Filming and Photography on Campus Policy
January 2025
South Kent School
As a private institution, South Kent School retains the right to determine access to campus property and how that property is used for filming and photography. This policy outlines the guidelines for those wishing to capture media on campus, with specific provisions for commercial, journalistic, and personal use, as well as regulations for filming within our athletics programs.
Compliance with Law
All people authorized by SKS to capture media on campus are solely responsible for complying with all laws and regulations relating to such capture and use (if applicable) of media, including, but not limited to, licensing, permitting, privacy and permission laws.
1. Commercial Filmmakers and Photographers
South Kent School does not permit individuals or businesses to film or photograph on campus for promotional, marketing, commercial, or advocacy purposes without prior approval. This includes individuals who create content for YouTube, social media, digital platforms, or other outlets aimed at generating revenue through advertising, sponsorships, or other means.
Requests for commercial filming and photography must be submitted for approval to the Director of Communications before any media is captured on campus.
2. Athletic Filming and Photography
Filming and photography within South Kent School’s athletics programs are subject to the following regulations:
- Media Outlets & Scouts: Credentialed journalists, recruiters, and scouts wishing to film games, practices, or athlete interviews must obtain prior approval from the Athletic Department and the Director of Communications.
- Team Footage & Analysis: Coaches and SKS designated personnel are permitted to film practices and games for team strategy, player development, and training purposes only.
- Parent & Spectator Filming: Families and fans may take personal photos and short videos from designated spectator areas. However, the redistribution of game footage for commercial use, unauthorized scouting, or third-party media platforms is strictly prohibited.
- Student-Athlete Media Use: Players may share personal highlights, photos, and team content for non-commercial, personal use, but must comply with NCAA, league, and institutional policies regarding the distribution of footage.
3. Political, Documentary, and Advocacy Work
South Kent School maintains a neutral stance in political and advocacy matters. As such:
- Political candidates may not use photos or videos taken on campus for campaign purposes.
- Filming for documentary or advocacy work requires explicit prior approval from the Director of Communications. Requests should outline the purpose, intended use, and scope of the project.
4. Personal Use
Visitors, students, and faculty may take photographs and videos for personal use as long as they are respectful, unobtrusive, and do not interfere with campus programs, classes, or activities.
- Personal media may not be used in a way that misrepresents South Kent School, or violates student privacy, or law.
- Any photography or videography inside dormitories, locker rooms, health facilities, or classrooms must be approved by the Head of School, Operations, and Communications.
- Use of drones for personal photography is prohibited without prior authorization from the Operations Office.
5. Student Media Projects
South Kent School students may film or take photographs on campus as part of academic coursework with prior approval from their teacher or academic advisor.
- Faculty members must ensure that student filming complies with privacy, safety, and community standards.
- Any student project involving off-campus publication (e.g., blogs, websites, or social media) must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Communications before distribution.
6. Journalists & Media Outlets
IMPORTANT: please COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS FORM to obtain Press Credentials.
Accredited journalists and media professionals may film or photograph in designated public areas of campus with prior approval from the Director of Communications.
- Media representatives covering athletics, events, or academic programs should contact the Director of Communications at least 48 hours in advance to coordinate access.
- Because our students are minors, some campus events, classrooms, and athletic facilities may have specific photography restrictions. There also may be restrictions on the use of such films or photographs.
- Media personnel must wear proper credentials while on campus and adhere to journalistic codes of ethics.
7. Faculty, Staff, and Institutional Photography
- Filming and photography for official South Kent School departments, programs, and promotional materials must be coordinated through the Director of Communications.
- Internal film and photography requests should be submitted two weeks in advance when possible, particularly for major events, student features, and athletics coverage.
- Film crews requiring special accommodations (such as drones, additional lighting, or specific campus access) must coordinate with Operations and Communications Offices.
8. Enforcement & Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy and/or any unauthorized filming or photography may result in:
- Revocation of filming privileges and/or removal from campus.
- Confiscation or deletion of unauthorized footage (when applicable under school policy).
- Referral to law enforcement if media capture violates student privacy, laws about concerning the protection of minors, or disrupts school operations.
For filming and photography inquiries, permissions, or media requests, please contact:
📧 Sarah Chase, Director of Communications
📞 860.927.3539 ext 207
Mobile: 402.889.5152
E-Mail: [email protected]
Press Credentials Application Form
This policy ensures that South Kent School maintains a safe, respectful, and professional
environment while allowing appropriate media engagement within our academic and athletic
communities.