Filming on Campus
Thank you for considering Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) as a potential filming location! These guidelines streamline the approval process and facilitate agreements for filming in our campus buildings and grounds.
Important tips to keep in mind
- Before engaging in any filming activities, external rental groups are required to obtain the necessary approvals outlined below.
- Please note that filming availability may be subject to restrictions due to academic programming, activities, and construction.
- It is important to respect the privacy and consent of our students, faculty, and staff, as filming them requires prior written permission.
- Please note that all filming and photography requests, both internal and external, for TMU properties, buildings (interiors and exteriors), and infrastructure must be assessed and approved by our Event & Space Reservations department.
- Requests that do not interfere with the regular operation of the institution, including academic activities, research, and events are prioritized.
How do I submit a filming request?
To submit your filming request, kindly use our provided form, and a member of our team will get in touch with you. TMU Students should email spacereservations@torontomu.ca for filming requests related to coursework.
Assistance provided by TMU Events & Space Reservations
To assist you throughout the filming process, our Event & Space Reservation Services team will serve as the liaison between TMU and your production company. Our experienced Event Coordinators will support you with location scouting, obtaining permissions from campus units, contract negotiations, and on-site assistance during filming. We handle the request screening, processing, and coordination with campus units on your behalf.
We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to these guidelines, ensuring a successful filming experience at TMU.
- Specific date(s) and location(s) are confirmed and approved by Event & Space Reservation Services.
- Alterations of buildings are prohibited. Any set decoration requests or modifications must be clearly indicated in the Filming Reservation Form and approved prior to the start of ANY work related to the film. All impacted areas must be returned to their normal condition and satisfaction of TMU or additional charges will apply.
- A program script must be attached to the Commercial Film request form so we can rule out conflict of interest and/or reputational damage to the University.
- Certificate of Insurance with TMU listed as additional insured is received by Event & Space Reservation Services no less than five (5) business days prior to filming.
- Application for Filming at TMU is completed and returned to Event & Space Reservation Services at least thirty (30) business days prior to filming.
- Rental agreement is completed and signed no less than ten (10) business days prior to filming.
- Notwithstanding the terms and conditions of these guidelines and TMU Bookable Space Policy, Event & Space Reservation Services office has the right to refuse any request for filming on TMU property.
In order to secure your filming reservation at TMU, we kindly request that full payment of all fees, estimated charges, and deposits be submitted to Event & Space Reservations no later than five (5) business days prior to the filming date.
The total cost for filming at TMU, which will be determined by Event & Space Reservations based on your production requirements, encompasses various fees and charges. These may include location fees, room rentals, catering charges, parking fees, labor costs, cleaning fees, and any other necessary facilities or miscellaneous services for the shoot.
Our fee structure operates on a full-day (12 hours) rate system, starting from the arrival of the first vehicle until the departure of the last vehicle on the day of the shoot. For any shoot exceeding 12 hours, additional hourly fees will apply. Moreover, there will be additional daily fees for dressing and striking the set.
Please note that facility rental fees are separate from the location fees mentioned above. Prep and strike days will be charged at 50% of the established location fee, plus any associated facility rental fees and charges.
We appreciate your prompt payment and cooperation in adhering to these financial guidelines. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our Event & Space Reservations team.
A minimum Survey and Clearance Fee of $100 will be charged to all users of University spaces as soon as it is apparent to the University that its location may be suitable for their needs. Assessing such a fee, payable in advance, does not imply that final permission will be granted.
- Commercial Film Shoots: Our location fees start at $4,000/day.
This includes feature films, television shows, general entertainment programs, short films, and documentary films. - TV Commercials Shoots: Our location fees start at $1,500/day.
This includes commercials, internet-based content, training videos, and public service announcements - Photography: Our location fees start at $1,500/day.
This includes commercial advertising and merchandising of products, goods, and services, content for brochures, sales tools, calendars and catalogs, and professional purposes including headshots. This also includes private photography for weddings and other special events. - Academic Filming: There is no cost for filming/photography done by TMU students for academic purposes. This includes any filming required for TMU coursework and approved by the TMU professor or Dean of the academic program.
Cancellation
Cancellation of an approved film permit must be received no less than ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled start of filming and must be in writing to spacereservations@torontomu.ca.
The Event Organizer is responsible for any labour or direct University costs accrued at the time of cancellation in addition to a minimum of one (1) day location fees.