Student Filming

The Film & Events Office is responsible for managing and approving all student film requests at UBC.

As a registered student at UBC or another bona fide film school, filming and still photography is permitted to occur on campus. To be considered a bona fide student production there must be an assigned instructor and at least 50% of the crew should be fellow students.  

The standard location fee, damage deposit and insurance requirements will be waived for bona fide students. Building rental fees, parking, security and technical labour may apply.

Film students from the There Be Giants production pose in a hallway

SPECIAL NOTICE EFFECTIVE TO JANUARY 3, 2021. 

Only UBC student requests to film will be considered to January 3, 2021. 

Review the UBC Student Filming COVID-19 Safety Protocols before considering filming at UBC.

Student Filming Procedures

  • Submit a Student Request for Filming form, along with full script and scope of work and COVID-19 safety plan 15 business days in advance of proposed filming. Please review the UBC Student Filming COVID-19 Safety Protocols in advance of submitting your COVID-19 safety plan. 

  • Locations should be finalized and written permissions obtained at least 5 business days prior to filming. The student will then enter into a film rental agreement and then be provided a film permit by the Film & Events Office. UBC will not sign any third-party agreements, contracts, waivers, or release forms.

  • A Student ID Card and the film permit must be with you at all times while filming.

  • A minimum 48 hours’ notice of cancellation must be provided to the Film & Events Office  and, if applicable, the department liaison. Failure to provide cancellation notice will result in a charge of $50.

  • Cleaning fees may apply for use of indoor space

  • Requests from students to film an independent production must follow the commercial filming procedures and guidelines, where a contract and fees will apply.

 

Download the Student Request for Filming form

Locations

Here is helpful information when choosing a location for your student project. 

Exterior filming may be permitted as long as access to buildings are not impeded in any manner and there is no disruption to classes and University operations. Permission must also be obtained from the building occupants to ensure there is no conflict when filming exteriors.

Determine locations 10 business days in advance in order to ensure availability. Dates and times must be specified. Many buildings will require a user rental fee. Permission must be obtained from the occupants of the buildings that you wish to film.

Buildings not managed or operated by UBC require separate permission for filming both exterior or interior. These buildings include but are not limited to:

  • UBC Hospital (Vancouver Coastal Health)
  • NRC Institute for Machinery Research
  • BC Research Inc.
  • Paprican
  • TRIUMF

Approvals for filming in the University Endowment Lands (UEL), east of Wesbrook Mall, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park must be obtained from the UEL.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic must not be impeded. Permission must be obtained in advance for the use of filming roadways.

If intermittent traffic control is required, a detailed traffic management plan must be submitted 10 business days prior to filming. Maximum lock-up is 3 minutes at a time and only when the camera is rolling. If permission is granted only UBC Parking Officers or individuals licensed to perform traffic control are permitted to stop and/or regulate traffic. Proof of license must be provided by individuals.

Use of Marine Drive, West 16th, Chancellor Boulevard and other roads outside of UBC are managed by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure (MOTI). Please contact the MOTI directly for filming on those roads. 

Stunts and Special Effects

Here is some helpful information if planning on using stunts or special effects.

Stunts and/or special effects may be denied while filming on the campus depending on risk to the University. The instructor must be on set when conducting stunts and/or special effects. In some instances, professional stunt and or special effects coordinators may be required to also be on set.

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