Media Resources

All commercial filming and photography — indoors or outdoors — must be approved in advance through the Office of Marketing and Communications. Requests must include a completed filming application submitted at least 10 business days prior to the requested date.

Depending on the scope of the project, approved requests may require:

• A signed film agreement
• A daily filming fee of $1,000
• A certificate of insurance ($1,000,000 coverage, naming the University of Maryland as additionally insured)
• Possible additional fees (e.g., security, space rental, parking permits)

All requests are reviewed during business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday), and responses are provided via email. The university reserves the right to decline any request.

For commercial filming inquiries, contact filming@umd.edu.

As a public institution, the university permits media representatives to film and photograph in public, outdoor spaces on campus (streets, parks, sidewalks and green spaces like McKeldin Mall) and to film and photograph public activity taking place in these locations, in accordance with applicable Maryland law.  

Classrooms and most other indoor spaces on campus are intended for university purposes only and are not generally open to the public. Guests, visitors and media must make prior arrangements before visiting these spaces, as an escort may be required. Media who have not made prior arrangements with university faculty or staff should contact mediainfo@umd.edu for assistance. Recording any individual without their consent in these spaces is prohibited.  

To protect privacy, filming and photography are generally not permitted inside residence halls, the University Health Center or other access-controlled private spaces that involve personal, medical, academic or administrative activity. All requests to film at athletic facilities must be coordinated through Maryland Athletics.

Permitted Equipment

Devices allowed for filming include traditional cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless, etc.), smartphones and action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo Pocket, etc.), which may be used for photography, videography and livestreaming. Prohibited tools include drones and wearable recording technology devices (such as Meta glasses) that are not clearly identifiable as capturing photos or video.

Covering Campus Events

Media may cover events taking place in a public forum, such as parks, streets, sidewalks and McKeldin Mall. 

If registration is required, the media representative should identify themselves as a member of the media when registering and should coordinate with the event organizers. 

For ticketed events and events taking place in a limited public forum, such as inside university buildings, classrooms and other facilities, media access is determined by the event organizers. 

Media covering athletic events should coordinate directly with Maryland Athletics' Media Relations team.

Media covering campus events must abide by all federal, state and local laws. Students must also abide by the Code of Student Conduct.