Documentary or Report Filming

If you want to film documents from the National Archives:

Any documentary filming request must be accompanied by a precise list of archival documents with their reference numbers. Preparatory research can be done on site or online in the National Archives’ Virtual Reading Room. Archivists can help you on site or answer questions online via your personal account. Documentary research cannot be carried out on the day of filming. 

Minimum notice for requests
Requests must be sent by email or post as early as possible—at least one month before the planned filming date, due to constraints related to public reception, cultural programming, and the institution’s normal operation. This timeframe allows for feasibility assessment and the preparation of an invoice and a filming agreement specific to your project. 

On the day of filming
On the day of your visit, a National Archives staff member will welcome you at the Paris or Pierrefitte-sur-Seine site and accompany you to the filming location. If requested in advance, presentation equipment (bookstand, weights, gloves, etc.) can be provided. Please strictly respect the arrival and departure times, as time is counted from your arrival on site. Any overrun will incur additional charges. 

Rates and payment
The rates for documentary filming and their terms of application are available in the annexes of decree 2025-06 of 28 July 2025. Payment is made after filming. 

Fiction Filming and Photography

Requests for fiction or photography filming must be supported by a file including:
• A letter of intent specifying the purpose of the shooting and the type of project (feature film, short film, TV movie, etc.),
• A dossier containing information on the equipment and technical installations planned,
• A detailed synopsis or storyboard of the sequences or scenes for each requested set,
• A valid insurance certificate. 

Minimum notice for requests
To account for constraints related to the reception of the public, cultural programming, and the institution’s functioning, it is recommended to send your request as early as possible. Filming lasting several days or requiring significant technical installations must be requested at least three months before the shoot. Respecting these deadlines does not guarantee that the request will be accepted.