Filming and Photography Policy for Requests to Film on Campus

Liberty University welcomes media professionals and visitors interested in covering stories about our campus. To ensure a smooth and coordinated experience, all media visitors must obtain prior approval from the university’s Office of Communications & Public Engagement by emailing news@liberty.edu before their visit. Since Liberty University is a private, faith-based institution located on private property, we kindly ask that all media representatives respect our policies regarding campus access. Visitors who have not received prior approval may be asked to leave.

To maintain the integrity of our campus environment, filming, photography, or digital streaming for promotional, marketing, commercial, or advocacy purposes requires prior approval from the Office of Communications & Public Engagement. This policy applies to all media outlets, social media influencers, and content creators producing material for advocacy, monetization, or personal gain.

Our media guidelines are in place to protect the privacy of our students and the appropriate use of university resources. Liberty University reserves the right to manage access to campus and ensure that any portrayal of the university is accurate and respectful of our mission. We appreciate the cooperation of all media representatives in upholding these standards. For any questions or requests, please reach out to news@liberty.edu.

LU does not endorse candidates for political office nor allow its campus to be used to create an implied endorsement.

The university will not approve filming for any purpose that implies any endorsement of a product, service, or political endeavor by the institution and its faculty, staff, or students. Any exceptions for this must be obtained in writing from the Marketing Department as part of the early negotiations.

Permission to film does not constitute implied or explicit endorsement of the film or its content.

Photography of facilities for commercial or media usage is prohibited unless authorized by LU. Use of photographs in articles and publications, brochures and other printed media must follow these policies and guidelines. If permission is granted for photography, the firm benefiting from the photography will give LU the right to use the image.

LU reserves the right to control all aspects of its Intellectual Property (IP), including, but not limited to, images of buildings, campus grounds, and iconic campus locations; the name of Liberty University or LU; USPTO registered marks; and so on. Film projects may not use the name of the university in any way that infringes upon those marks or results in an implied or actual endorsement by LU for any product, service, or activity without written approval, which must be part of early negotiations.

Written permission is also required for the use of any LU clothing or items, such as pennants, with the LU logo on it that are intended for use as costumes and set dressing.

LU may not be identified, mentioned, or credited without prior written permission. Identification includes exterior building shots, structures, statues, or iconic campus elements such as the chapel or the rock. It also includes any captured images of names, graphics, maps, signs, symbols, service marks, trademarks, or logos related to campus events.

Generally, LU does not permit filming of individuals related to the university since it is likely they will be easily identifiable in any finished product. If the project requires use of university-related individuals, the producing entity must obtain permission from the Marketing Department to proceed in this fashion. It is fully the responsibility of the producing entity to obtain all releases required for their project.

Parking on campus is limited and subject to approval by the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD), based on location and concurrent events. Only pre-approved areas may be used for production vehicle parking, and vehicles may not block streets or disrupt campus traffic. Any need to alter traffic patterns or unload/load equipment must be included in the parking request.

Due to proximity to Lynchburg Regional Airport, drone use on campus is generally restricted and must comply with FAA regulations. Approval is required, and if approved, either an approved Liberty operator would fly the drone or the designated pilot must be certified to fly in this location.

• The pilot must hold a valid remote pilot certificate.
• Separate insurance (COI) may be required.
• All necessary local, state, federal, and airport permissions must be secured.

University-owned objects may not be removed for production without prior written approval from the Marketing Department. This must be part of the pre-event planning. The production crew may not drill, nail, glue, or alter any campus property without written permission. Any approved modifications must be returned to the original state unless some other arrangement is pre-approved in writing.

All electrical production requirements must be agreed to as part of the pre-event negotiations. If university staff is required for installation, this will be part of the expenses considered during the pre-panning. If generators are required, university staff must approve the type of unit, location, and operation hours. Refueling must be coordinated with LUPD, and fuel may not be stored on campus. No refueling will be allowed on hot generators for safety reasons.

LU does not allow use of alcohol or tobacco in any form on campus or any related facilities. This applies inside and outside all campus buildings, including housing and dining areas. This also includes inside vehicles parked on campus. Noncompliance could result in expulsion from campus.

University-affiliated individuals must be aware of these policies and comply when working on productions intended for academic purposes, class presentations, class projects, or event promotions directed at campus audiences. Faculty and/or staff members will be responsible for ensuring that students under their direction understand and comply with all filming guidelines.

Any film project or references to Liberty’s NCAA athletic teams or student-athletes must comply with all NCAA regulations and must be approved by the athletic director or designated representative.