Metropolitan Police Service Film Unit
Intellectual property Frequently Asked Questions
- I would like to use an actor in a television drama dressed as a Metropolitan Police officer. We might use a police car as well. What do I need to do?
- What if I want to film actors dressed as Metropolitan Police using an actual police station as the set?
- In my production drama the scriptwriters have as characters, two Metropolitan Police officers taking drugs, then racially abusing other characters and perpetrating crimes? Can we have an IP license for this depiction?
- In my production drama the scriptwriters have all Metropolitan Police officers taking drugs, then racially abusing other characters and perpetrating crimes? Can we have an IP license for this depiction?
- How much notice does the Metropolitan Police require?
- How much does it cost?
- Can I hire police dogs or police horses for photography or advertising?
If so, how much do they cost? - Are there special rates for documentaries or real crime related filming of IP?
- Where can we hire uniforms and cars - do the Met hire them out?
- If I have a license can I use real police officers and police cars in the production?
- How do I make sure that the name of the police officer/s in a film is not a real person?
- What about posters and pamphlets for set - dressing?
- Do you sign our filming agreements?
- Can I License an image from Flickr, if so, how do I do this?
- Can I use a photograph of a Metropolitan Police officer for advertising or in a publication?
- I am doing research and need some technical knowledge, how do I find the most up-to-date info?
- My production is advised by a retired police officer, is info from such a source up-to-date?
I would like to use an actor in a television drama dressed as a Metropolitan Police officer. We might use a police car as well. What do I need to do?
Firstly you will need to advise the Intellectual Property (IP) Manager, that your production company wishes to use Metropolitan Police intellectual property. You will need to submit either an in-depth synopsis or script (not publicity/promotional material) of the drama content and a description of how the Metropolitan Police will be depicted in the program and what items will be shown. If the synopsis is approved (content is assessed at this stage) then we will offer you a license for the use of IP and a fee quote.
There is a charge for the use of IP. These charges are prepared in the form of a quote and include the cost of administration and preparation of the license.
Whether you use an actor dressed as a Metropolitan Police officer, or the police vehicle, or both – you would need an IP license to approve the use as either identify the Metropolitan Police. One license would be issued for all usage of IP in a production and is inclusive.
What if I want to film actors dressed as Metropolitan Police using an actual police station as the set?
Unfortunately the Metropolitan Police cannot hire out police stations for the filming industry. If you are filming actors dressed as Metropolitan Police officers in a mocked-up police station, you will require an intellectual property license agreement, contact intellectualproperty@met.police.uk.
In my production drama the scriptwriters have as characters, two Metropolitan Police officers taking drugs, racially abusing other characters and perpetrating crimes? Can we have an IP license for this depiction?
Probably not. It would be considered, however, if the ethos of the organisation was unaffected. This would be on the basis that the production depicted correctly the practice of the organisation by showing that the actions of the officers were regarded as criminal and that the behaviour was neither tolerated nor condoned.
The intellectual property license gives conditional right to the use of the identifying images of the Metropolitan Police provided that the association will in no way be reasonably understood to offend either the integrity or propriety of the Metropolitan Police Authority, the Commissioner, police officers or police staff.
In my production drama the scriptwriters have all Metropolitan Police officers taking drugs, then racially abusing other characters and perpetrating crimes? Can we have an IP license for this depiction?
Definitely not!
How much notice does the Metropolitan Police require?
At least a week for an intellectual property license to be turned around from receipt of the production synopsis. However, if financiers and other production permissions are required then more time should be allowed.
If you want to film outside a Metropolitan Police location using Metropolitan Police intellectual property – you must have the license approved and finalised before filming commences.
The Metropolitan Police charge for intellectual property licenses. The following is an example:
£250 minimum charge for license preparation (inclusive within most licenses)
£250 minimum charge for incidental appearance (may be inclusive with the license administration fee)
+ 50% of total license fee for global distribution.
Licenses do not cover images for print, nor do they cover merchandise of any type.
Can I hire police dogs or police horses for photography or advertising? If so, how much do they cost?
No, unfortunately not. Only under exceptional circumstances will this be possible.
Are there special rates for documentaries or real crime related filming of IP?
Possibly. This type of filming is usually approved and arranged at the discretion of the Head of Press at New Scotland Yard and is considered on the basis of value – which is reduced or free of charge where there is viable and relevant publicity content for the Metropolitan Police. Please contact the Intellectual Property Manager who will refer you.
Where can we hire uniforms and cars – do the Met hire them out?
No, we do not hire out props. There are various agencies in London who specialise in hiring uniforms and vehicles for all types of police production dramas.
If I have a license can I use real police officers and police cars in the production
We do not generally provide Metropolitan Police persons as characters or extras exceptions may include drivers and /or handlers. You may only use actors dressed as police officers with a license.
How do I make sure that the name of the police officer/s in a film is not a real person?
The Metropolitan Police will conduct a name check to ensure that no police officer or staff is inadvertently depicted in a production. The name check is charged at £10.00 per name check and a £11 administration charge per purchase order (irrespective of the amount of checks included). This service is normally reserved for production companies who hold an Intellectual Property license. Please direct any queries regarding name checks to the Intellectual Property Manager.
What about posters and pamphlets for set – dressing?
For productions that require set-dressing we provide a poster pack, which includes posters from various Met campaigns, at a cost of £50.00 + VAT. They may contain as many or few as are required for the set, and if a particular poster campaign is required we will try to accommodate this.
(Set-dressing poster packs are generally only supplied to holders of an IP license)
Do you sign our filming agreements?
No, nor do we sign releases as we are not authorised to release third party copyright. However, we do provide a license.
Health & Safety risk assessments and related matters will also need to completed and approved prior to filming.
Can I License an image from Flickr, if so, how do I do this?
It is possible to License certain images from flickr. The Metropolitan Police can only License those of which it owns the copyright. Depending on the usage of the photograph, there is likely to be a charge. Please contact the Intellectual Property Manager with you photo request and for further details.
Can I use a photograph of a Metropolitan Police officer for advertising or in a publication?
Sometimes permission is allowed for this type of use. It depends on the use and type of publication. The Metropolitan Police does not commercially endorse products so we would not allow the use of any Metropolitan Police images for the purpose of endorsement or advertising. However, we do allow the use of images for some publications, magazine articles, editorial content, relevant publications and travel guides. The copyright of the individual photographed often does not rest with the Metropolitan Police and we are not able to provide this type of permission on their behalf without release for this purpose. This does not relate to media or press which is under the management of the Directorate of Public Affairs. Please contact Intellectual Property Manager for guidance and permissions. These guidelines cover images sourced from the Metropolitan Police and elsewhere.
I am doing research and need some technical knowledge, how do I find the most up-to-date info?
We have a range of experts in various areas who are primed to assist the film industry. Interviews can be arranged with an officer or staff member with the requisite specialist knowledge. There is a charge for this service. In the first instance pass your query to intellectualproperty@met.police.uk highlighting within the synopsis the particular part of the shoot that you need our technical expertise with. We will get back to you with fees and arrangements for the interview. Topics covered range from child abuse investigations to fraud cases to day-to-day policing activities.
My production is advised by a retired police officer, is info from such a source up-to-date?
Unfortunately the Metropolitan Police cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided by previously serving officers. Policing is constantly evolving and it is best to use one of our officially approved technical advisers who will give you the latest methodology in that particular area.