Newsroom: Production Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to organizations and individuals interested in filming, videotaping or taking still photographs at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Historic Area buildings and museums, for purposes other than personal use and/or when any impact on museum operations is anticipated.
Projects Considered
Projects must be related or appropriate to historical themes and educational purpose of the Historic Area and museums and meet standards of historical accuracy. Those that promote a product or service or would interfere with the normal operation and visitor enjoyment of the Historic Area or museums are not permitted.
Projects that require large or numerous pieces of
equipment, electrical hookups, lighting, staging of
scenes, or recording of scripted parts cannot be accommodated
during Historic Area or museum operating hours without
explicit written permission.
Projects requiring the alteration of buildings or grounds are not permitted.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation reserves
the right to reject any request to film or photograph
Colonial Williamsburg and/or its facilities.
Logistics
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will have a staff
liaison present at all times during the filming, videotaping,
and photography sessions, this staff liason is permitted
to terminate production immediately in the event the
producer fails to abide by conditions set forth in these
guidelines.
Except for designated parking areas, no vehicles are permitted on Historic Area grounds during operating hours. Service roads may be used for unloading or loading equipment. Any vehicles not being used to transport equipment must be parked in visitor parking areas.
Food and beverage equipment and tables must be set up in areas that will in no way interfere with, or detract from, the experience of Colonial Williamsburg visitors.
Insurance
The production company will provide proof of insurance and will be responsible for damages related to production work on Colonial Williamsburg Foundation property, specifically holding the Foundation harmless from any damages or claims.
Fees
The production company will cover all direct and indirect
costs to Colonial Williamsburg associated with the project,
in addition to the location fee, which will be agreed
to in writing by both parties prior to the commencement
of the project.
Credit
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation must be credited
onscreen or in writing in the production/publication.
A complimentary copy of the finished product is to be furnished to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation prior to the release of the product.
Application Procedure
A completed “Colonial Williamsburg Request to Film/Videotape/Photograph”
form must be submitted to the Public Affairs office well in advance
of the project. Please contact Jim Bradley, jbradley@cwf.org,
to request an application.
The Public Affairs office will coordinate internal review of the request and notify the organization of acceptance or denial of the project. Allow a minimum of two full weeks for review of the request. Additional time may be required for script review. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation reserves the right to decline requests to use its facilities.
The Public Affairs office will serve as liaison for the filming/videotaping/photography. An orientation meeting may be required prior to starting production work. All requests to use Foundation resources must be channeled through the Public Affairs office or, during filming, through the on-site Colonial Williamsburg Foundation liaison.
In advance of the work, both parties must agree to
written contracts or agreements relating to filming/videotaping/photography.
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