Commercial filming, media and photography requests
Virginia Commonwealth University welcomes requests for commercial filming, videotaping and still photography on its campuses when such requests adhere to the guidelines set forth below. All requests must be approved in advance by the Division of University Relations, Office of Events and Special Programs. Priority for commercial requests will be given to commercial filming and photography that supports any educational, research or community outreach purpose supported by the university. The university reserves the right to deny any request if it is not in its best interest as determined by the appropriate parties.
Filming scope – Consideration will be based, in part, on the scope of the filming project and the impact it will have on normal campus activities. Filming will not be allowed if it will disrupt the ingress and egress or movement in any major areas of campus during normal school hours.
Taping location(s) – Filming may be limited to exterior buildings and locations on campus. All building occupants must be notified of commercial filming. A written description about the shoot and its purpose, as well as the date, time and exact building locations must be included in the notification.
Note: Filming of students, faculty and staff is not permitted without prior written approval from the Office of Events and Special Programs and without a signed media release by all participants.
Filming fees – Fees for external locations are based on a daily eight-hour rate, with an overtime fee after 5 p.m. All fees are due no later than the start of filming. Failure to pay in advance shall result in immediate suspension of filming. Please contact us at UNIVevents@vcu.edu for fee rates.
Video promotion – The name or likeness of VCU, and its affiliates cannot be used for advertising or promotional purposes without advance written consent.
Script – For those shoots requiring a script, all such materials must be submitted to our office (UNIVevents@vcu.edu) for review at least 15 days prior to filming.
Certificate of Insurance – If permission is granted, a Certificate of Insurance naming Virginia Commonwealth University, its officers, agents and employees as additional insured must be provided 24 hours prior to the start of the shoot. A copy of the certificate insurance (with a minimum of $1 million coverage for general liability, automotive and workers compensation coverage) must be submitted prior to filming.
Obtaining permission – written requests may be submitted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to our office at UNIVevents@vcu.edu.
The following will be considered for all requests:
- Does the filming support the mission of VCU?
- Is there potential for disruption to the campus community?
- Is there any conflict of interest?
Please allow five to seven business days to confirm if permission has been granted or denied.