Filming Guidelines + Request Form

Filming at the Anchorage Museum 

Filming at the Anchorage Museum is a courtesy that may be extended to projects that contribute to the museum’s mission. These may include educational documentaries, news crews and news productions, or projects that feature or promote the Anchorage Museum and are reviewed and approved by the Marketing and Public Relations or Facility Rental Department.

Due to limited resources, commercial filming requests are not a museum priority. Commercial projects include advertising for a third-party product, annual report for a third-party company, movie productions, television productions, etc.

To request a photo or film shoot, please fill out the Film & Photography Request Form and submit it to mpr@anchoragemuseum.org.

A script or filming plan must be submitted with storyboard or scene descriptions and production schedules noted before any request will be considered. The following guidelines apply to pre-approved videography or photography on Anchorage Museum grounds, interior and exterior. 

1. Generally, filming will be permitted only during daytime hours or when the Museum is closed the public.
2. Film crews must be accompanied by museum staff and/or security staff.
3. Unless other arrangements have been made, the museum will charge a filming fee.
4. A script or filming plan must be submitted with shooting scenes and production schedules noted prior to granting permission to film. 
5. A walk-through with all necessary parties (museum representative, collections staff and appropriate film crew members) should be scheduled as far in advance as possible. The production company or agency will be billed $20 per hour for scouting appointments exceeding 2 hours.
6. It is required that, prior to filming, the film production company/agency get written approval from any artist (or the artist’s estate) whose work is included in the photo/film shoot.

ON-SITE FILMING GUIDELINES:

1. The HVAC system will not be turned off for filming. No exceptions.
2. The production company may not move or remove existing cases and exhibits, and nothing may be attached to existing museum walls or structures.
3. Only Museum collections staff are authorized to approve or move objects. Any object movement must be agreed upon in advance of filming/photography.
4. Laying down track in galleries is prohibited. Do not place equipment on, next to, or leaning on any exhibit furniture, object, case.
5. Filming will only be allowed in agreed upon areas.
6. In all exhibition areas, there are lighting restrictions. General lighting restrictions include:
   • Light sources must be at least ten (10) feet away from the artwork, and lights may not be left on continuously.
   • Whenever possible, set-up and focusing will be done using available light only.
   • Lighting on any one object will be for no more than ten (10) minutes at a time with a fifteen (15) minute rest period before relighting.

Failure to comply with museum staff directives regarding on-site filming requirements will result in cancellation of the photo/film shoot.