Plimoth Patuxet provides a beautiful backdrop for photography and filming and works regularly with news crews, television production companies, documentaries, and feature film projects. Some of the projects we have been involved with have been seen on network and cable television including PBS; The History Channel; The Food Network; The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and many more. These projects have been filmed on location at our public sites. However, maintaining Plimoth Patuxet's guest experience is of the utmost importance to the Museum, so it is important that approved on-site production is thoroughly choreographed with staff to result in minimal impact to the sites and the overall guest experience.
Plimoth Patuxet is open to guests daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, late March through November. Our public sites include:
- Mayflower II—Docked in Plymouth Harbor, a 50+-year-old, full-scale reproduction of the ship that brought the colonists to Plymouth in 1620
- Historic Patuxet—An example of how one Native family would have lived in close proximity to the colonists
- The 17-Century English Village—A village of more than 13 structures that represent the residential homes and buildings of Leiden Street, 1620s Plimoth Colony.
- Also, the Henry Hornblower II Visitor Center, The Craft Center, Nye Barn, and various exhibit and educational spaces
Filming Projects Considered
All filming projects must submit a proposal, which will be evaluated and approved at the discretion of Plimoth Patuxet Museum staff based on:
- The goals of the project
- Museum staff availability
- Appropriateness of project content
- Impact upon the Museum's daily operations for our Museum guests and employees (as previously stated, Plimoth Patuxet's guest experience is of the utmost importance to the Museum and will come first with regard to filming projects)
- And the amount of public exposure the project will provide for Plimoth Patuxet
Priority will be given to but is not limited to news media, travel, film, and television productions. Projects may not be achievable if they conflict with the Museum's events or previously scheduled activities.
Plimoth Patuxet Filming Guidelines
Contracts/Location Agreements/ Individual Personal Releases
All Plimoth Patuxet employees have signed a waiver, at the time of hire, giving specific Plimoth Patuxet designees the right to sign for ALL Museum employees with regard to personal on-camera/photo releases. This designee will sign one release for all Museum employees used in a specific production. In addition, Plimoth Patuxet uses its own location release. Production companies are responsible for releasing Museum guests.
Fees
Appropriate fees will apply for productions filmed at Plimoth Patuxet and or Mayflower II, as well as staff consultations with regard to content and scripting. All fees including special services and/or additional arrangements will be quoted based on filming proposals and requests. All payments must be made to Plimoth Patuxet. Location fees and a deposit are required prior to filming. The balance will be billed to the production company in an invoice after the completion of filming.
Supervision
On location at Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II, all production crews must be accompanied at all times by designated Plimoth Patuxet staff personnel.
Insurance
Approved projects must provide proof of insurance as required by Plimoth Patuxet.
Credit
Plimoth Patuxet requires proper credits for all onsite filming production. The type of credit must be agreed upon and approved in advance, in writing. Also, two DVD copies of the final production must be provided to Plimoth Patuxet once the production airs.
Craft Services
Plimoth Patuxet's on-site catering service offers a full menu of options with regard to Craft Services and must be used (unless otherwise agreed) for all on-site Craft Service needs.
Filming Requests for Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II
To request permission to film at Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II, please submit a written proposal, via email, that includes the information listed below. Please be as specific and detailed as possible. Plimoth Patuxet will review your proposed project. Project reviews may take up to 6 weeks.
Your written proposal should include the following:
- Name of lead contact
- Organization or Production Company Name
- Address
- Telephone/Cell phone/Fax numbers
- Project Title
- Background on your organization's professional experience, including references.
- Project objectives including a detailed series outline, treatment, and/or script. Describe plans for broadcast, distribution, and marketing of the project.
- Proposed dates for filming at Plimoth Patuxet, and requested locations or scenes within Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II. (Please give alternate dates and/or a range of days when you are available. Please include the estimated time required for each set-up.)
- An equipment list (Specify which equipment you would like to use where -- please note due to limited space onboard Mayflower II, use of a tripod is limited to specific locations.)
- Electrical needs -- Please be aware that electricity is not available at many of our sites.
- A crew list -- Please include the number of people who will be with you and what role they will play in the completion of the project.
- Any additional requests, arrangements, or information you would like us to consider.
Proposals should be submitted via email to:
Public Relations Manager
pr@plimoth.org
Plimoth Patuxet
PO Box 1620
Plymouth, MA 02362