The USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability operates the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC), a working research and education satellite campus on Santa Catalina Island.

Due to WMSC’s natural beauty and convenient distant from Los Angeles, we often receive inquiries about filming or photographing on campus. While we do occasionally accommodate these requests, access is extremely limited due to the need to prioritize research and educational activities on the campus.

Next Steps

If you are interested in filming or photographing at WMSC, please first review the fees and guidelines below. If you are able to agree to the fees and guidelines, please email Associate Director for Public Communications Kathryn Royster to discuss whether we are able to support your project.

With few exceptions, all productions require the execution of a filming contract with USC on behalf of the Wrigley Institute. This process typically takes 3-4 weeks on the USC side and must be completed before the crew arrives at WMSC. Please plan accordingly.

Note: for the purposes of simplicity, “filming” as referenced on this page refers to video- or photo-based productions or projects.

Photo/Video Guidelines

Due to WMSC’s role as a working research and educational facility, access for filming purposes is highly limited. USC educational projects, projects that highlight Wrigley Institute activities, and projects that align with the Wrigley Institute’s environmental or sustainability mission will take priority.

Ensuring Access to WMSC Facilities

It is essential that the WMSC community has access to all active facilities. Permission to film on campus may require the crew to maintain access to areas where filming is occurring.

Involvement of WMSC Community

WMSC staff, faculty, and students must be able to go about their work/activities unimpeded while filming is taking place. Staff, faculty, or students must not be filmed without their express written consent. Inclusion of WMSC staff in filming activities requires the advance approval of a manager.

Script Approval Guidelines

A full copy of the final script or storyboard, or a detailed project summary, must be submitted to the Wrigley Institute filming liaison and must be approved before the contract is signed. Any material changes or additions to the script must be reported to the liaison. Projects may be rejected if they contain content related to drug use, excessive violence, nudity, or any material deemed obscene, overly sexually explicit, or derogatory toward higher education. This includes any negative portrayal of students, faculty, or staff.

Insurance Requirements

A certificate of insurance for $1M is required, with the Wrigley Institute named as an additional insured for the day(s) of the shoot.

Placement of Filming Equipment

The Wrigley Institute is part of a conserved area whose pristine nature is fundamental to our value as a research and education facility. It is of the utmost importance that crews protect and do not disturb the surrounding environment or any research experiments or equipment. In addition, filming equipment such as cameras, tracks, and props must be arranged in a way that does not pose safety hazards. Film crews must prevent tripping or fire hazards, blocked exits, or other safety concerns. Cable coverings should be used when cables cross walkways, and layout boards must be placed under equipment in non-carpeted areas to protect the flooring or ground.

Underwater Filming

Due to our status as a research facility, underwater filming in Big Fisherman Cove requires that all SCUBA divers must hold active AAUS certification. Exceptions may be granted under unusual circumstances but are at the discretion of the Dive Control Board. All requests for underwater filming involving SCUBA diving must be accompanied by a dive plan. Big Fisherman Cove is a No-Take Marine Protected Area. Crews may not remove or add anything to the water, or disturb the underwater environment in any way, such as by moving rocks or animals. Cameras and other equipment may not be placed directly on the ocean floor or on natural underwater structures.

Drone Filming

Due to the presence of an active helipad and medical facility at WMSC, drone use must be approved in advance and follow strict guidelines. Drone approval generally takes at least 45 days and must be completed before the contract is signed. More information about drone filming at WMSC can be provided by your filming liaison.

Fire Protections/No Smoking

WMSC is located in an arid environment in an extremely high-risk wildfire zone. No open flames of any kind are allowed under any circumstances. This includes smoking of any kind. Catering is available through the campus Dining Hall.

Property Modifications/Safe Construction Practices

No drilling, nailing, gluing, or altering of campus property is allowed without prior permission from the Wrigley Institute. If permission is granted, the property must be returned to its original condition unless other arrangements have been made. Temporary construction must not damage WMSC property or endanger the WMSC community.

Crew Conduct

All personnel connected to the production must maintain behavior that is respectful to the WMSC community. Disruptive or offensive behavior will result in ejection from the campus.

Other Catalina Island Locations

Fees cover filming on the WMSC campus only. This does not include hiking trails near campus, Two Harbors, Avalon, or other areas of Catalina Island. Productions are responsible for obtaining all permits, contracts, and fees required to film away from the WMSC campus.