Professional Film and Photography: Guidelines and Procedures

The National Gallery of Ireland holds one of Europe’s finest public art collections in trust for the people of Ireland. The purpose of our Professional Filming and Photography Guidelines and Procedures are to help us care for and protect the national collection, while ensuring a safe and respectful experience for our visitors, contractors, clients and staff.

Note: Professional filming and photography refers to both commercial and non-commercial filming and photography.

How to apply for professional filming and photography permission from the Gallery:

• The Gallery welcomes applications for all types of commercial and non-commercial filming and photography by professionals.
• To submit an application for professional filming, please contact the Events Department ([email protected]) to discuss your project and book an initial site visit. Applicants will be asked to give an indication of their proposed filming / photography date and a full overview of their project and production requests.
• Please note that the Gallery requires an application form to be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the proposed filming / photography date.
• Applications can only be submitted after a scheduled site visit with the Gallery’s Events Team.

What are the guidelines and costs for professional filming and photography at the Gallery? 

• The Rate Card for filming and photography is based on the type of use of the Gallery and footage required at the Gallery
• Availability to professionally film or photograph at the Gallery is limited to the standard hours for Gallery’s events:
  • Tuesday - Saturday 09:15 - 22:15
  • Sunday - Monday 11:00- 22:15
• Applications to professionally film or photograph in the Gallery are assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Permission to professionally film or photograph at the Gallery is based on the full content of a filming / photography application form
• All professional filming / photography carried out in the Gallery requires full compliance with the Gallery’s Health and Safety procedures and the successful submission of the following:
  • Proof of Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of €6.5m
  • Detailed Risk Assessment and Method Statement
  • Other paperwork that may be requested by the Gallery
• Collection works / objects and other Gallery furniture cannot be moved / removed to accommodate professional filming / photography.

What are the guidelines for filming or photographing collection works / objects that are in copyright? 

• Filmmakers / photographers will be advised of any collection works / objects that are in copyright during their preparatory site visit. The Gallery’s Events team will also support professional filming / photography on site on the nominated date, in the public galleries / non-public areas.
• Collection works / objects that are in copyright and are proposed in a professional filming or photography application must be cleared for use and licenced with the copyright holders in advance of filming.
• The clearance and licencing for the filming collection works / objects can be done with the assistance of the Gallery.
• The clearance and licensing of copyrighted work is the responsibility of the applicant.
• Collection works / objects that are in copyright or on long-term loan will typically have this symbol clearly marked on their display labels: