Filming and Photography Guidelines
Mission
The mission of Mackinac State Historic Parks is to protect, preserve and present
Mackinac's rich historic and natural resources to provide outstanding educational and
recreational experiences for the public.
Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) extends every possible consideration to
professionals wishing to film, tape, photograph, and interview staff on MSHP sites while
placing a first priority on sustaining a consistent, safe, educational, quality and respectful
image of MSHP, its employees, visitors, historic buildings, exhibits, living history
demonstrations, and museum collections.
We put the public first. Therefore, to ensure filming, interviewing or
photography does not interfere with normal operations and visitors' enjoyment at our
sites, those requesting to film or photograph on MSHP sites must adhere to the following
guidelines. Filming and photography must not risk the safety of MSHP visitors, staff,
buildings, grounds, or collections. These guidelines are designed for those requesting to
film on MSHP sites as well as all land and buildings owned by the Mackinac Island State
Park Commission including but not limited to:
 Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island
 Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
 Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in Mackinaw City
 Michilimackinac State Park east of Colonial Michilimackinac
 Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
 Mackinac Island State Park Visitor's Center
 British Landing Nature Center
 All MSHP Downtown Buildings: Biddle House, American Fur Company Store and
Dr. Beaumont Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, McGulpin House, and Mission
Church
 Mission House and the Michilimackinac staff housing in Mackinaw City
 Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Skull Cave (Part of Mackinac Island State Park)
 All MSHP offices and park operations areas
Advance Arrangement
Arrangements for filming, taping, recording, interviewing or photographing at
MSHP must be made several days in advance through the Marketing and Development
Unit. Contact: Public Relations and Marketing Officer Kelsey Schnell: 231-436-4100
(October-April), PO BOX 873, Mackinaw City, MI; 906-847-3328 (May-September),
Box 370, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.
Background
Once you visit, we know you will agree with our request to respect Mackinac
State Historic Parks as you would any of America's historic and natural treasures. MSHP
contain Michigan's oldest buildings, artifacts, and hundreds of acres of unspoiled forests.
These guidelines were developed to respond to increasing requests from film,
photo, or commercial organizations who simply want to use MSHP as an attractive and
"low cost" authentic historic backdrop without featuring MSHP sites or mission in return.
Just as producers pay top dollar to film in large studios or pay high use fees to film in
authentic settings, MSHP should be properly preserved, protected, respected and
compensated as well for use of its unique sites, staff and resources.
Members of the Media
Travel writers, photojournalists, reporters, etc. are welcome at MSHP free of
charge if they are producing a news or feature story about MSHP and they agree to send
a finished product to the Public Relations and Marketing Officer.
We welcome the opportunity to spread MSHP's mission to broad audiences
around the world through all forms of media. We have worked with national networks
from BBC to NBC, national cable, major U.S. and international daily newspapers,
popular mainstream magazines, syndicated papers, public radio, and much more.
If the Public Relations and Marketing Officer finds that a pre-scheduled media
visit becomes more involved than a brief, reporter/photographer news or feature story,
then these guidelines will be enforced and must be adhered to. One example of such a
project is a commercial "documentary" that will eventually be sold for profit.
Project Description/Script
Prior to granting permission to use the property, MSHP requires an advance
written description of the proposed project. This requirement can be waved by the Public
Relations and Marketing Officer. MSHP reserves the right to require and review a script
by MSHP historians and curators to ensure accuracy.
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Commercial Use
Commercial use of MSHP is discouraged. However, if a project is permitted,
applicable staff and use fees will apply to properly compensate MSHP for time, staff,
resources, etc. The fees will be higher than cost/break-even due to lost work and staffing
hours. MSHP is a non-profit organization. The Public Relations and Marketing Officer
can wave this requirement and any fees.
Creation of stock photography of MSHP is not permitted.
Season
MSHP's sites are open from mid-May through mid-October. Scouting and/or
filming on site before or after this time is discouraged due to limited staff and nonwinterized buildings. Off-season requests will be reviewed individually and must be
made at least a week in advance. Weather can be cold in the Straits of Mackinac. Dress
and prepare accordingly.
Hours
If the Public Relations and Marketing Officer determines that a requested project
would interfere with normal operations and visitors' enjoyment of the sites, than filming
must take place during daylight hours while the site is closed to the public. Necessary
staff overtime and operations fees apply. Hours vary by site throughout the season.
Actors and costumes
Any outside talent including paid or volunteer actors, re-enactors, local residents,
or requesting company employees must be pre-approved and insured. Costumes and
props must be reviewed and approved by Museum Programs staff at least two weeks in
advance of project to ensure that they are historically accurate.
Historic Musket, Rifle and Cannon firings
Only MSHP employees who have gone through MSHP's weapons black powder
safety training are permitted to fire historic muskets, rifles or cannons, or run the sawmill
for demonstration purposes only.
Equipment
Use of extra lighting, microphones, camera accessories, extension cords, need for
electricity, etc. must be requested in advance. Any piece of equipment not listed here
must be cleared and pre-approved. Electrical power and access to it in historic buildings
is limited. Use of MSHP materials, equipment and staff is limited. Mackinac Island is a
car and satellite-truck free island! Motor vehicles were banned in 1898.
While on site
The Public Relations and Marketing Officer or another designated MSHP
representative must accompany individuals requesting to film or interview at all times
while on site when, filming, interviewing, or when photography is taking place. The
Public Relations and Marketing Officer is in charge of all filming projects and is the
MSHP "point person" for all directors, photographers, videographers, producers, etc. All
actors, re-enactors, crew, MSHP staff, etc. involved in a non-MSHP filming project will
consult with Public Relations and Marketing Officer with questions or concerns.
The Public Relations and Marketing Officer or designated MSHP representative
has the right to discontinue filming, photography or interview if it is deemed the project
is not adhering to MSHP's mission, or if the individuals requesting to film have not
followed the guidelines listed here. Additionally, if the Public Relations and Marketing
Officer witnesses MSHP visitors, staff, site, or collections are placed at risk in any way,
the project will cease.
Large entourages are discouraged. Filming with large crews, actors, equipment
and entourages must be done while sites are closed, if approved.
Credit
MSHP requires the following acknowledgement unless a different credit format is
approved in writing.
___________________________ acknowledges the assistance of Mackinac State
Historic Parks, Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, Michigan.
Copies
We require at least 2 complimentary copies of the completed film, slides,
photographs, book, article, audio or videotape for our archives.
Certificate of Insurance
MSHP requires a Certificate of Insurance from those wishing to film, tape, or
photograph at MSHP. The insurance certificate is evidence of proper insurance and
adequate limits of coverage. MSHP must be named as an additional insured with respect
to the work being done at MSHP. Coverage requirement will be determined on a project
by project basis by the MSHP Director
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