Apply to film here
If you are looking to film or record audio at The National Archives, please complete an online filming application form.
Filming at The National Archives
Find information about filming and photography at The National Archives.
Filming here
We advise production teams get in touch as early as possible and at least 20 working days before you plan to visit. Due to high demand for access to our filming locations, we reserve the right to refuse your request. Filming slots are limited to three hours per day in specific areas.
Filming fees
| Basic fee | Interview with expert | Presence of conservator** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV & film (6 person crew* max) | £300 per hour | + £50 per hour (minimum £50) | + £50 per hour (minimum £50) |
| Radio recordings | £150 per hour | + £50 per hour (minimum £50) | + £50 per hour (minimum £50) |
* The term ‘crew’ covers both technical and non-technical personnel, plus any presenters, researchers or external interviewees.
** In certain circumstances a conservation specialist will need to be present during the filming/recording and an additional fee will be payable.
Please note:
- All fees are subject to an additional Value Added Tax (VAT) (currently 20%)
- Fees are charged from the moment the crew is met by the member of staff until the crew leave the building.
- Cancellations or changes to a booking with less than 48 hours notice will be liable for a cancellation fee representing 20% of the total fee, plus VAT.
- For out-of-office hours filming, larger film crews (including feature films and TV dramas) the fee is negotiated on separate basis.
Terms and conditions for filming
Important information
The National Archives welcomes the opportunity to display records on film and television.
However as a working archive our priority must be to produce documents for members of the public in our reading rooms and also to care for our unique and irreplaceable documents. This means we are not always able to facilitate all of the requests we receive for filming. We strongly advise you secure permission before confirming talent, travel or accommodation arrangements.
The film company/producer must agree to:
- Credit The National Archives as the source of the records on screen and in the script (not just in the closing credits) during the film/programme itself.
- Respect and adhere to The National Archives’ conservation and care requirements for document handling.
Who can film here
Only crews working on commissioned programmes/films can film at The National Archives. For security reasons you must let us know in advance the names of the crew who will visit; including any presenters, interviewees and researchers
How you can film
Important information
Original documents cannot be removed from The National Archives for filming.
All filming on the premises is supervised by staff from the Media Team. The National Archives reserves the right to terminate filming at any time if the officer in charge is concerned that the terms and conditions are not being met or that the filming is deviating from the agreed schedule or context.
The crew should stay with a staff member and wear their visitor passes at all times.
No drinks or food of any kind, including chewing gum or sweets, are allowed near the documents. Coats, large bags and pens must be stored in our free lockers.
The priority for the Media Team Officer is to ensure the documents are handled correctly and that archival best practice is followed by visitors. They cannot serve as a presenter in the programme or be interviewed about the documents. We encourage crews to bring their own presenters or researchers. If you wish to interview someone from The National Archives about the files, a record specialist can be booked in advance for a fee (see above table).
Filming and the care of documents
Our documents are fragile, irreplaceable and easily damaged so they must be handled as little as possible. We will supply book-rests, backboards and other materials necessary for the display of documents.
Excessive exposure to light is also detrimental and the lighting levels and periods of exposure are kept to a minimum. Whilst filming every effort must be made to ensure that documents are not exposed to strong lighting for extended periods of time. The National Archives light fittings must not be altered. If asked to switch lights off, crews will be expected to comply.
Documents must not be marked in any way and the use of adhesives, such as Post It notes is prohibited. Pages must not be removed from documents.
The National Archives Collection Care department can be on hand to arrange documents on handling/library aids and give guidance on how to handle the documents for an additional charge.
We can also send you information leaflets and arrange training on document handling in advance of your visit if you would prefer.
When filming original documents containing photographs the use of protective gloves (which we supply) may be required.
Equipment used by film crews in The National Archives
The National Archives reserves the right to determine the suitability of all equipment used in filming, including its electrical safety.
No equipment without a current valid safety certificate, or which does not conform to the Safety Regulations of the Electrical Institute of Great Britain and suitable British Standards, may be used on the premises. No lights or equipment may be clamped to any fixed furnishings.
The capacity of the electrical circuits, which concerns film crews, is that of any one 13 amp safety socket i.e. just over 2 kilowatts. In terms of arc or spotlighting this would be up to 1 x 2000 watt lamp or 2 x 1000 watt lamps (on a linked plug) on one 13 amp outlet.
Multi outlet adaptors are forbidden even where the total wattage rating is within the 2 kilowatt guideline. Not more than 2 x 2000 kilowatt pieces of equipment should be put on to one ring-main as the overall fusing will be insufficient.
Making a request to film
We require at least 20 working days’ notice to film at The National Archives.
To request permission to film, please complete this online application form as far in advance as possible. We cannot hold dates unless a completed application form has been received however we are happy to discuss availability and potential timings.
Please note that when an online application form has been received we will send you an email acknowledgement; this does not constitute a definite agreement to film.
Following us granting you permission to film, you will receive a confirmation email detailing the date and time agreed along with the cost of the filming. Should you wish to cancel your booking at this stage please do so as soon as possible.
Identifying the records you wish to film
You are responsible for identifying document(s) you wish to film. The National Archives’ Media team cannot undertake research on your behalf.
All documents have a file reference and these must be submitted to the Press Office preferably with your application or at least five working days in advance of filming. We will order documents on your behalf to ensure they are ready for your arrival – no additional documents can be ordered on the day of filming.
A maximum of 15 documents can be ordered per shoot, however it is only feasible to handle up to five documents within one hours’ filming. Documents ordered should be used for their content and not used only as a background prop setting.
How to research records
You can search our online Catalogue, Discovery, to find and review documents before filming. On site and online advisers can support you in your research.
To view original documents at The National Archives you will need a valid Reader’s Ticket.
Reader's tickets
To look at original documents in our reading rooms, you will need a free reader’s ticket. Find out how to get one.
Filming information
Locations
We have several areas inside our building suitable for filming and we are happy to discuss options with your team.
We are not able to facilitate filming in our repositories, which are working areas. Tuesday to Saturday filming in public areas is restricted.
Filming outside in the grounds of The National Archives is allowed. Permission should be sought at least 24 hours in advance. As this is an area used by members of the public, please ensure that your equipment does not create a hazard and that people are not inconvenienced in any way. There is no charge for this unless one of our records specialists is involved.
While we will make every effort to accommodate your filming needs, please be aware that these are working areas and in some instances filming/recording may be interrupted intermittently.
Parking
There is public parking available, however this can get busy at peak times, and we are not able to reserve spaces for film crews.
Further information about the car park and charges can be found on our website.
Timings
Filming should take place in The National Archives premises between:
| Monday – Friday | |
|---|---|
| Early session | 9:30–12:30 |
| Late session | 13.30 –16.30 |
The crew must be off site by 17:00. Out of hours filming can be arranged but would have to be negotiated well in advance and may incur additional costs for security.
Cancellation fees
Cancellations or changes to a booking with less than 48 hours’ notice will be liable for a cancellation fee representing 20% of the total fee, plus VAT.
Insurance
All film crews must provide evidence that they are adequately insured in advance of filming. We accept most general public liability company insurance.
Any damage to persons or objects arising out of filming at The National Archives will be the responsibility of the client.
Risk assessment
We will need to see your risk assessment in advance of the filming date.
Invoicing
Once the filming has taken place you will be sent an invoice by The National Archives for fees incurred and you will be given 30 days in which to pay.
Please do not attempt to transfer money to The National Archives unless you have received a written invoice instructing you to do so.
Copyright
Access for filming of public records is given with the authority of the Keeper of Public Records, under s.49 of the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988.
In many cases the material copied is still subject to copyright. Access is given on the understanding that it is the responsibility of those making the film, or photographic copies, to ensure that subsequent use of the copies does not infringe copyright.
For further guidance on copyright please contact our Copyright Officer.
Copyright of non-public records held in The National Archives is subject to greater restrictions. We may have to refuse access for filming or photography of such material unless permission has been obtained from the holder of the copyright.
Use of material
Crown copyright material among the public records may be broadcast freely although an acknowledgement of the source of the material must be made.
The National Archives cannot give permission for the use of material that is not Crown copyright, or advice on the current ownership of any copyright which may still subsist in it.
No copyright application is required for general views of records in which detail of the contents does not appear on the screen.
Crediting source material
The National Archives must be credited on screen and in the script during the broadcast programme as the source of the records.
Please inform The National Archives of the date and time of the proposed broadcast and forward to us an electronic version or DVD of the programme for our reference.
Accessing images
Our Image Library enables images of records from our collection to be used for commercial reproduction.
For more information, please visit the The National Archives' Image Library