Filming Protocols

ISA headquarters and Jamaica Conference Centre

1. General principles

Accreditation

  • Members of the media and persons wanting to film scenes at the ISA annual session are required to apply for a media accreditation.
  • Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the press (print, photo, radio, television, film, news agencies and online media) who represent a bona fide news media organization. No media badge will be issued to journalists whose application does not conform to the established procedure.

Access

  • Accredited members of the media will be able to access the Media Room on the first floor of the ISA Secretariat (near the credentials and protocol area).
  • Accredited members of the media will be able to access the Jamaica Conference Centre but will not be allowed in the conference room while a meeting is taking place.
  • Designation of a meeting as being a “Closed Meeting” implies that it is not open to media correspondents nor to broadcasting or other forms of coverage.
  • Authority is delegated to the Communications Unit of ISA to specify when and where reporters and film crews may be positioned in and outside conference rooms and meeting rooms.
  • Interviewing, filming or photographing staff members in or outside their office is not permitted.

Conduct

  • Members of the media must take responsibility for ensuring that their conduct and that of their camera, sound persons and any ancillary staff complies with this protocol.
  • The conduct of all persons who seek to undertake filming or photography in ISA locations must not undermine the proceedings of the session and meetings.
  • Recorded interviews with ISA Council and Assembly Members/Observers may take place in the Jamaica Conference Centre or at the Secretariat, only after the express permission of the interviewee and in coordination with the Communications Unit.

Security and safety

  • Despite any other provision in this protocol, interviewing, filming or photography in parts of the Conference Centre may be limited, with the approval or under the authority of the Communications Unit, for the purposes of security or safety.
  • Interviewing, filming or photography in corridors and foyers must not unreasonably impede the movement of delegates.
  • Cameras, microphones or other items or equipment must never be placed so as to block the progress of delegates along a corridor or across a foyer.
  • If camera shots are required from in front of a delegate, these must be taken from a distance that allows the camera person to move away in time for the delegate to pass without being obstructed in any way.
  • Delegates must not be obstructed from entering or leaving a building.
  • All accessways-including, for example, bridges, elevators, stairs, and doorways-must be kept free and delegates use of accessways must be unimpeded.

Damage to property

  • Members of the media are fully responsible for all damages to the Conference Centre or the Secretariat occurring as a result of its filming activities, and for paying for all repairs deemed necessary.

Use of images and footage 

  • The media outlet or photographer is authorised to use film and photographs shot at the Conference Centre in print media, on a website, or in other promotional materials with the understanding that this respect the copyright of ISA logo and emblem which requires prior authorization of the ISA Secretariat for any use.

Termination of the filming

  • ISA reserves the right to terminate production in the event that the person filming or photographer or fails to abide by these protocols.

2. Filming the ISA annual session or side events

In the conference room or meeting rooms, filming or photography requires the approval of the Communications Unit of ISA provided that, even when granted approval:

  • Persons filming or taking photographs must not disrupt the meeting proceedings or interfere with the free movement of other persons present.
  • The chair/facilitator may require any person who disrupts proceedings or impedes movement to leave the meeting room.
  • Filming or photography must be confined to any area of the meeting room specified by the Communications Unit of ISA and should include only those persons actively participating in the proceedings.
  • Persons filming or taking photographs must leave the room at any time that the public is required to leave the session and may permit equipment to remain in place, provided that any such equipment must be turned off.
  • Recording of confidential proceedings is prohibited.

3. Filming at ISA locations for a feature film, documentary or television production

If you are interested in filming scenes at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) headquarters or the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, Jamaica during the annual session of ISA for a feature film, documentary or television production, please submit a request using the online “Request for on-location filming at ISA” form and attach the following required documents:

  • a formal written request on the production company’s letterhead
  • a script of the project (full confidentiality will be ensured)
  • a scenario/summary of the project

The ISA Communications Unit will review the request and provide feedback as appropriate. Typically, if the project is approved, a two-track process, coordinated by the ISA Communications Unit, begins:

  • Logistical preparations, to determine technical requirements and what in-house services would need to be provided. This would include a location scouting visit, followed by a technical scout.
  • In parallel to this, drafting of a location agreement takes place, a process that typically takes several weeks to conclude. Once agreed upon by both sides, the draft agreement is submitted to the ISA Legal Office for final approval a minimum of one week before filming is scheduled to begin.

4. Using the ISA name and emblem

The use of ISA name and/or emblem in a feature film, documentary or television production requires prior authorization.

Please submit a request using the online “Request for permission to use the ISA name and emblem” form, along with the requested documents:

  • a formal written request on the production company’s letterhead
  • a script of the project (full confidentiality will be ensured)
  • a scenario/summary of the project
  • visual representations, if available, of how the ISA emblem would appear.

The ISA Communications Unit will review the request, provide feedback as appropriate, and facilitate legal authorization.