Photography
and Filming

For more information, please contact Angelica Fuentes, Business Manager afuentes [at] makcenter.org.

Filming and Photo Shoot Guidelines

Permission

Any filming or photography in the Schindler House House must be approved by the MAK Center Director and President of the Friends of Schindler House. Any filming or photography in the Mackey Apartments and Fitzpatrick-Leland House must be approved by the MAK Center Director. 

Supervision

All filming, photography and related activities requiring a location fee must be supervised MAK Center staff or designated monitor. The degree of monitoring and number of monitors required will be determined by museum staff after analyzing the size and complexity of the proposed project. This monitoring may incur overtime and other costs. 

Advance Notice

Two weeks notice is required for photography and four weeks for filming. If less than two weeks notice is given, the MAK Center cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate the request. The film crew must be always accompanied by MAK Center staff and Friends of Schindler House representative. There must be one MAK Center staff member for every eight members of the film crew. Please check our Visitor Information page for information regarding installation or construction closure.

Activities, Prohibited

Only the MAK Center staff and Friends of Schindler House representative is authorized to move, touch, clean, or in any way alter artifacts, structures, reproductions, or building fabric. Some activities are incompatible with the MAK Center’s responsibility to protect its resources, its image, and the safety of its staff and visitors. Prohibited activities are those that:  alter, damage, or remove any resource for any reason; involve any smoking or smoke machines in buildings; use any type of open flame or pyrotechnics.

The operation or use of any drones, unmanned aircraft/flying systems, and remotely-controlled or radio-controlled flying machines (whether or not motorized) of all types, shapes, and sizes at any time in the vicinity of or near the Schindler House, Mackey Apartments and Fitzpatrick-Leland House is prohibited. 

Electrical Needs

Power supplies in the Schindler House is limited. Power needs must be communicated prior to arrival. 

Exhibitions and Set Construction

Exhibitions may not be altered or moved in any way. MAK Center staff reserve the right to relocate or remove any objects which they deem to be too close in proximity to lights and other equipment but will not guarantee such removal. No materials may be attached, fused, nailed, taped, or otherwise affixed to any furnishings or architectural surfaces. Any materials or set construction must be approved prior to the shoot and removed by members of the crew. 

Copyright

Almost all exhibition materials may be protected by copyright or other right controlled by a third party. It is the responsibility of the production company to secure image rights, which are often held by the artists, estate, or lending institution. The production company assumes all responsibility for determining these rights and obtaining all necessary permissions.

Credit Line & Logo

The suggested format for credit lines is: 
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture
Schindler House / Mackey Apartments / Fitzpatrick-Leland House

Permission from the Director is required to use the MAK Center logo. 

Documentation

The production company must furnish to the MAK Center with a complete copy of the finished project for archival purposes. The MAK Center reserves the right to document, through filming, photography, or any other means it deems appropriate, any project conducted on property it owns or controls.  

Damages

The company is fully responsible for all damages that occur during filming or photography. The company is responsible for paying for all repairs deemed necessary by the MAK Center. The company must carry workers’ compensation insurance and a general liability policy with limits of at least $1,000,000. A certificate of insurance may be required by MAK Center prior to the shoot. 

Equipment

Equipment list must be shared with the MAK Center staff. Fogging, combustive or other moisture or heat producing special effects are not allowed. All equipment, such as tripods or tracks, must use rubber tips or pads to prevent damage to floors. Equipment must be set up a reasonable distance (18”) from objects, walls, doors, and other interior architectural features. Dollies on tracks need to be placed on satisfactory protective material. The MAK Center is not responsible for providing any equipment during filming or shooting.

Lighting

Because strong lights emit heat that can be damaging to objects or building fabric, those required for photography should be turned off when not in use. Ultraviolet light and infrared light generated by some lighting devices can cause fading or darkening of textiles, works of art on paper, and other organic materials, and therefore, must not be aimed directly at these types of objects. Screens must be used on tungsten, incandescent spot, or flood lights to control heat and protect objects. UV filters must be used when possible. 

Object Filming/Photography

A list of the specific objects or locations to be filmed must be provided to the MAK Center as soon as they are known. Loans: Some objects on display have been loaned to MAK Center from other institutions and individuals. It may not be possible to film these objects. The production company must get permission from the lender for filming and must provide proof of permission or secured right to the MAK Center. A schedule/shot list must be approved by the MAK Center staff one week prior to shoot. 

Cleaning & Damage Deposit

After evaluation of the application, a refundable Cleaning & Damage Deposit will be required for all projects. The deposit amount will be determined by estimating costs of monitoring and potential restoration. The deposit or its remainder will be released when the MAK Center has determined that the project is complete and any necessary clean‐up and restoration is finalized. 

Clean‐up

All areas impacted by the project are to be cleared of all equipment and trash and returned to original condition to the satisfaction of the MAK Center staff.  All trash and debris must be removed and disposed of at the end of each day of the project. No MAK Center trash receptacles may be used. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to notify all of its contractors and subcontractors of the clean‐up rules.

Additional Information

Regarding the historic structures on the property, the Friends of Schindler House has final say over all decisions regarding conservation concerns that should arise during filming. Smoking is prohibited during filming.

Termination

Permits may be terminated with little notice in the case of unforeseen emergencies, disasters, or events both natural and man‐made. The return of unused fees will be made on a case‐by‐case basis. Non‐compliance with any location use policy or making false or misleading statements to obtain a permit will result in revocation of the permit and suspension or termination of activities at any time, with no notice, no liability, and no refund of fees. The MAK Center is not responsible for any inaccurate information provided by location scouts or their representatives. The MAK Center reserves the right to add any additional requirements and guidelines to the permit necessary to protect resources and ensure safety. Requests to substantially alter or amend the policy for especially large or complex projects must be approved in advance by MAK Center Director.