Filming, photography and audio recording

Filming at Newnham College:

Newnham's grounds, gardens, buildings and internal spaces have been the location for a variety of media activities, including as a location for blockbuster movies "After the Hunt" (2025) starring Julia Roberts and "Red Joan" (2018) starring Judi Dench.

Conveniently located in Cambridge, we offer professional support to ensure your shoot runs smoothly, with facilities and access tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for grandeur or intimacy, Newnham delivers an inspiring environment for creative projects. 

Our private yet welcoming environment is supported by a clear filming protocol, ensuring smooth coordination alongside College life, balanced access, and professional-grade logistical support. Located just off Sidgwick Avenue and a ten‑minute walk from Cambridge’s historic city centre, Newnham combines accessibility with seclusion; ideal for location scouts, production teams and commercial shoots.

An academic community:

The College is primarily a place for our community members to live, work, and socialise. It is private property and while we recognise the benefits and opportunities of allowing selected filming, photography and recording to take place, these need to be balanced against the potential impact on community members and College life. 

Process:

If you would like to film, take still photography, record audio, interview members of the College or the public, or carry out any kind of research or data collection as part of a filming or other media project, you must comply with our Filming, Photography and Audio Recording Protocol and apply for permission.

All requests should be made as early as possible. Except for news media requests, a lead-in time of at least 10 working days is required in order to allow time for the College authorities to be informed and give their approval. While we try to be flexible, short-notice requests may not be granted due to availability. Approval is at the discretion of the College. 

The Conference & Events Manager, in partnership with the Communications Directors, may approve some University filming requests. External requests will usually be referred to relevant College Officers or to the College Council, with the latter having the ultimate authority to grant or refuse permission. The College cannot guarantee that all requests will be approved, but will advise applicants in good time of any aspects that cannot be satisfied and, where possible, propose alternatives.

Commercial requests: 

Requests that provide a commercial benefit to an organisation, including academic or non-profit entities, will be treated as commercial requests and may incur fees. This applies to requests for using any part of the College as a location for films, interviews, advertisements, photoshoots, or podcasts. Please discuss fees with the Conferences & Events Office before submitting the Filming & Photography Request Form. Fees for room and space hire are negotiated separately, as applicable.

Please send the Filming & Photography Request Form to conference@newn.cam.ac.uk

Internal/media requests:

For Newnham College or Cambridge University requests, please send the Filming & Photography Request Form to communications@newn.cam.ac.uk

For media and press requests, or if you are unclear where to send the form, please send it to communications@newn.cam.ac.uk

Useful information

• Please read the Filming, Photography and Audio Recording Protocol
• Please read the Pre-arrival H&S information for Filming and the Visitor Information page.
• Practical tips for filming, photography and recording people can be found on the Film London website. Newnham College assumes no responsibility for the content of this external website.
• For more information about filming in Cambridge you may like to see Meet Cambridge's page.