Filming & Photo Guidelines

Summary and Purpose

The duty of fulfilling the Library’s mission is the first priority of Gwinnett County Public Library and the filming and photography described below is allowed only to the extent that it does not interfere with the provision of library services and is consistent with the Library’s mission. Filming on Library property does not connote Library endorsement of the film or its message.

Note that any persons filming or photographing on Library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.

Also note that Library staff may terminate any photo session that appears to compromise public safety or security, reflect badly on the Library, or interfere with Library operations.

News Media Photography

The Library has an open door policy for news media photographers and reporters who are doing stories or projects that directly involve the Library and its programs. Advance authorization for such photography must be obtained from the Library’s Marketing Department at 770-822-5329.

The Library may grant permission for news media to use its facilities for stories or projects that do not relate to the Library itself but requires the submittal of the Filming and Photography Form and approval of the Library’s Marketing Department.

Documentary-Type Photography for Publication or Broadcast

The Library permits photography of its premises and activities when the use of the photographs involves the Library directly, e.g., books, articles, or videos about the Library itself, or the Library’s position in Gwinnett County as a cultural or learning destination. Advance authorization must be obtained from the Library’s Marketing Department.

Commercial Photography

The Library permits commercial photography on or in its facilities if a Filming and Photography Form is submitted and approved by the Library’s Executive Director. This includes, but is not limited to, using Library buildings, grounds, or interiors as a stage set for portraiture, model photography, and product photography. It includes photography or filming used to advertise goods or services unrelated to the Library for commercial sale or promotion. If commercial filming, an appropriate donation is suggested per shoot.

Non-Commercial Photography

Casual amateur photography and videotaping is permitted in Library facilities for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit. The use of additional equipment such as lighting, tripods, and drones are not permitted without advance authorization.

Movie Industry

The Library will permit use of its facilities by the movie or music industry for filming major entertainment projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the Library mission, is in accordance with the rest of this policy, and does not advertise or promote commercial products. Filming may not be related to political campaigns, religious, ethnic, or partisan issues because Gwinnett County Public Library wishes to avoid any appearance, no matter how slight, of impropriety or impression of political, ethnic, or religious preference.

These projects must be approved in advance with the Library’s Executive Director and Marketing Department. Such filming may take place only during hours when the Library is closed, unless the Executive Director gives permission, and all equipment must be removed during the Library’s operating hours. Library personnel such as are necessary to open, secure, and remain on the premises during a shoot must be paid at overtime rates by the production company.

If a production company wants to shut down the library during regular operating hours, they must do the following:

• Submit a letter of intent to the Marketing Department at marketing@gwinnettpl.org
• Get approval from GCPL’s Executive Director
• Submit a Certificate of Insurance provided to Gwinnett County Public Library three (3) days prior to filming and/or load-in. Company shall carry sufficient insurance to cover any and all liabilities that may occur during its use of Gwinnett County Public Library property.
• Provide payment, if applicable, to the library 48 hours prior to filming. Payment must be made out to Gwinnett County Public Library in certified funds (money order, cashier’s check, or online payment). Payment will be determined by the production company and the Library’s Executive Director.

Student Films

Gwinnett County Public School and local college students filming in the library for a class assignment must request permission from the Marketing Department at least three days before you wish to begin.

Please submit a letter of intent to the Marketing Department at marketing@gwinnettpl.org.  For all student films, a suggested donation of $25 per hour of filming, made to the Gwinnett County Public Library is requested.

Photography for Groups and Non-library Events in the Meeting Facilities

Groups arranging meetings in the Library meeting facilities may arrange for photographers and news media during their event. Photography for such events is restricted to the space reserved by the group and may not take place in other areas of the Library.

All Filming and Photography Proposals should include the following:

• A synopsis of the film/commercial/TV show/photography shoot
• A breakdown of shoot specifics, including the number of crew members, the proposed shooting schedule, requested locations, and equipment being used.
• For any shoots where the Library is featured as itself, GCPL  requires a copy of script pages or storyboards of the scenes being shot.
• If a student filmmaker please include:
  • School you attend AND classification (junior, senior, graduate student, professor)

GCPL reserves the right to refuse approval of any filming request in which the Library is featured.

If you have any questions, please call 770-822-5329.