Film, Photography and Video Requests

Procedures and Guidelines for Commercial or other Non-University Videotaping, Filming or Photography on the Stanford Campus

Stanford's permission is required to videotape, film or photograph on Stanford-owned lands. The university will consider reasonable requests for news-related, non-commercial shooting, but reserves the right to deny permission for any reason. Videotaping, filming, commercial photography or professional wedding photography is prohibited without permission. Permission is rarely granted. Commercial requests are not compatible with the teaching and research missions of the university and with its non-profit status.

For news-related projects, contact Jack Hubbard, associate director of Stanford News Service, 650-725-1294, jack.hubbard@stanford.edu. Non-news requests should be directed to Kate Chesley, associate director of University Communications, 650-725-3697, fax: 650-725-3326, kchesley@stanford.edu.

Exploitation of the Stanford name is prohibited.

This includes any implied endorsement by Stanford and appearance or mention of the name "Stanford" unless given express permission.
(For more information, see the web page describing Name use, seal or logo request.)

Indoor shoots are prohibited without permission.

Indoor shoots are deemed inherently disruptive of the functions of the university.

Special permission is required for any use of the Main Quad or Memorial Court .

In recognition of their special significance, the University strictly limits activities on the Main Quad and Memorial Court, including activities by Stanford schools, departments and organizations. For more information, consult the Policy on Use of Inner Quad.

Stanford University reserves the right to refuse to grant permission for any reason.

Among, but not limited to, these reasons are potential disruption of academic, research, business or student activities; damage to, or alteration of, university property; disruption of traffic or parking; or potential safety hazards.

Requests for filming or photography must be made in writing at least five working days before proposed shooting, and staff members are not available to help scout locations.

Wedding photography is prohibited except for couples being married at Memorial Church or those with a Stanford connection, including alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Request for non-news related filming

Non news-related requests must include the following information:

  1. Name and description of the organization or individual making the request.
  2. Name, address and phone number of contact person.
  3. Project description, including the context and way in which Stanford is to be portrayed, and the intended use of the resulting material.
  4. Date(s) requested.
  5. Time and duration of proposed shoot.
  6. Specific site(s) requested.
  7. Number of people, and amount and type of equipment involved.
  8. Any potential disruption (sound, light, physical, etc.) of university activities.
  9. Proof of adequate insurance coverage and indemnity.

Send to:

Kate Chesley, Associate Director
Office of University Communications
Building 170
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-2040
Phone: (650) 725-3697
Fax: (650) 725-3326