Filming Guidelines
Filming on Campus
University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) manages filming and photography on campus, including video, film, audio and still photography. Anyone planning to film on the Forty Acres — from students and faculty members to media crews and filmmakers — should review the guidelines for their project type to determine next steps and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
Please note: University rules prohibit filming commercials or advertisements on University property, as well as filming that implies endorsement of a business or organization, including nonprofits. The University reserves the right to refuse or revoke permission to film or photograph on the University of Texas at Austin campus for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only with written approval from the Office of Brand, Trademarks and Licensing. Brand, Trademarks and Licensing must also approve use of trademarked images, logos, buildings or insignia for filming.
Yes, if the space is available during the dates and times you request. Special use facilities include but are not limited to:
- The Blanton Museum of Art
- Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
- UT Libraries
- The McDonald Observatory
- UT RecSports Facilities
- Texas Union
Students and colleges, schools and units should contact the facilities directly to make arrangements.
External production crews should work with UMAC or the sponsoring department to coordinate a rental or reservation. Once the space is confirmed as available, the permit request process will move forward, and UMAC will provide a quote for the location fee and permit fee.
UT offers parking for visitors in garages across campus. Please refer to Parking and Transportation Services’ visitor’s map for information on garage locations.
If you need special accommodations, UMAC can discuss your needs with you. Please note how many spaces you will need in your request to film or photograph on campus.
Yes. All video productions must hold the required liability insurance in order to film on UT property.
Crews that do not plan to park on campus may not need to provide the additional automotive liability insurance.
Yes. However, they must follow the non-news filming procedures.
No. Non-profit organizations may not film on campus.
No. Filming for commercial advertisements is not allowed.
No. A permit is not required for personal photography.
Still photography for commercial and/or advertising purposes is not allowed.
Operation of drones on campus requires special secondary approval by the Campus Operations department. Visit their Environmental Health & Safety website for more information, including how and when to submit a flight request. Liability insurance is required for drone filming on UT property.
Yes. Non-news documentaries must follow the non-news filming procedures.
News documentaries approved by UMAC will not require a permit. The University does not provide permits for news filming, including news documentaries.
Copyright and Usage
The University of Texas at Austin retains the use, copyright and licensing of all images. Permission to use these images outside of materials created by or for UT must be obtained before use. Exceptions are possible only if special arrangements are made in advance of reproduction and use of the images. Use of images by external partners in magazines, advertising or other commercial uses may require the payment of additional fees.