Relations at 256-765-4392 or media@una.edu.

If a scout visit is approved, the Director of Media and Public Relations will provide guidance to help make the visit productive and assist in coordinating logistics for production.

Please note that approval of a scout visit does not constitute permission to film or use UNA facilities.

 

Questions

Questions about filming at UNA or these procedures should be submitted to the Director of Media and Public Relations at media@una.edu or by calling 256-765-4392.