UM Faculty, Staff or Students Wishing to Film on Campus
UM faculty, staff or students do not need to get permission for filming or photography if:
- The filming requires no special services (e.g. parking or security) or in any way disrupts the normal functioning of the University.
- The filming is for non-commercial or internal use.
- The filming is done inside a film/photography studio operated by any UM colleges/schools, departments or divisions.
- The filming is for a class or research project that does not require special services (e.g. parking or security) or disrupts the normal functioning of the University*.
*Students, faculty or staff who plan to use campus or any buildings as a set for documentaries, short or feature films should follow the guidelines below so that any logistical problems can be minimized.
Colleges/Schools who contract with an outside production company for filming on campus should follow the procedures listed below.
All students, faculty and staff wishing to use a drone on campus must follow the procedures listed below.
Guidelines to Film on Campus
Filming Request
All persons wishing to film on the UM campus should fill out the Film Request Application.
A filming request form should be submitted at least twenty (20) working days prior to the planned filming.
Script Review
A copy of the final script (storyboards might be acceptable and judgment will be determined on a case-by-case basis) must be submitted for review. The review process can take up to twenty (20) working days. Any changes or revisions should be brought to the attention of the Office of University Marketing & Communications. Substantive script changes could cause the University to withdraw its permission.
In only rare cases will a Location Agreement be issued without a script.
Location Agreement
If a college/school, department or division is using an outside production company/producer/photographer for a project, the producer/production company must sign a Location Agreement, indemnifying and holding UM and its Trustees, employees, students, and agents harmless from all claims and causes of action. The producer/production company shall provide a Certificate of Insurance Coverage, naming UM as an additional insured. The Certificate of Insurance Coverage should serve as evidence that the producer/production company has the following insurance policies:
- General Liability Insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrences insuring against all liability of the Producer/Production Company and its authorized representatives 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 producer/production company after approval of the filming request. No filming by a non-UM affiliated individual or organization can take place at UM without the execution of a Location Agreement by both the producer/production company and UM.
Drone Usage
The use of drone for filming at the University of Montevallo will only be allowed under limited circumstances, and is highly discouraged.
Flights of drones are prohibited on University properties during all outside events, including but not limited to:
- Any sporting or athletic event, including games, practices, and any other associated outside activities
- Any group or outside social events, including concerts, ceremonies, Bid Day, and/or events associated with Week of Welcome
- University parades on or off campus property
- Scheduled group events, including graduation
University of Montevallo Identification and Appropriate Use of Campus Images
Identification of the University of Montevallo as the filming location, use of the University’s name, logo or brand is not permitted, except in rare instances and only when the specific use is submitted for prior approval to the Office of University Marketing & Communications. The request will be reviewed by UM administration and will only be approved when deemed to be in the University’s best interest.
Identification includes but is not limited to trademarks, icons, widely recognizable University landmarks, and the use of merchandise containing trademarked images/logos (ie. apparel, flags, posters, miscellaneous items containing logo, etc.) Identification also includes verbal references on film.
Script Review
A copy of the final script (storyboards might be acceptable and judgment will be determined on a case by case basis) must be submitted for review. The review process can take up to twenty (20) working days. Any changes or revisions should be brought to the attention of the Office of University Marketing & Communications. Substantive script changes could cause the University to withdraw its permission.
In only rare cases will a Permit or Location Agreement be issued without a script.
Questions
Questions about filming at UM or these procedures should be directed to Kira Thomas, Executive Director of University Marketing & Communications, at (205) 665-6230 or kthomas18@montevallo.edu.