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Film, TV & Photography Locations

We’re proud to have been a filming location for numerous television and film productions including Canada’s Worst Driver, Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake, various Disney Channel productions and many more.

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Film & TV Locations Please read McMaster's Film Policy

McMaster’s scenic campus is a sought-after setting for television and film shoots from May to August. Our manicured grounds, wide array of buildings and athletic facilities along with on-site crew accommodation make for a convenient, budget-friendly choice. Our experienced team and beautiful campus will make our location a great choice for your next production.

Location fees begin at $10,000/day, plus labour and parking fees. Providing ample lead time is appreciated for planning, with a minimum of two weeks required.

Please contact the Manager of Conference & Event Services directly to set up your site visit and kindly review the McMaster Film Policy and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) Campus Guidelines in the meantime.

Photography Photography Permit Form

We welcome the opportunity to provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor photography needs. Our beautiful campus offers many picturesque locations to take advantage of throughout the seasons. Some items to consider for your on-campus photography:

  • A non-refundable fee of $137.00 + HST is required to secure your permit.
  • The permit is valid from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the requested date.
  • Our permit allows access to the outdoor areas of campus, excluding the Athletic fields. We do not allow for any indoor photography.
  • Throughout the year, certain University-wide events such as Move-In, Fall Preview Days, May at Mac, etc., will cause access to certain areas on campus to be restricted and unavailable. If your request conflicts with any of these events, we will notify you via email. Please see “Unavailable Photography Permit Dates” below for our current list of dates, subject to change.
  • The use or presence of alcoholic beverages or intoxicating substances is prohibited.
  • The applicant is responsible for the conduct and supervision of all persons in their party. The applicant is also responsible for any damages caused by members of their party to any plant material, building, structure, equipment or other property of McMaster University.
  • University parking rates and regulations will apply.

Unavailable Photography Permit Dates

Permits bookings are now open until the end of September 2024, the remaining dates for 2024 will be added by August 2024. The following dates are unavailable due to university-wide events and subject to change:

  • December 21 – January 2
  • May 10 – 11
  • June 8 – 9
  • August 24 – September 2

If your request conflicts with any of these events, we will notify you via email.

If your preferred date is unavailable (and not listed above) please contact us at meet@mcmaster.ca.