In short
- Read the broadcast or media-rights clauses first. They decide what your own video can be.
- Having a broadcaster rarely means you cannot film. It usually limits where, when and how you share.
- Get permission for each use in writing, not by phone or chat.
If a broadcaster holds the rights to your event, start with your contract, not your camera plan. Your own video is usually still possible, but where it can be filmed and when it can be shared depends on what you agreed.
What does the agreement actually say?
Look for clauses on four things. Ask your adviser or the broadcaster if the wording is unclear.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which areas are covered by the broadcaster? | Some areas, such as the field of play or a press zone, may be exclusive. |
| Are other cameras allowed at all? | Some agreements need the broadcaster’s consent for outside crews. |
| When can your footage be published? | Some contracts ask you to wait until the broadcast has aired. |
| Which uses are allowed? | Your own website and social media may be treated differently from sale or licensing to others. |
Keep the answers in one short note, and keep the reply with the contract so it is easy to find later. We then plan to that note. If an answer changes before the event, update the note and tell us.
What can your own video usually cover?
Even with a broadcaster in place, there is often a lot an organiser wants for itself:
- Arrival of participants, registration and volunteers at work
- Warm-up areas, team preparation and spectators, if permitted
- Sponsor areas, booths and activations
- Opening, prizegiving and thank-you moments
- Interviews with participants or officials, if the organiser allows
None of this is assumed. Each item depends on your contract and the venue. We list the items you want and mark which ones still need written approval.
How do you get permission for each use?
Ask for permission in writing and be specific. A good request names the footage, the use, the channels and the time period. For example: “Our clips of the awards ceremony, on our own social pages, from the day after the event.”
Write down who said yes and when. Our filming and publication responsibilities checklist lists the questions to settle with the broadcaster, sponsors and venue. For participants’ privacy and consent, see permissions and responsible publication.
What about sponsors and brand rules?
Sponsors often have their own conditions: which brands may appear together, where logos sit, and what cannot be shown. These can clash with a broadcaster’s rules.
Ask the organiser for one combined list before the event. Our sponsor coverage checklist helps you set out what sponsors expect to see.
How should the brief be written?
Keep it short and clear. Give your videographer:
- A list of areas and moments the crew may film, and those it may not.
- The earliest date and time each kind of footage may be published.
- Who inside your team approves exceptions on the day.
- The outputs you need, such as a highlight film or short social clips.
If you also want a live feed to screens in the venue, event live feed is available on request and confirmed for each event, but check the contract first because live use may be restricted.
What we confirm for your event
- We follow your written filming limits and mark footage that needs approval.
- Footage that needs approval can be kept separate until you confirm.
- We deliver to the schedule your contract allows.
- Tell us the venue and date, and we confirm the crew and travel.
When you are ready, the run-sheet filming planner turns the event schedule into a filming plan, and the sports event videography page explains what we can cover. More sports topics are in the sports and active events guides.
For a legal question about your contract, ask a qualified adviser.
Send us the part of your agreement that covers filming, or just describe it in a few lines, with the date and venue. We will list what we could film within it and what you should confirm first.
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