Filming and Photography by Outside Vendors
Thank you for your interest in using the SMU campus as a location for your upcoming production. We are proud of the beauty of our award-winning campus; our buildings and scenic interior and exterior locations provide exceptional background for any production.
Requests made by outside production companies, photographers, filmmakers, and others for all filming and photography activities on the campus of SMU are arranged and coordinated through SMU Marketing and Communications. This includes campus grounds, buildings (exterior and interior), aerials, portraits, and events.
SMU requires at least four weeks advance notice for film/video projects and two weeks advance notice for still photography projects in order to secure permissions, insurance and contracts. A copy of the final layout, script or storyboard may be required, and approval must be granted prior to signing the contract letter agreement. All filming and photography of sports-related events on campus must comply with NCAA rules. Marketing and Communications can provide details if needed.
All filming and photography of the university and it’s facilities by outside vendors, including those wishing to represent any work they have done in partnership with the university, are subject to approval by SMU Marketing and Communications before they may be used. Completed film and photos may not be sold to other parties. All film and photos are subject to copyright terms set by the university. Permission is granted for specific one time use and is not transferrable for further use – print or electronic – without approval by SMU Marketing and Communications.
Location fees
SMU’s location fee includes arrangements by Marketing and Communications to oversee contract procedures. When campus buildings or facilities (i.e. athletic facilities or Meadows theaters) are also requested for use as a location, additional surcharges will be required. Those charges are determined by the facility and are based on the specific requested use case. Availability of all facilities are subject to the needs of the university and often require 5-10 business days to secure permission from organizations and departments that use them. Fees may be paid by check payable to Southern Methodist University and mailed to Laura Graham at the address below.
Insurance requirements
The client company is responsible for furnishing a copy of an original certificate of insurance, with minimum requirements, to SMU Marketing and Communications at least one week in advance of the filming date (at least three days in advance for photography projects). SMU must be named as an additional insured and as a certificate holder of the policy. Below are the minimum requirements:
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Liability | |
| Bodily | $500,000/$500,000 |
| Property | $100,000/$100,000 |
| Automobile Liability | |
| Bodily | $250,000/$500,000 |
| Property | $100,000/$100,000 |
| Workers' Compensation | Statutory |
| Employers' Liability | $500,000 (each accident) |
| $500,000 (dis.-policy limit) | |
| $500,000 (dis.-each empl.) |
Marketing and Communications must receive your proof of insurance at least seven days before your shoot.
Script approval
A copy of the final script or storyboard may be required, and approval must be granted prior to signing the contract letter agreement.
Sports events
All filming of sports-related events on campus must comply with NCAA rules. Marketing and Communications can provide details if needed.
Contact
To request the use of campus or facilities for film or photos, or to get a cost estimate, please fill out a request form.
For additional information, please contact:
Laura O. Graham
Director of Photography and Video
SMU Marketing and Communications
PO Box 750177
Dallas, TX 75275
214-768-7679 office
214-505-3875 mobile
grahaml@smu.edu