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Filming, Recording and Photography

A UNIQUE LOCATION

Queen’s University Belfast, established in 1845, offers a unique location for your production.

The site contains a number of historical and beautiful buildings such as the main Lanyon building designed by Sir Charles Lanyon in 1849 and the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School, formally the Lynn building, designed in 1858 by William Henry Lynn. See info on our 100+ listed buildings.

The Conference and Events Team is the first point of contact for all filming and photography requests on campus, from student films and wedding photography to large-scale professional productions.

The application process for filming and photography is detailed below.

All bookings are subject to compliance with our Terms and Conditions.

  • Application Process
    • Requests for filming must be made in writing by completing the Permission to Film Form.
    • Requests must be made at least 5 working days before you wish to film. This allows Events staff time to check the condition and availability of rooms as well as seek approval from the University Filming Committee.
    • The following information is requested in the Permission to Film Form.
      • Reason for requesting access to film on University property.
      • The total number of people in your film crew (including presenters and interviewees).
      • The filming date(s) you propose. (Please also provide alternative dates, as your chosen date may not be available).
      • Anticipated arrival and filming times, including set up and wrap time.

    Please note that we are a functioning University and our student’s experience, and their education is our primary focus. To avoid disruption, filming during term time may be limited.

  • Administration Process

    1. Once we receive your Permission to Film form, you will be contacted by a member of the Events Team. We will require the following paperwork in order to approve your request.

    • An Application to Undertake Work will be required for any project which involves potentially hazardous lighting, construction, or other high risk production elements.
    • A risk assessment (specific to location).
    • A copy of your insurance policies providing evidence of Employers Liability and Public and Products Liability insurance.
    • A list of equipment that you will be bringing onto the premises, including all lighting and particularly any electrical equipment that needs to be plugged into the power supply. This equipment should be PAT tested and certified safe to use.
    • A list of vehicles (registration number, make, type, colour) which require entry into the University grounds, for parking and security clearance. Parking Permits must be requested in advance and cannot be guaranteed, parking is subject to availability.   
    • Drone filming requests will require a separate authorisation form which includes operator details.

    2. Additional information may be requested, depending on the nature of the shoot. If it is required, it will be brought to your attention at an early stage of your application.

    3. All paperwork will be reviewed by the University Filming Approval Committee which is made up of various University departments.

    4. Once approved, you will receive a Filming/Photography Contract for confirmation.

  • Charges

    1. The Events Team charge a site filming fee + VAT at 20% which will be confirmed on receipt of your request. There will be a room hire charge added on top of this fee.

    2. Photography onsite will incur a fee of £100 + VAT at 20% for up to four hours.

  • FAQs

    I would like to film an interview in the library. Can you arrange this?

    The McClay Library Team oversee this space. Please contact the team.

    Do you oversee all University buildings?

    We oversee filming mostly on the main campus but can advise on the best contact for other sites/areas linked with the University.

    I am a location scout and would like to view some of the venues the University offers. How do I arrange this?

    Please complete the Permission to film form to give an overview of the potential areas and your requirements. We can then check availability for suitable spaces and contact you regarding a visit. There is no fee for a site visit. Visits will be completed during working hours (9am to 5pm) unless previously agreed.

    Can I block the Quad area off from 10am to 5pm for a clothing brand photoshoot?

    Unfortunately, as we are a functioning University and our student’s education is our priority, we would be unable to disrupt their campus experience during term time to facilitate this. We will happily look at alternative weekend dates that may suit, in order to complete the photoshoot on campus.

    I am a student within Queen’s University and I am looking to film as part of my course. Do I need to pay a film fee?

    As a student of our University, you are not required to pay any fees for filming on campus.

Take the next step

Call us today on 028 9097 5340 or email events@qub.ac.uk

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