Student and Faculty Filming Guidelines and Requirements

The University of Michigan-Dearborn Film Office will help students, faculty, and staff who wish to film on campus for academic purposes. As early in the creative process as possible, please contact us with your facilities requirements so we can help you make the needed arrangements.

1. The facilities manager for each location must be notified, and a walk-through of all production locations with Facilities representatives must be held at least 10 days before shooting is to begin.
2. University-owned equipment used by students, staff or faculty for UM coursework or as part of their employment is coverage through university insurance. However, if equipment is used for an outside project the students, faculty or staff members would need to provide proof of insurance.
3. Fees will be charged by the University for any costs due to your production, including though not limited to, security, parking, electrical work, clean-up and other University employees’ time at prevailing charge rates.
4. No filming will be permitted in classrooms or libraries during midterms and finals or at other relevant times in other sensitive areas. Scenes may not be shot in a classroom in use without express written prior permission of the faculty member.
5. You must obtain a signed release consent form from each person who is captured on film and is identifiable. You must explain the topic of the film and its intended use to the individual before they sign their consent.
6. The production company must allow University representatives unrestricted access to all University facilities being used for production. Pedestrian traffic may be paused briefly, but not completely impeded by the production.
7. Representation of the University of Michigan, in any manner, is not allowed and the “University” may not be identified as the location of the photographs, nor can any “University of Michigan” signage be incorporated in any photographs or films without express written prior approval. Contact [email protected] for approval and provide a script for review, as well as your intended audience and methods of transmission.
8. Care on location:
   • Filmmakers must treat University property and grounds with care and respect.
   • Care must be taken to protect grounds, facilities, furniture, and flooring.
   • Filmmakers should always pay due consideration to the sensitivities of the community in which they are filming, and members of the public should be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.
   • Lighting and other equipment must not cause danger to the public. Cables should be covered with matting when crossing pavements. Warning cones and hazard tape should be used when appropriate.
   • Rubbish bins will be provided to the production and cleared regularly by the University’s Grounds at a cost to the production.
   • University-owned objects belonging to the location must not be removed without prior agreement of the University.
   • The location must be returned to its original condition immediately upon completion of filming and all evidence of filming removed.
   • The filmmakers must notify the University of any damage to the property. All damages to property will be the responsibility of the filmmaker.
   • The University cannot provide any storage for the filming crew prior to or during filming sessions.
9. Observing designated areas:
   • Filmmakers should limit their activities to the areas where they have been given permission to film.
   • There should be no trespassing on Dearborn City or private land without their permission in writing.
   • No smoking areas should be observed and cigarettes should be stubbed out in ashtrays and disposed of in a responsible manner
10. Parking/vehicles:
    • Production vehicles and production staff should park only where agreed at pre-arranged times.
    • Engines should be switched off on arrival.
    • Vehicles cannot cause obstruction to City Streets or University traffic flows.
    • Loading & unloading needs must be disclosed and agreed upon before filming begins.
    • No vehicles may be placed on University grounds without prior approval. 
11. Health and Safety:
    • It is the responsibility of the production to ensure that employees and contractors adhere to Health and Safety regulations when on location.
    • Lighting and other equipment must not cause danger to the public. Cables should be covered with matting when crossing pavements. Warning cones and hazard tape should be used when appropriate.
    • University must have advance notice of all electrical needs (e.g., whether or not you provide your own generators). The University will decide on proper placement of generators on location.