Wilfrid Laurier University’s campuses have served as the backdrop for numerous television and film productions including Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake, Handmaid’s Tale and many more.
Laurier welcomes anyone who wishes to take hand-held photos or short videos for their personal use or for class assignment. Note that privacy of others should be respected at all times, and explicit, written permission should be sought from any individuals who appear in images or video footage.
All other internal and external filming and photography requests for properties, buildings (interior and exterior), and infrastructure at Laurier’s campuses require assessment and approval by External Relations, and a formal location agreement prepared by the university’s legal department.
For any questions about filming at Laurier, contact filming@wlu.ca.
For news inquiries and media requests, visit the Laurier News Hub.
Filming and photography requests will only be considered for approval if they do not interfere with or disrupt the regular operation of the institution, including academic activities, research or events.
Familiarize yourself with the guidelines below and submit the Film on Campus Request Form.
Allow up to two weeks for our team to respond.
These guidelines ensure transparency and fairness in the fees and charges associated with filming on the university campus, while also accommodating the needs of students, non-profit organizations, and non-commercial productions.
Requests for filming must be submitted as far in advance as possible, but, at minimum, two weeks in advance and in no case will be accepted fewer than ten business days in advance.
All commercial filming activities on campus must not interfere with ongoing study, research, privacy, or safety of students, faculty, or staff. Access to specific spaces and buildings may be restricted during examinations.
Filming activities on campus must impose a minimal amount of disruption to normal university activities. Efforts should be made to ensure that academic and administrative operations proceed smoothly during filming.
Filming crews must not hinder access to exits, stairways, or corridors during their activities. Safety of all individuals on campus must be prioritized at all times.
The space requirements of university users will be given priority over other activities on campus.
Filming activities must strictly adhere to all university policies, rules, and regulations as well as any applicable laws. Any violation of these policies will result in immediate termination of the filming permission.
Wilfrid Laurier University reserves the right to terminate any filming activity that causes disturbance, violates policies or regulations, or endangers the health and safety of participants, users, or staff members.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) during filming must comply with Transport Canada’s regulations on use and registration of drones.
Contents of the full firm script must be made known to the office of External Relations for approval. If, for any reason, university representatives determine that the script content is not in the best interests of the university to be associated with the production, they many decline the filming request on university property.
No major set construction or alteration of buildings will be permitted. Any set decoration requests must be clearly specified in writing and approved prior to commencement of work. All areas impacted/occupied in connection with the filming must be returned to their normal condition and the satisfaction of the University.
For productions that do not involve University events and activities, every effort should be made to maintain the anonymity of the University, including promotion and credits. The University, however, may require that it be identified on a case-by-case basis.
All filming activities will be communicated to the Laurier community, including how, when and where any filming will occur.
Persons/organizations filming on campus who are not covered by Laurier’s insurance must have general liability insurance. The film company shall maintain, throughout the term of the filming agreement, general liability insurance at an amount deemed appropriate by the university, plus liability insurance for all owned and non-owned motor vehicles used by the film company on the university campus. The film company shall deliver to the university a copy of these insurances, or certificates of insurance prior to the location shoot.
An administration fee will be charged to all users when a film production representative confirms their interest in filming on our campuses. The fee covers the cost of staff time to meet with the production representatives, survey the campus for suitable locations, coordinate arrangements with university departments or faculties, and to execute a contract with the production company. This fee may be waived for students or non-profit organizations.
Location, preparation, and take down fees will be charged to any production company using university locations for the purposes of producing feature films, television commercials, and/or general entertainment programs.
Rental fees will be applied for use of classrooms, lecture theatres, lobbies, office space, exterior spaces, etc. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the film. The cost of additional services provided by the university will be charged in addition to the location and room rental fees (i.e. parking, additional security, additional caretaking, etc.).
Any additional services provided by the university, beyond location and room rental, will incur additional charges.
