Filming in Hunterian Venues
The Hunterian supports filming activity that contributes to public understanding of its collections, research, exhibitions and public programmes. However, as the custodian of nationally significant collections, The Hunterian must ensure that all filming activity is consistent with its conservation, security and operational responsibilities.
The Hunterian often receives requests to film within the Hunterian Museum, Hunterian Art Gallery, Hunterian Zoology Museum and Mackintosh House. While we recognise the value of filming and media opportunities, our primary responsibility is the care, preservation and security of our collections, buildings and visitors.
As a result, filming permission is granted selectively and subject to strict conditions.
The Hunterian welcomes opportunities to work with media organisations, filmmakers and content creators where filming supports our mission and helps increase public understanding of our collections, exhibitions, research and public programmes, and where the activity can be undertaken safely and responsibly.
General Principles
The Hunterian will only consider filming requests where the proposed activity:
- Supports, promotes or enhances understanding of The Hunterian, its collections, research or public engagement activities.
- Aligns with The Hunterian's mission, vision and values.
- Can be undertaken safely and without risk to collections, interiors, staff, visitors or buildings.
- Does not disrupt normal operations or visitor access.
Permission to film is granted entirely at The Hunterian's discretion.
Conservation and Security
The preservation of our collections is our first priority. Many objects in our care are unique, irreplaceable and of national and international significance.
For conservation and security reasons, we limit filming activity within our venues.
Particular consideration is given to:
- Crew size and cast numbers.
- Lighting, sound and other technical equipment.
- The movement of equipment through galleries and historic spaces.
- Potential risks to collections, displays and interiors.
- The impact on visitor experience and museum operations.
Because of the unique nature of our collections and the buildings that house them, all approved filming activity is subject to strict terms and conditions.
Mackintosh House
The Mackintosh House is a particularly sensitive environment. Due to the significance of the interiors, collections and furnishings, permission to film in the Mackintosh House will normally only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Requests We Will Not Normally Approve
The Hunterian will not normally approve:
- Commercial advertising or promotional filming.
- Activity that could be perceived as endorsing a particular product, brand or commercial organisation.
- Requests involving large-scale productions, extensive equipment, numerous vehicles or large crews.
- Requests that present unacceptable conservation, security or operational risks.
- Requests submitted with insufficient notice.
- Requests from organisations unable to meet our insurance requirements.
Notice Period
Filming requests should normally be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the proposed filming date. Larger or more complex productions may require additional notice.
Requests submitted with less than four weeks' notice are unlikely to be approved.
Fees
Filming fees start from £750 plus VAT. This fee contributes towards the cost of staff supervision, administration and support.
Additional charges may apply depending on the scale, duration and operational requirements of the production, including any overtime, security or facilities costs.
Insurance and Compliance
All applicants must provide evidence of their public/products liability insurance with an indemnity limit of £10 million in any one occurrence. This must cover them for legal liability for:
- Loss of or damage to any property not owned by or in the custody or control of the insured, including objects from The Hunterian collections.
- Death of or injury or disease to persons other than employees.
All film crews must:
- Comply with The Hunterian's filming conditions.
- Comply with health and safety requirements including supplying a method statement and risk assessment and PAT certification for any electrical equipment.
- Follow any instructions issued by Hunterian staff.
- Sign the Hunterian Filming Contract.
- Sign the University of Glasgow Code of Practice for Filming on Campus.
Filming Conditions
The following conditions apply to all approved filming activity:
- Filming is normally permitted only on Mondays, when venues are closed to the public.
- Displays, cases and gallery layouts must not be moved, rearranged or altered.
- Collection items will not be removed from display cases and display case glazing will not be removed. Filming in the Hunterian Museum must avoid displays containing human remains, unless agreed in advance, in writing.
- Filming in the Hunterian Art Gallery must avoid artworks on loan and artworks that remain in copyright unless written permission has been obtained from the copyright holder.
- Tripods, tracking equipment, lighting rigs, selfie sticks and similar equipment are not permitted unless agreed in advance, in writing.
- Cables and other trip hazards must not be left unattended within the venue.
- Filming may only be used for the purpose stated in the application. Any subsequent use requires prior written approval from The Hunterian.
- Subject to broadcaster or producer approval, productions should acknowledge “The Hunterian, University of Glasgow”.
Application Process
All external film crews and production companies must:
- Complete the Hunterian Filming Questionnaire.
- Agree to the Hunterian filming terms and conditions.
- Provide evidence of Public and Products Liability Insurance with an indemnity limit of £10 million for any one occurrence.
- Sign the University of Glasgow Code of Practice for Filming on Campus.
- Agree to pay any applicable filming, facility or overtime fees.
Once the completed questionnaire and insurance documentation have been received, applicants will be required to:
- Sign and return the Hunterian Filming Contract.
- Sign and return the University of Glasgow Code of Practice for Filming on Campus.
Permission to film will only be granted once all required documentation has been completed, returned and approved.
Assessment and Approval
Each request is assessed on its individual merits. Approval will take into account:
- The purpose and content of the filming.
- Alignment with The Hunterian's mission, vision and values.
- Conservation and security considerations.
- Operational impact.
- Practical requirements, including crew size, equipment and timescales.
- Insurance and risk management arrangements.
- Potential benefit to The Hunterian and its audiences.
The Hunterian reserves the right to refuse any filming request where it considers the activity unsuitable or incompatible with its responsibilities as the custodian of nationally significant collections.