Churches and churchyards are popular locations for television programmes, films, documentaries, and news reports. Allowing filming can help raise your church’s profile and provide an additional source of income.
Before agreeing to filming
Find out as much as possible about the production. Ask for the following information in writing:
- The production – What is being filmed, who is making it, and where will it be shown?
- Dates and times – When will filming take place, including time for setting up and clearing away?
- People and equipment – How many people will be involved? What equipment, vehicles, and facilities will they need?
- Use of the building – Will they need to move furniture, bring in props, or make any changes to the church or churchyard?
It’s usually helpful to arrange a site visit with the production company before deciding.
Permissions and agreements
The incumbent and Parochial Church Council (PCC) should be involved in deciding whether filming is appropriate.
Consider the impact on worship, church activities, visitors, and the local community. Churchyards are also places of remembrance and should be treated with particular care.
Contact your Archdeacon before making a firm commitment. You may need additional permission, particularly if filming involves moving furnishings, making alterations, or installing equipment.
Before filming begins:
- Check insurance – Ask the production company for evidence of public liability insurance and a risk assessment.
- Protect your building – Agree how historic features, furnishings, floors, and memorials will be protected.
- Put everything in writing – Agree the dates, fees, permitted activities, responsibilities, and cancellation arrangements.
- Arrange supervision – Make sure someone from the church is available during filming.
The production company should leave the church and its grounds in the same condition as they found them.
Fees and expenses
Churches can charge production companies for using their buildings or grounds. There is no standard fee. What you charge will depend on the type of production, the time and space required, and any disruption to normal church activities.
Remember to include costs such as heating, electricity, cleaning, and staff time. You may also wish to charge for additional facilities or time if filming runs longer than agreed.
A reduced fee or no charge may be appropriate for local news coverage, charities, or community projects. For commercial productions, you should negotiate a reasonable fee that reflects the use of your church.
Agree all fees and expenses in writing before filming begins.
Further advice
If you’re unsure about permissions, contact your Archdeacon or the Church Buildings Team.
For advice about filming requests or media enquiries, contact the Communications Team at comms@yorkdiocese.org or call 01904 699530.
If filming involves church members, visitors, or other identifiable people, ensure you have appropriate consent and privacy arrangements in place. See our media consent guidance.