DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
FILM/VIDEO/STILL/ PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
FOR COMMERCIAL, NON-COMMERCIAL AND WEDDING PURPOSES 1. For all film, video and still photography produced on Zoo grounds for commercial purposes, a written agreement must be entered into with the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) and a fee paid per the current fee schedule. Fee schedule is $450.00 for every two hours of shooting (setup and cleanup fees, additional charges for golf carts and security guards will also be applied). Four weeks advance notice is required. 2. Film, video and still photography are permitted for personal non-commercial use. It is strictly forbidden to use images taken at the Detroit Zoo or the Zoo logo without a written agreement and payment of the required fee for commercial activities which include but are not limited to marketing, promotional, and published materials, retail merchandise and products. Anyone violating this policy will be prosecuted to the limits of the law.
3. A tripod or monopod is not permitted for film, video and still photography non-commercial use in any of the indoor buildings during posted Zoo hours. Tripods may be used outdoors as long as they do not block any walkways or interfere with visitor traffic.
4. Flash photography is permitted during posted Zoo hours.
5. No power or electrical hookups will be provided by the Zoo for the purpose of film, video and still photography. 6. The safety of Zoo visitors and animals is of the utmost importance. Film, video and still photography for commercial and non-commercial use will not be permitted if they disrupt visitors' use and enjoyment of Zoo facilities during posted public hours. 7. Film, video and still photography for commercial and non-commercial use will not be permitted if they disrupt the animals in any way. Loud noises, certain lights/equipment or sudden movements may disturb the animals. All such things must be approved in advance to ensure animal safety. 8. The DZS reserves the right to refuse permission for commercial or non-commercial film, video and still photography that is determined not to be in the best interests of the Zoo and the DZS.
9. Commercial and non-commercial photos taken at the Zoo cannot depict the Zoo in a negative light, nor should it have any association with organizations that are inconsistent with the Zoo's mission of 'Celebrating and Saving Wildlife,' such as hunting organizations, circuses that use exotic animals, fur manufacturers, etc. 10. No vehicles are allowed in the park unless chaperoned by a Zoo representative. If an escort and a golf cart are needed, one golf cart may be used with a DZS driver. All equipment and/or people involved in the shoot should try to fit on a four-person golf cart or walk to their destination. 11. If personal photos taken at the Zoo are to be sold to an outside source or are to be printed for use in a publication, a photography charge of $450.00 per photo is applied and a contract agreement stating the intended use must be signed four weeks prior to the event date. The prints cannot be sold or used in publications that do not support the Zoo's mission of 'Celebrating and Saving Wildlife.' For example, the publication or outside source cannot support or depict organizations such as circuses that use exotic animals, hunters, or fur manufacturers, etc. If a caption is to be used with the photo, the caption must be faxed to the Communications Director for approval and proper photo credit should be applied. 12. Photos that are being used for commercial purposes that have not been subjected to the shooting fees are subject to a fee of 15% of all sales or a one-time payment of $450.00 (whichever is greater). 13. Photos must be clearly marked with owner's name. Sales of photographs or merchandise/promotions in conjunction with photographs cannot use the Zoo's brand or name as a promotional selling device. 14. A 50% deposit is due three weeks before the scheduled photography shoot. The remaining portion is due within one week of the photography shoot. All checks should be made payable to the Detroit Zoological Society. Next Steps To Schedule a Shoot:
If you comply with these rules and would like to schedule a photo shoot or use existing photographs for commercial purposes or publication, follow the procedures outlined below. Submit your request in writing at least four weeks in advance to the shoot date to the Communications Director, Patricia Mills Janeway. 1.Make sure to include your name, address and phone number
2.Explain where, when, and how the photos will be used (give names of programs, publications, etc.)
3.Indicate how many people will be coming
4.Specify how much time is needed for the shoot
5.Indicate any special equipment needed
6.Explain what area of the Zoo you would like to shoot at (e.g., in the Butterfly Garden or in front of the lion habitat)
7.List any other details that are important to the shoot
8.Email the information to pjaneway@dzs.org or fax to (248) 541-2489 Next Steps To Use Existing Photos for Commercial Purposes: 1.Submit in writing an explanation of how and where the photos will be used (give names of programs, websites, publications, etc.) to the Communications Director, Patricia Mills Janeway
2.Make sure to include your name, address and phone number
3.Email the information to pjaneway@dzs.org or fax to (248) 541-2489
4.Your request will be reviewed and you will be contacted within five business days. If your request is approved, a contract will be signed by the two parties and a 50% deposit will be due. OPTION #2, To take photos for Non-Commercial Purposes:
If your photos are for noncommercial purposes you may come to the Zoo as a regular Zoo visitor (admission costs will apply; please see website for current hours and prices at www.detroitzoo.org) and take your photos provided all the following apply: 1.Photos cannot be sold or published
2.No tripods, electrical or monopods are allowed in any indoor buildings or are allowed to block visitor pathways
3.The party is not permitted to stop Zoo traffic in order to take the photos
4.The party is not permitted to disrupt Zoo visitors, staff or the animals in any way
5.The party takes the photos during regular Zoo hours
6.No special consideration shall be given (e.g., golf carts, security, etc) although a tram can be rented for $100 per hour. The DZS reserves the right to cancel any shoot at any time if it is not in the best interest of Zoo animals, visitors or defies the Zoo's mission. | 
