U.S. Coast Guard Motion Picture & Television Office
Frequently Asked Questions
What
entertainment productions can the Coast Guard participate in an?
The Coast Guard
participates in entertainment productions that support public awareness,
information, and education about the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard also
supports entertainment productions that have the potential to enhance
recruiting and retention initiatives.
What is the
appropriate avenue to request Coast Guard support for an entertainment
production?
Contact our office at
310-235-7817, or send us a treatment & project proposal, and we will
determine whether the Coast Guard’s participation is appropriate and in the
best interests of the Service.
How does
someone receive approval to film on Coast Guard owned property?
Some Coast Guard
properties are very appealing for filming locations such as lighthouses & ocean
front property. In order to provide support, the entertainment
production must have some Coast Guard centric content whether direct,
indirect, or implied.
How do I license Coast Guard video?
Coast Guard video and
stock footage that has been previously released is available for public use
on the Coast Guard Visual Imagery Internet server (cgvi.uscg.mil).
Video not previously released must be requested under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA).
How do
celebrities get invited to Coast Guard functions?
MOPIC does not facilitate inviting
What
regulations support engagement between the Coast Guard and the entertainment
industry?
The Coast Guard’s
relationship with the entertainment media is authorized under U.S. Code 14
Section 659, Assistance to Film Producers.
Why does the
Coast Guard (MOPIC) review productions before they air?
A review of
entertainment productions is essential to every production the Coast Guard
supports. The review process is intended to promote the accurate and
appropriate depiction of the Service and the review process is done so on a
cooperative level.
How can I
participate in a TV show if I am on active duty service in the Coast Guard?
Members must route
their request to participate in any television program through the chain
of command at their unit before applying for participation on any television
program. If approved, the member’s command shall forward such requests to
MOPIC for final approval. Members must be in a leave or liberty status for
their entire participation in any television program on an individual basis.
If a command is approached by a television program or game show regarding
providing Coast Guard members to participate, such requests must be
forwarded to MOPIC for approval.
I want the
Coast Guard to review my script/TV show concept for accuracy, how do I know
the concept will be kept confidential?
The Coast Guard
considers television and motion picture industry story ideas to be trade
secrets. The Coast Guard will not reveal or release by any means aspects of
scripts, story ideas, movie or TV series content/concepts, or any other
confidential information related to entertainment productions.
What factors are
considered when approving CG support for entertainment projects?
In making its
determination, the Coast Guard will consider the primary purpose of the
production, the producing organization, the outlet(s) to the public, and any
legal or practical factors relative to providing support.
MOPIC will implement a
written, cooperative agreement based on, but not limited to, the following:
guarantee of distribution in the U.S., approval of a script,
treatment, outline, or other pre-production document(s) and availability of
resources at the shooting location.
The Coast Guard must be
depicted in an acceptable, accurate and dignified manner in the final product
and promotional segments.
Coast Guard safety
requirements must be adhered to.
Coast Guard operations
and readiness must not be impaired.
A Coast Guard
representative must be present during filming of “Coast Guard segments” at the
production company’s expense to ensure the conditions for cooperation are met.
The producers must
execute an industry-standard insurance policy covering intentional or accidental
loss or damage to government property resulting from the production company’s
presence or actions on or in government property and sign a “hold harmless”
agreement.
Any additional project
conditions require further review.
Can the Coast Guard participate in a TV commercial?
Advertisements are produced to promote or sell commercial products or services.
The use of Coast Guard personnel, equipment, and facilities in advertising
productions is prohibited because of the potential for actual, implied,
or perceived Coast Guard endorsement of the products or services.
Can the Coast Guard assist with filming non-Coast Guard subject matter?
Coast Guard personnel, equipment, and facilities will not compete with
commercial and private enterprises. For example, the Coast Guard will not
provide a camera helicopter or a pier to shoot scenes if there are adequate
commercial helicopters and piers available.
How can I be an
“extra” in a movie if I am on active duty service in the Coast Guard?
Producers may wish to hire Coast Guard personnel as extras for non-Coast Guard roles. Coast Guard personnel may accept such employment when off-duty or on leave. Individuals should coordinate these activities with their local command.
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