Hearst Castle

Photo & Film Guidelines

Rules and regulations for professional and commercial film and photography crews.

Museum Guidelines for Film Crews

Filming for commercial projects is not permitted at Hearst Castle. The guidelines below apply to the filming of non-commercial projects only. All non-commercial filming requests must submit a written proposal to: Hoyt Fields, Museum Director, 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452. Proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• Our primary concern as a California State Park is that visitors experience a quality tour. Filming may not disrupt or interfere with tours in any way; therefore, all filming must stop and lights must be extinguished when the visitors are in view.
• A certificate of liability insurance must be received before film crews arrive on-site. Without the proper paperwork, filming cannot begin.
• All members of the film crew must be escorted at all times by a Hearst Castle staff member. This includes short trips to the car or bathroom. Nametags must be visible at all times.
• No alcohol or drugs are permitted at any time. The project will be terminated immediately if it is believed that drugs or alcohol are present. Photography of security systems is not permitted.
• Only the working film crew will be permitted on the Hilltop. No spectators, such as family members, will be allowed. Complimentary tours are available by prior arrangement with the Public Relations Office.
• A shooting schedule must be received 48 hours prior to date of filming. Security concerns demand that filming adheres to the approved schedule. Filming will occur only between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. There will be no exceptions. Cancellations must be received 48 hours prior to date of filming or staff costs will be charged.
• Food or drinks will be permitted only in areas specified as lunch facilities. Hearst Castle is not equipped with storage areas or large refrigerators, so please be prepared with coolers. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.
• Protecting artifacts is our main concern on filming projects. Do not touch, lean on, or move any objects. Use special precautions when setting up equipment and carrying large items.

Hearst Castle On-Site Photography

Photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged. However, photographs taken on site may not be used for commercial purposes, nor may they be published in any medium or format without prior written permission from the State of California. All commercial rights to use photographs taken on the premises are reserved by the State of California unless expressly granted otherwise in writing.
Please note: Although tripods are not permitted either inside the buildings or on the grounds, monopods are permitted in both locations. Flash photography is not permitted inside the buildings, but it is allowed throughout the grounds.
Photography for publication requires written permission. If you are planning to publish information about Hearst Castle and require photos, please keep in mind the following On-Site Photography Policy.
All on-site photography project proposals must be reviewed by Hearst Castle’s Museum Director. Photographers whose on-site project proposals have been approved should be aware that the following requirements must be met:

• No weekend appointments will be scheduled.
• The photographer (or the organization s/he represents) must provide $1 million liability insurance. A certificate of insurance must be provided before any on-site work begins.
• There is a site fee of $500, payable in advance.
• Since all visitors must be accompanied by a staff member at all times, a fee of $26 per hour will be assessed, with a 4-hour minimum.

Use of all images generated from the photo shoot will be restricted, in writing, to the project specified in the Photo Permit issued to the photographer by Hearst Castle. Speculative projects are not permitted; photographers must provide information about the publisher and publication in the project proposal submitted to the Museum Director.
The Museum Director reserves the right to modify these requirements without prior notification as needed. High quality stock photography is available upon request. Inquiries should be directed to the Museum Director by fax at (805) 927-2110 or by email at curator@hearstcastle.com.