MISSION
The U.S. Army's Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Western Region
(OCPA-West) is the entertainment industry's direct liaison to the United
States Army. Our primary purpose is to assist film, television, and
video game professionals in all matters relating to the United States
Army. OCPA-West leverages its direct interface with members of the
entertainment industry to ensure Army-supported projects are accurately
portrayed. The office proactively seeks opportunities to showcase the
American Soldier and all that they do for our nation. The staff at
OCPA-West specializes in knowledge of and liaison with the entertainment
world; feature film and television script review; on-site technical
military assistance to film makers; coordinating documentary coverage of
the Army; community outreach planning; news media engagements and
community liaison on behalf of the Army.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have a production idea involving the military. Is there someone who can help me get Army assistance?
The Department of the Army's Office of the Chief of Public
Affairs, Western Region (OCPA-West), is the entertainment industry's
direct liaison to the United States Army. Its primary purpose is to
assist film, television, video and video game professionals in all
matters relating to the United States Army. OCPA-West is staffed by
experienced personnel with many years of military service who are
thoroughly familiar with the industry production requirements.
What can OCPA-West do for me?
The personnel at the OCPA-West will: act as a local,
authoritative source of information about the U.S. Army, providing
authentication, verification and limited research for producers,
directors, writers, property masters, wardrobe supervisors, film
editors, etc. Provide assistance and advice to scriptwriters during
initial writing phases; review rough drafts or treatments and suggest
changes prior to script finalization. Arrange for and coordinate the use
of Army equipment and supplies not commercially available. Coordinate
requests for U.S. Army stock footage. Arrange for and coordinate with
Army installations or properties for location filming. Coordinate
requests for personal appearances of U.S. Army personnel.
Where is OCPA-West located?
We can be reached at:
U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Western Region
10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1250
Los Angeles, California 90024
Phone: (310) 235-7621
Fax: (310) 235-6075
What is the procedure to obtain assistance?
You will need to send a letter on production company letterhead
to this office stating your proposal to produce a specific entertainment
project. This letter should include your production company's credits
or "pedigree" and a synopsis of the story identifying any potential
benefits to the Departments of the Army and Defense for assisting in the
project. Additionally, the letter should identify your "first blush"
Army equipment, personnel and location requirements. Lastly, identify
the general time frame in which you wish to proceed (expect a six to ten
week delay from the date you initiate correspondence before Department
of Defense approval is received).
For scripted projects, you must also submit a copy of your
script. Once the script is reviewed and determined appropriate for
forwarding to Washington, additional copies will be required. After your
project is forwarded for approval, it will be reviewed by other
Department of the Army agencies to determine historical accuracy,
feasibility, etc. Copies of the script will be sent to the Department of
Defense with comments and recommendations for Army assistance.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public
Affairs) will review the material submitted, and will have the final
word on whether or not the Department of Defense will provide assistance
to a project.
If Department of Defense assistance is granted, a project
officer will be appointed to work with your production. You will also be
required to sign a production agreement.
You may be required to provide a cash advance to cover
reimbursement of government expenses incurred by military units
supporting your project. The Army's project officer will determine this
amount, based on your equipment and personnel requirements. Your check
will be deposited into an escrow account established by the project.
Remember you need to allow extra time for approvals if your story
involves other military services or government agencies.
Who decides if the Army will cooperate with my production?
OCPA-West will coordinate your request with the Army staff. Then
we will forward the request to the Army's Office of the Chief of Public
Affairs, which will provide a recommendation to the Department of
Defense. Final approval of all requests for military assistance
(regardless of the branch of service), rests at the Department of
Defense's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs),
Director of Entertainment Media. Remember, although Department of
Defense is the final approval authority, the Director of Entertainment
Media will not act on your request without a recommendation from the
Department of the Army. Therefore, calling OCPA-West is the first action
you should take to get approval.
What criteria are used to determine if my production will be approved?
The following criteria are used to judge the possibility of fully supporting entertainment industry requests.
- The production must benefit the Department of Defense or otherwise be in the national interest based on the following factors:
- The production must help increase public understanding of the Armed Forces and the Department of Defense.
- The production should help Armed Forces recruiting and retention programs.
- The production must be authentic in its portrayal of persons,
places, actual military operations or historical events. Fictional
portrayals must depict a feasible interpretation of military life,
operations and policies.
- The production should not appear to condone or endorse
activities by private citizens or organizations that are contrary to
U.S. Government policy.
- The producer must agree to sign and abide by the production
agreement and DODI5410.16 (you will receive copies of both documents
early in your coordination).
- Military assets requested must be available when required.
When can I expect a commitment for assistance?
Department of Defense commitments will be made only after: both
the script and the requirements list have been approved; the producer
has indicated a distribution arrangement or has demonstrated capability
to complete the production; and upon completion of the written
Production Assistance Agreement, that formalizes the relationship
between the production company and the Army.
Will Department of Defense want to review my completed project?
When the Department of Defense has provided equipment, location,
and/or personnel support to a project, the completed production must be
submitted for official Department of Defense screening, prior to public
release and before the print is locked.
How will screen credits be handled?
Upon receipt of your notification of completion of principal
photography, the project officer will provide appropriate names and
wording to be used in the credits. The credit title will be confirmed
for final use only after the film has been officially reviewed and
approved.
Will I need to provide a copy of the project, still photographs and promotional material to the Army?
Yes, when Department of Defense has assisted on a production,
you will be obliged to furnish, on request, prints or duplication
material. The production will provide the Department of Defense with a
minimum of five (5) copies of all promotional and marketing materials
(e.g., electronic press kits, one-sheets, and television advertisements)
for internal information and historical purposes in documenting DoD
assistance to the production. Additionally, the production company will
provide a minimum of five (5) DVD copies of the completed production to
the Department of Defense for internal briefings and for historical
purposes, by overnight shipment to arrive the day following the domestic
airing or commercial distribution of the production. The Department of
Defense agrees not to exhibit these productions, but will be permitted
to copy short clips from them for purposes of internal information,
education, and training.
Who is and what does the project officer do? Can I get a technical advisor assigned to my project?
Usually the project officer can act as the technical advisor. On
matters that require a special skill, however, a technical advisor may
be called in, if requested by the production company and when considered
to be in the best interest of the Department of Defense.
The project officer will make the arrangements for the technical
advisor's arrival, but, like the project officer, all expenses, to
include travel, housing, and per diem, will be met by the production
company.
Is it possible to use active military personnel as extras in my film?
Active duty personnel may appear in your film, but they must do
so on a voluntary basis, while in a non-duty status, and at no cost to
the government. They can be hired individually as extras and in
accordance with the current and local industry standards. OCPA-West can
help notify soldiers that the production company needs extras but it
cannot arrange for them to be hired. Soldiers who are hired as extras
must meet the standard Department of Defense height and weight,
grooming, appearance and military courtesy standards; those failing to
do so may be told to leave the set by the project officer. Soldiers
performing their standard duty may be used as background if it does not
interfere with their duties. Soldiers doing their physical fitness
training, driving vehicles, marksmanship training, or marching are
examples of this.
Can I film at Army locations?
Filming at active Army or Department of Defense installations is
governed by Department of Defense Instruction 5410.16, DoD Assistance
to Non-Government, Entertainment-Oriented Motion Pictures, Television
and Video Productions. Productions filming at Army locations must not
impair the operational readiness of the Army, must conform to
established Army safety standards, and must leave the property in same
or better conditions as when they were made available. A request for
access to Base Realignment and Closure property for film production
purposes should be submitted by the production company to the Local
Redevelopment Authority (LRA) for the installation. If no LRA has been
established for the installation, such requests should be submitted to
the installation commander, site manager, or caretaker officer, as
appropriate, for the installation.
Can I film at Army locations?
Filming at active Army or Department of Defense installations is
governed by Department of Defense Instruction 5410.16, DoD Assistance
to Non-Government, Entertainment-Oriented Motion Pictures, Television
and Video Productions. Productions filming at Army locations must not
impair the operational readiness of the Army, must conform to
established Army safety standards, and must leave the property in same
or better conditions as when they were made available. A request for
access to Base Realignment and Closure property for film production
purposes should be submitted by the production company to the Local
Redevelopment Authority (LRA) for the installation. If no LRA has been
established for the installation, such requests should be submitted to
the installation commander, site manager, or caretaker officer, as
appropriate, for the installation.
May I film on Army property if my project does not depict the Army?
If your project does not depict the Army, the only posts you
might be able to film on are those that are on the Base Realignment and
Closure List, or the BRAC list. Leases to film at BRAC sites will be
handled through the Association of Film Commissioners, International
(AFCI) member in whose jurisdiction that post is located.
Does my script have to be reviewed by the Army?
You must submit a copy of your script if you want Army support,
including filming at active Army installations or using Army equipment
or personnel. Exceptions to the requirement for script review are made
productions being filmed at installations that have closed. Requests for
a site specific review should be forwarded to BCCR, who'll coordinate
the request with the OASD (PA). For productions to be filmed at closed
U.S. Army installations, the U.S. Army is authorized to allow access to
the installations without any form of prior approval from either DoD or
the Chief of the U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs.
Will the Army review my project to point out errors without my seeking official assistance?
The Army can provide courtesy assistance to your project. The
main difference between full and courtesy assistance is that we cannot
provide access to facilities, equipment or personnel for filming unless a
project is approved for full support. With courtesy assistance, we will
review your script and point out errors that you may or may not want to
correct. We can also advise you on the correct types of equipment to
use and the markings for them. If you would like, and we have the time,
we may be able to visit the set to provide some assistance.
Does a TV series, music video or video game require the same approval process?
Proposals for television series must include objectives and
format of the series and story treatment, or other evidence of overall
series content. Each episode must still qualify individually under
provisions of the basic policy. A specific plan to expedite review of
scripts and film will be arranged. Proposals for music videos are
treated just like movies, except we decide whether to support the
project based on the song as submitted, the storyboard of the video and
the support requested. Proposals for video games, whether CD-ROM,
electronic games system or internet, require a storyboard of the game,
samples of other work and the support requested.
What are my financial responsibilities to the government?
The production company will be billed only for those expenses
that are considered to be additional expenses to the government. In no
way can the taxpayer finance entertainment projects. The following are
generally considered to be reimbursable costs:
- Petroleum, oil and lubricants for equipment used.
- Resultant depot maintenance.
- Expendable supplies.
- Travel and per diem.
- Civilian overtime.
- Replenishment spares.
- Lost or damaged equipment.
- Commercial power or other utilities for facilities kept open
beyond normal duty hours or in such cases where the production company's
consumption of utilities is significant.
- Costs incurred in diverting or moving equipment to a specific location to support production requirements.
- All flying hours associated with production company
requirements, except when missions coincide with and can be considered
legitimate operational and training missions.
- Military manpower costs for National Guard or Reserve personnel assigned to production support (such as drivers and pilots).
- AAdditionally, the production company is responsible for
ensuring that all Army equipment and facilities used are restored to
their original, or better, condition.
All charges will be compiled by the military installation
furnishing Army assets and monitored by the assigned project officer,
who will provide them to the Production Company. Payment will be made
from the production company's cash advance that has been placed into an
escrow account by the project officer. If more money is needed, the
production company will be notified by the project officer and the money
will be transferred to the escrow account. Any money left in the
account after all bills have been paid will be forwarded back to the
production company by the project officer.
If the command providing support agrees, the escrow account can
be waived and payment can be made after the support is given. The
project officer has 45 days after principal photography is completed in
which to consolidate the bills and forward them to the production
company.
The production company will pay for all transportation and
billeting needs of the project officer. To ensure rapid communications
with decision-makers are possible, the project officer should travel
with and be billeted with the film's producer. Per diem for Army
personnel is non-taxable. The production company will also make the same
arrangements for any technical adviser requested by either Department
of Defense or the production company, and the Department of Defense,
Director of Entertainment Media. Beyond operational expenses, the
production company will not be charged for asset usage (i.e. rental
and/or depreciation factors).
I only need stock footage. Is it available?
Department of Defense motion picture and video footage is
available for purchase when a production qualifies for assistance.
Remember, any costs incurred in connection with the selection,
processing and shipment of stock footage will be your responsibility.
My project is still in development. Do I need to go through the approval process for research access to stock footage?
Conceptual support access may be granted by OCPA-West upon
receipt of a letter stating that you are conducting research for a
project and that you will not copy or use footage in your possession for
any purpose other than research unless approved by OCPA-West. Remember,
this is not project approval. You will still have to go through the
approval process once your script is complete.
What is the process for buying stock footage?
If you are looking for footage which will be included in a
feature film, you must: Send a letter or email to OCPA-West, requesting
access to the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DIMOC). The
request should state the reason the footage is needed and the subject
matter of footage desired. Once approved, you will need to contact the
DIMOC, to research, select and purchase the required footage. It is
located at March Air Force Reserve Base in Riverside, California. The
DVIC is a Defense Contract Agency; therefore, public requesters are
charged for research and duplication of the requested footage. The DVIC
staff can explain the fee schedule to you. The DVIC has transferred most
of its material prior to Vietnam to the National Archives in Washington
D. C.; you will have to contact them directly.
http://www.defenseimagery.mil/index.htm
May I re-use footage shot or purchased for this production on subsequent projects?
Motion picture footage shot with Department of Defense
assistance and official Department of Defense footage released for a
specific production are not to be used for other productions without
approval. It is your responsibility to ensure that stock footage
obtained from the DVIC is used only in conjunction with the production
specified, unless specific approval for additional usage has been
obtained from the Departments of the Army and Defense. Edited motion
picture footage from completed productions and from animation will not
be released except by special authorization from the Department of
Defense. Requestors will be required to furnish letters of
indemnification on certain categories of material when the original
source cannot be determined.
What is a Production Agreement?
The main points of a production agreement are:
The Department of Defense (DoD) will appoint a project officer
to the production who will coordinate military support for the
production company and will verify that depictions conform to the
approved script.
- The production company agrees to consult with the project officer if there are changes to the agreed-upon script.
- The operational capacity and readiness of the military may not be impaired by the support provided.
- There will be no deviation from DoD safety standards.
- The production company will not damage or impair the
appearance of DoD property and will restore property used for the
production to the same condition, or better, in which it was made
available.
- The production company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Department of Defense, its agencies, and personnel for any injury or
damage to its personnel or equipment or agencies that occur on or with
DoD property, unless it is determined to be caused by the negligence of
DoD personnel and/or property.
- The production company agrees not to reuse or sell any footage
shot or provided through the cooperation of the Department of Defense
without the DoD's approval.
- The production company agrees to provide an advanced screening of the production to the Department of Defense.
- The production company agrees to provide appropriate military credits at the end of the film.
- The production company agrees to provide DVDs, posters, photos
and media material to the Department of Defense for historical
purposes.
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIVISION (CRD). Army Public Affairs (OCPA). 1500 Army Pentagon, Room 1D470. Washington, DC 20310-1500. Division Chief: 703-614-2486. Deputy Chief: 703-614-7380. As of 1 November 2012. Contact Roster.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIVISION (CRD). Army Public Affairs (OCPA). 1500 Army Pentagon, Room 1D470. Washington, DC 20310-1500. Division Chief: 703-614-2486. Deputy Chief: 703-614-7380. As of 1 November 2012. Contact Roster.
"OCPA-West
10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Ste. 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Director: 310-235-7621
Deputy: 310-235-7621
NCOIC: 310-235-7621
Fax: 310-235-6075
Entertainment Industry Liaison
Army Coordinator for Major Motion
Pictures, Documentaries, TV shows
Soldier Appreciation Days
Western Region Outreach"
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