Department of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office > Intro

what can we do for you?

Script or Story Development
Latest technology and future aviation systems can give your production that "cutting edge" look
Dialogue Assistance to Enhance the Authenticity of Your Characters
We can define jargon, recommend realistic lines and understandable terminology
Wardrobe/Uniform Assistance
Ensuring the right look, for the right scene, for the right period
Cast Training
Ensuring actors accurately portray Air Force and Space Force characters
Research Visits for Project Development
Introduction to personnel performing a myriad of interesting and technical jobs

1) Our Primary Purpose
The Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office is the entertainment industry's direct liaison to the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. Our primary purpose is to assist film and television professionals in all matters relating to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. We are staffed with experienced personnel who are thoroughly familiar with industry production requirements.
Our personnel will:·
- Act as a local, authoritative source of information about the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force 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 make suggestions prior to script finalization.
- Arrange for and coordinate the use of Air Force and Space Force aircraft and equipment not commercially available.
- Coordinate requests for stock footage.
- Arrange for and coordinate with Air Force and Space Force installations or properties for location filming.
- Coordinate requests for appearances of Air Force and Space Force personnel as extras or show participants.
2) Obtaining Assistance
1. Send a written request to this office. This letter should be on production company letterhead stating your proposal to produce a specific entertainment project. Include your production company's credits and a synopsis of the story identifying any potential benefits to the U.S. Air Force and/or U.S. Space Force and Department of Defense for assisting in the project. Additionally, the letter should identify your wish list for Air Force and/or Space Force aircraft, equipment, personnel, and location requirements. Lastly, identify the general time frame in which you wish to proceed (expect a 6- to 10-week coordination period from the date you initiate correspondence before Department of Defense approval is received).
2. 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. They will be sent to the Department of Defense with comments and recommendations for Air Force and/or Space Force assistance.
3. 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 on the project.d) If Department of Defense assistance is granted, a project officer will be appointed to work on your production. You will also be required to sign a production agreement.
3) Project Officer
What does the project officer do? Can I get a technical adviser assigned to my project?
Usually the project officer can act as the technical adviser. On matters that require a special skill, a technical adviser may be called in if requested by the production company or when considered to be in the best interest of the Department of Defense. As with the project officer, the production company will be responsible for all expenses to include travel, housing, and per diem, incurred by the technical adviser.
4) Active-Duty Extras
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 current and local industry standards.
5) Error-Checking Projects
Will the Air Force and/or Space Force review my project to point out errors without my seeking official assistance?
The Air Force and/or Space Force 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, we may be able to visit the set to provide some assistance as well.

6) TV Series, Special
Does a television series or special require the same approval process?
Proposals for a television series must include objectives and format of the series and story treatment, or other evidence of overall series content. Each episode or special must still qualify individually under provisions of the basic policy. A specific plan to expedite review of scripts and tapes will be arranged.
7) Stock Footage
Department of Defense motion picture and video footage is available for purchase when a production qualifies for assistance. Any costs incurred in connection with the selection, processing, and shipment of stock footage will be your responsibility. You can find stock footage and imagery through the sources below:
Defense Imagery Management Operations Center http://www.dimoc.mil/
Defense Video Imagery Distribution Service https://www.dvidshub.net/
8) Costs
What are my financial responsibilities to the government?

a) The production company will be billed only for those expenses considered to be additional expenses to the government. In no way can the government finance entertainment projects. The following are generally considered to be reimbursable costs:
· Travel and per diem.
· Civilian overtime.
· 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 Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve personnel assigned to production support (such as drivers and pilots).

b) Additionally, the production company is responsible for insuring that all Air Force and/or Space Force equipment and facilities used are restored to their original, or better condition.

c) 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 producers. Per diem for Air Force and/or Space Force personnel is non-taxable. The production company will also make the same arrangements for any technical adviser requested by either the Department of Defense or the production company.
9) Screen Credits
Upon receipt of your notification of completion of principal photography, the project officer will suggest 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.
10) Production Agreement
What does your Production Agreement cover?

The main points of a government 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, 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 DoD without the prior approval.
- The production company agrees to provide an advanced screening of the production to the DoD in Washington D.C. and/or other suitable location(s).
- The production company agrees to provide appropriate military credits at the end of the film.
- The production company agrees to provide DVDs, digital copies, posters, photos and media material to the DoD for historical/internal use only.

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