Filming guidelines

With our Grade I listed buildings, close proximity to Brighton, and the South Downs National Park on our doorstep, Sussex is an ideal place for a filming project. If you are looking to film on campus, see our permission and procedures below.

Filming on campus

We frequently receive requests from TV and film production companies who would like to use the location, our buildings, grounds, staff and students for film shoots.

While we welcome requests, it is a busy working environment and these guidelines are designed to ensure that the University's interests are maintained and that its normal activities are not disrupted.

If you would like to film on campus contact [email protected] or call us on (+44) 01273 678888.

How to request permission to film at Sussex

Large-scale filming can only take place with our written permission and we must have at least six weeks notice of any proposed filming activity.

Shorter notice periods will be considered at our discretion and will depend on the time and effort required to ensure the proposed filming meets our guidelines.

To request permission to film at Sussex you must give us:

the name of your production company
the type of production (drama, documentary, etc.)
the proposed location of filming
a description of the proposed activity
the proposed timescale of filming
your contact name and telephone number.

If the proposed filming is likely to have a negative impact on the reputation of the University, permission will not be given.

What to do if permission to film is granted

If permission is granted in principle to film at Sussex, you'll also need to:

tell us the scale of the production (personnel and vehicles involved)
give us a copy of the script (if applicable) and a schedule of filming
tell us if there are any proposals to use special effects, rain or snow machines or stunt work on University property
give us details of any proposals to alter or disguise property
show us detailed plans for any pre-film recces – please note that all such recces must take place in the company of a University representative and only the specified locations agreed prior to arrival on site can be visited.

No filming can take place without a signed contract of the terms agreed between the University and the production company.

The contract will usually include a number of terms and conditions [PDF 82KB] (please pay particular attention to those concerning liability).

Where to film on campus

If you want to visit us or have questions about where to film on campus, contact [email protected].

Our filming fees

Any rental fee (for example porter hire, room bookings or University administration) for the use of the University’s property is at our discretion.

The Filming Co-ordinator [FC] will agree this with the production company before filming commences.

Journalists and the media

If you are a journalist and would like to film on campus as part of a media report, we will normally do our best to accommodate this without charge.