Policies
Commercial Filming, News, Documentaries and Student Filming Policy
Commercial films are defined as all feature films, commercials, still photography ads and any other profit-making film/photography ventures. All production companies wishing to scout locations on campus must email a request to University Event Management (UEM) in Lerner Hall at lernerhall@columbia.edu. The request will be reviewed and forwarded to proper departments for approval. Pending approvals, UEM will make appropriate arrangements. University Event Management must ensure that the Office of Public Affairs and General Counsel approve the premise/genre of the shoot, obtain permission from the Building Manager and appropriate Deans have been procured, and verify that contracts have been signed and insurance certificates are on file before final filming arrangements are made. Hourly rates are charged for all types of commercial work. The academic and events calendars may prohibit commercial filming during certain times of the year.
All news media, documentary and film interview requests are handled through the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, which keeps University Event Management informed. The Office of Communications and Public Affairs advises UEM as to whether approved requests should be handled as a nonchargeable or commercial venture.
Columbia film students interested in filming on campus must initiate a letter documenting all the particulars and reasons for filming and then forward it to the appropriate Venue/Building Manager or Dean for approval of space usage. The request letter and approval will then be forwarded to both University Event Management and the Office of Communications and Public Affairs so that proper parties can be notified.
Columbia students are not charged for using University space. Commercial film, hard news, documentaries and student film requests can be refused for reasons of time constraints if made later than 10 business days prior to requested schedule.