Brand Standards: Campus Filming and Photography

Campus Filming & Photography

Utah State University's iconic campus—from Old Main Hill to the Quad—is a beautiful backdrop for visual storytelling. To protect university property, branding, and operations, all external production companies, non-profit organizations, and independent creators must obtain formal approval before filming or taking professional photography on campus.

Application Requirements & Fees

To ensure a seamless review process, please note the following baseline requirements:

  • Timeline: Applications must be submitted a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to your requested film date.

  • Location Vetting: All requests—including those for USU Athletic Venues (e.g., Maverik Stadium, Dee Glen Smith Spectrum)—must be submitted through the centralized application below. Do not contact individual facilities or the Office of Events directly.

  • Commercial Filming Fee: A standard location fee of $1,000 per day is required in advance for all commercial and non-news productions. Additional cost recoveries (such as parking permits, security escorts, room rentals, or utility use) may apply.

  • Insurance Coverage (COI): Applicants must upload a Certificate of Insurance (COI) proving commercial general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000, naming Utah State University and the State of Utah as additional insureds.

Please Note: University Marketing and Communications reserves the right to decline any request. Once an application is approved, the details will be vetted by University Marketing and Communications alongside campus partners (including Risk Management and Public Safety). If approved, a formal Filming & Photography Permit will be issued via email. No filming may proceed on campus property until official permission, through this process, has been granted.

Important Notice: Trademark & Logo Usage

Outside entities are strictly prohibited from using Utah State University logos, trademarks, or "Aggie" branding for commercial purposes without prior written permission. For licensing inquiries, please contact Heidi Adams, Licensing and Brand Activation Director, at heidi.adams@usu.edu or 435-797-0587.

Ready to Apply?

Click the link below to access our secure intake portal. Ensure you have your filming timeline, location requests, and Certificate of Insurance (COI) ready.

Filming/Photo Application

On-Campus Production Standards

If your application is approved, your production crew, talent, and any participating USU employees must strictly adhere to the following university standards:

Branding & Wardrobe

  • No Logos: University logos and trademarks may not appear in the video.
  • Apparel Restrictions: University employees and talent featured in the production cannot wear USU-branded clothing, hats, or merchandise on camera.
  • Approved Backdrops: Broad, scenic backdrops like Old Main or the Quad are highly recommended. Athletic venues are restricted unless explicitly authorized in your final final permit.

Endorsements & Representation

  • Departmental Qualification: If a USU employee is featured, references to the university must be qualified by their specific department or college (e.g., "Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business" rather than a generic "Utah State University"). Dialogue must never imply a campus-wide endorsement of an outside entity, product, or service.

  • Mandatory Video Disclaimer: The final video must include the following visible text disclaimer:
    "The information included in this video is not an endorsement of the company or product, only a statement that Utah State University’s [Insert College/Department/Office Name] uses the product/service of [Insert Outside Entity Name]."

Talent Releases & Final Review

  • Releases: The production company is solely responsible for obtaining signed talent releases from any individuals appearing in the footage.
  • Final Review: Before the video can be publicly distributed or released, the final cut must be submitted submitted to Heidi Adams, Licensing and Brand Activation Director, for brand clearance and definitive written approval. The university reserves the right to deny approval at its sole discretion.