Filming and Sampling

FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY

The MBTA is a vital part of Boston’s image and history, dating back to 1631. Boston is credited with being the birthplace of American mass transportation, making it an ideal system to film and photograph.

While the MBTA supports all filming/photographing productions both big and small, we kindly ask that you remember the MBTA’s main role is to provide transportation and that our customers come first. We will work with applicants to determine a time when the impact on the public is minimal.

How to get started

1. Fill out the Filming & Photography application. Along with completing the online application, please also upload a letter of intent with your script, storyboard, or concept detailing how and when you plan on using the MBTA’s services.
2. Submit the license administration fee to the MBTA’s film coordinator’s attention. To complete payment, please send a check made payable to the “MBTA”, to 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Boston, MA 02116.
3. Please allow for a minimum of 30 business days for review and approval from the affected MBTA departments. Inquiries regarding application status prior to completion of the 30-day timeframe will not be considered.
4. Once the MBTA has approved the project, the filming coordinator will send a copy of the filming license to the applicant for signature.
5. Applicant will return the signed license agreement along with the required fees and insurance certificated to the filming coordinator. Upon receipt, the filming coordinator will facilitate the full execution of the agreement from the MBTA.
6. Once all applicable filming fees and certificates of insurance are received, the filming coordinator will issue a copy of the fully executed agreement allowing the applicant to proceed with the filming request.

Filming Guidelines

• For active right of ways, filming will not be permitted during the weekday hours of 6am-9:30am & 4pm-7pm. 
• Filming groups must adhere to all conditions in the license (MBTA’s filming representative, MBTA Transit Police, or MBTA Safety personnel).
• Filming/Photography is only allowed in permissible public areas.
• Filming must not portray the MBTA transit system in general and MBTA employees in a negative light during the production.
• Filming areas must be cleaned up and left in original condition.
• Permit Holder cannot film MBTA employees without their consent.
• Flash photography is not permitted.
• The MBTA shall not be liable for any injury to or loss of property, whether caused by the MBTA, Permit Holder, or otherwise.
• Under no circumstances shall the filming group stand on or near the station platform, block any escalator, elevator, stairway, fare turnstile, vendor, or entryways to transit vehicles.

Denial of Applications

• Projects that restrict access to customers
• Safety and/or security issues
• Script portrays MBTA in a negative light
• Script promotes illegal activities
• Applicant fails to pay fees on-time
• Applicant fails to provide proper insurance documentation
• Applicant misses critical deadlines and/or meetings
• Applicant keeps switching locations, dates and times after approvals
• Applicant is difficult to work with
• Project is too time consuming
• Limited staffing availability
• Service disruption limits our ability to handle applicant’s request
• Insurance

Support Crew

The appropriate personnel is required for filming/photography support as follows:

• Supervisory and Safety staff to accompany you and/or your crew during the filming production
• Specialized staff can be hired as needed (ex: Rapid Transit operators, Bus Operators, etc.)
• MBTA Transit Police details will be assigned as necessary, depending on size of production.
• MBTA “railroad flagmen” will be assigned as necessary, depending on the determination from the MBTA Commuter Rail Operations and Safety departments.

Fees

All applicants will be subject to the following fees. The administration fee must be submitted at the time of application. Applications will not be processed until the administration fee is received.

Commercial Filming Costs

Commercial Filming $1,000 Administration Fee Administration Fees – *nonrefundable fee, if application denied *Tier Determination will be at sole discretion of the MBTA

Location Fees

Zone 1 (stations & platforms)	Downtown Crossing, Gov’t Center, Harvard Square, North Station, South Station (subway), Park St., State St.	Commercial – $10,000 – 8 hours ($1,500/hour for any additional hours)
Zone 2	Alewife, Assembly, Braintree, Charles/MGH, Copley, Davis, Forest Hills, Kenmore, Porter, Quincy Center, Ruggles, Maverick, Airport and Wonderland Stations; Salem and Yawkey CR	Commercial – $7,500 – 8 hours ($1,125/hour for any additional hours)
Zone 3	All other subway and commuter rail stations	Commercial – $5,000 – 8 hours ($750/hour after)

Additional Services

• Fees for any additional requests for MBTA services not listed within the film guidelines will be determined at the sole discretion of the MBTA.

Insurance

• Permit Holder shall have a comprehensive General Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum of $1 Million (combined single limit for bodily injury/property damage) to cover its activities at or on the MBTA Premises.
• A certificate of insurance must be submitted prior to the start of the activity/event and the MBTA must be listed as a certificate holder and additional insured.

Additional Documents for Review

• Sample MBTA Commercial Filming Agreement
• Sample MBTA Vehicle Rental Agreement
• MBTA’s Photography Policy
• MBTA Sampling Opportunities (Flyer)

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SAMPLING

Sampling Guidelines

• Set up in unpaid area only.
• No aggressive marketing techniques.
• Do not block doors or means of egress with tables or products
• Area must be cleaned at completion of sampling event.
• The MBTA can suspend this activity at any time, and for any reason (for example an emergency situation etc.)
• Customer flow must not be interrupted.
• No banners or signs on walls or poles in station.
• Any and all conditions set forth by other departments must be strictly adhered to.

How to Get Started

1. Fill out the Sampling application. Along with completing the online application, please also upload copies of the security clearance forms and photo ID’s for all participants involved.
2. Submit the sampling administration fee to the MBTA’s sampling coordinator’s attention. To complete payment, please send a check made payable to the “MBTA”, to 20 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Boston, MA 02116.
3. Please allow for a minimum of 45 business days for review and approval from the affected MBTA departments. Inquiries regarding application status prior to completion of the 30-day timeframe will not be considered.
4. Once the MBTA has approved the project, the sampling coordinator will send a copy of the sampling permit to the applicant for signature.
5. Applicant will return the signed sampling permit along with the required fees and insurance certificated to the sampling coordinator. Upon receipt, the sampling coordinator will facilitate the full execution of the permit from the MBTA.
6. Once all applicable sampling fees and certificates of insurance are received, the sampling coordinator will issue a copy of the fully executed agreement allowing the applicant to proceed with the filming request.
7. Applicant must keep sampling permit with them at all times during the duration of the project, and must present permit to any MBTA safety/station inspection when requested. 

Fees

Administration Fees – *nonrefundable fee, if application denied*

• $1000

*Tier Determination will be at sole discretion of the MBTA

Location Fees

Zone 1	Downtown Crossing, Gov’t Center, Harvard Square, North Station, South Station (subway), Park St., State St	$5,000 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)
Zone 2	Alewife, Assembly, Braintree, Charles/MGH, Copley, Davis, Forest Hills, Kenmore, Porter, Quincy Center, Ruggles, Maverick, Airport and Wonderland Stations; Salem and Yawkey CR	$3,500 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)
Zone 3	All other subway and commuter rail station	$2,500 for 1 sampling day (stations & mezzanine)

Insurance

• Permit Holder shall have a comprehensive General Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum of $1 Million (combined single limit for bodily injury/property damage) to cover its activities at or on the MBTA Premises.
• A certificate of insurance must be submitted prior to the start of the activity/event and the MBTA must be listed as a certificate holder and additional insured.