Filming & Photography on Library Premises
General
Toronto Public Library welcomes commercial and non-commercial production agencies and public broadcasting institutions creating educational and public interest programs on its premises.
Toronto Public Library allows amateur photography and videotaping on library premises with permission.
Toronto Public Library supports the film and television industry in Toronto by allowing filming and photography on its premises provided there is no disruption of library service or cost to the library and that the library's image and reputation are preserved.
This protocol does not apply to news and public affairs coverage of library events, activities and personalities.
Protocol
Library staff and customers may not be filmed or photographed without permission.
A completed Application to Commercial Filming & Photography (PDF) must be received by the Library with a minimum of 21 days notice.
Applicants must adhere to Toronto Public Library's Rules of Conduct and Location Filming/Photographing Permit Guidelines, and acknowledge Toronto Public Library in the credits.
Toronto Public Library retains the right to refuse any request for filming/photographing on its premises.
Location Filming/Photographing Permit Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all Toronto Public Library locations:
- Food and beverages are permitted in designated areas only.
- Library staff, security and custodial personnel must be present during the film/photo shoot. The applicant will be billed for all staff time. Payment must be made in advance.
- No major set construction or alteration of buildings is permitted.
- Additional charges may apply for power, lighting, air conditioning, etc.) Payment for these must be made in advance.
- All areas occupied in connection with the filming/photographing must be returned to their normal conditions.
- Applicants must not make any connections to the electrical system other than through plugging into standard duplex receptacles. Electrical panels must not be removed.
- Applicants needing auxiliary sources of power must use silenced generators and suspend or cover all cables at their own expense.
- All crew must have clearly visible identification to facilitate clearing by security or library staff.
- Toronto Public Library is not obligated or responsible to provide parking for applicants. Applicants cannot interfere with patrons' parking.
Filming & Photography Fees and Rates
| Hourly Rate: | $250 + $32.50 HST = $282.50 |
| (A three hour booking minimum applies to all contracts). | |
| Administration fee (non-refundable): | $100 + $13 HST = $113.00 |
Library staff, custodial, and security fees will be billed hourly; 4 hour minimum required.
A $5,000 damage deposit is required.
Insurance documentation and any additional overhead costs, as required.
If filming/photographing session extends past contracted times, additional fees may be billed to the company after the project is complete.
Toronto Public Library may waive a portion of the fee and other costs for non-commercial production agencies, public broadcasting institutions producing educational and public interest programs, including documentaries and student requests.
Wedding Photography Permit
Permit Fee: $100 + $13 HST = $113.00 (maximum 2 hours, during branch open hours only).
Insurance Documentation
Applicants must provide proof of insurance by way of submitting an original Certificate of Insurance. The Certificate of Insurance must be in effect for the date(s) and time(s) of the filming or photography. The insurance will:
- Set a $2,000,000 (Two Million Dollars) minimum per occurrence limit for general liability coverage, or an amount determined by Library staff;
- Identify the City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library Board as an additional insured with respect to the filming or photography;
- Include coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability;
- Include a cross liability/severability of interest clause as follows: The Insurance as is afforded by this policy shall apply in respect to any claim or action brought against any one Insured by any other Insured. The coverage shall apply in the same manner and to the same extent as though a separate policy had been issued to each Insured. Any breach of a condition of the policy by any Insured shall not affect the protection given by the policy to any other insured. The inclusion herein of more than one Insured shall not operate to increase the limit of liability under this policy.
Filming & Photography Contact:
Learn more about location filming in Toronto by contacting the Toronto Film Office.