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Please read thoroughly before you contact us to arrange filming
The National Archives welcomes the opportunity to display records on film and television, however we reserve the right to refuse permission to film without stating a reason.
As a working archive our priority must be our service in delivering documents to the public and responsibility to the care and conservation of 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. Please read thoroughly before you contact us to arrange filming.
Who can film
Only commissioned programmes/films can film at The National Archives unless otherwise arranged with us. 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
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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.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside The National Archives’ buildings.
No drinks or food of any kind, including chewing gum or sweets, are allowed near the documents. When filming a shot, in which someone appears to be studying a document, the rules of the Reading Room (use of supports, pencils only etc) must be observed.
A member of the Media Team will be on hand throughout filming. Their priority is to ensure the documents are handled correctly and archival best practice is followed in the repositories. 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 about the files, a Record Specialist from The National Archives can be booked in advance (see Guide to filming fees).
Filming and the care of documents
Documents are easily damaged and so they must be handled as little as possible. We will supply book-rests, backboards and other materials necessary for the display of documents. Our documents are valuable and irreplaceable so we impose restrictions on how they are handled.
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 but additional lighting can be used provided it is switched off between takes.
Documents must not be marked in any way and the use of adhesives, such as Postit notes is prohibited. Pages must not be removed from documents.
The National Archives Collection Care department can be on hand to arrange documents onto handling/library aids and give guidance on how to handle the documents for an additional charge (see Guide to filming fees). We can also send you information leaflets and arrange training on document handling in advance of your visit if you would prefer.
In some instances, when filming original documents containing susceptible material types, 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 onto one ring-main as the overall fusing will be insufficient.