Filming & photography policy

Filming and photography in the Museum presents specific challenges as we have the National Aviation Collection to protect. Moreover, copyright issues can arise particularly with 2-dimensional objects. On the other hand, filming and photography for private use is a popular activity which helps visitors to promote the Museum to friends and to carry out personal research projects. Additionally, commercial filming and photography provides an opportunity to generate revenue for the Museum. This policy sets out the means to achieve the correct balance between these conflicting interests.

Please be aware that while we can offer over-the-rope access if requested and agreed in advance, we cannot allow access into or on any of our aircraft (other than those already accessible to the public).

We also do not permit drone filming onsite - inside or outside.

Definitions

1. Private Use
Filming (including video recording) and photography for private use is that which is undertaken by visitors who intend to use the results for neither commercial nor ‘not for profit’ purpose.

2. Not for Profit Use
Filming and photography for ‘not for profit use’ is that which is undertaken by representatives of ‘not for profit’ organisations such as charities and schools.

3. Commercial Use
This covers all other categories of filming and photography, where the intention is to publish, present or otherwise attempt to exploit the commercial value of the results

Limitations

4. Private Use
Visitors who wish to film or take photographs in the Museum may do so within the exhibition areas of the Museum from the walkway. To avoid causing a trip hazard for other users of the Museum, they should use a tripod with care. Flash or other lighting which is built-in to the camera may be used. If the photographer requires over-the-rope access to an aircraft, permission must be requested and approved in advance of the visit.  A charge may apply to cover costs. Objects in cases will not be removed to aid private use photography. 

5. Not for profit Use
Representatives of charities, schools or other institutions who state that the results of the photography will be used solely for educational or charitable purposes and not for the purpose of generating income to the organisation may be treated the same way as private users. Although, by definition the results may not be used for commercial gain, there still may be a charge if special access or staff support is required.

6. Commercial Use
Visitors who wish to film or take photographs for commercial use must declare in advance that they will comply with the conditions on the written agreement, Para 15 below, and that they will pay for the services received at the stated rates.

7. Charges for Commercial Use
The rates are facility fees enabling supervised access. All charges are exclusive of VAT and apply to each hour or parts of an hour. Higher Charges may be negotiated, if for example, services are in high demand, additional staff are required to attend, or disruption to other visitors is anticipated. To request a quote for filming at the Museum please call 020 8205 2266.

8. Curatorial Support
If curatorial support is required for any task, additional charges are applicable.  Support must be requested in advance and is subject to availability.

If a need can be met from an existing photograph or image, using either the collection or another Museum source, the procedure and charges for photographic reproduction apply, and the charge for commercial use may be abated accordingly.

9. Concessions
Applications for concessions by sponsors, potential sponsors or high-profile users, including TV and advertisers and the national Press may be considered by the Museum. For the sake of propriety, the anticipated benefit to the Museum must be quantified and recorded on the agreement. Any undertaking to mention the Museum in the credits must be specified in detail. The rates negotiated should cover all the costs incurred by the Museum.

10. Publicity
The limitations on filming and photography are to be displayed in the Foyer to inform visitors of the existence of the policy. A copy of this document is supplied on request.

11. Administration
Enquiries about the commercial use are to be channelled through the Events Team who will liaise with other departments to coordinate the required support, calculate and negotiate the appropriate charge, and present the agreement for signature by the client, always in advance, and before arrival on site.

12. Supervision of Commercial Activities
Film and photography crews are to be 100% supervised by a member of Museum staff at all times when equipment is in use. The full cost of supervision is to be included when negotiating charges. The schedule of conditions for on-site lighting and cabling will be supplied on request and must be complied with precisely.

Under no circumstances is lighting equipment to be left unattended.