A Guide for Writers, Authors, and Producers

Working with the FBI:
A Guide for Writers, Authors, and Producers

We can help: if you are a writer, author, or producer who wants to feature the FBI, we may be able to work with you to create an accurate portrayal of the Bureau.

We’ve been doing it since the 1930s. Most recently, we have assisted the motion pictures “The Kingdom,” “Shooter,” and “Breach”; television programs like “Without A Trace,” “CSI,” “Numb3rs,” “Criminal Minds,” and “The Closer”; and books like Big City, Bad Blood; Lone Wolf-Eric Rudolph: Murder, Myth and the Pursuit of an American Outlaw; and Lightning Out of Lebanon: Hezbollah Terrorists on American Soil.

Specifically, the Investigative Publicity and Public Affairs Unit (IPPAU) in our Office of Public Affairs is a small staff that spends a portion of its time working with domestic and international screenwriters, producers, authors, and other industry personnel associated with TV programs, documentaries, made-for-TV movies, books, and motion pictures. In addition, the unit is the same one that manages national and international publicity for wanted fugitives (including the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives”), Most Wanted Terrorists, and missing children, and it also coordinates other proactive initiatives.

What we need from you:

• Your name, any pertinent company name, point of contact, address, e-mail, and phone number;
• Acknowledgement whether the project is “sold,” “green lit,” commissioned, or speculative;
• A description how the FBI fits into the project and its relative importance;
• An explanation of FBI characters and actions (what they will be doing);
• Film script, plot, or treatment;
• Project status/timeline/production schedule (if known);
• Specificity regarding cases, procedures, or information needed; and
• A list of FBI personnel desired (if known) for interviews or backgrounders (note: please allow ample time for the approval process.)

What we can provide you:

• Guidance on content regarding FBI investigations, procedures, structure, and history;
• Information on costumes, props, scenery, and weapons;
• Fact checks;
• Liaison and coordination with local FBI field offices;
• Coordination of location shots; and
• Access to FBI facilities for filming scenes, interviews, or b-roll footage.

Contact information:

• Call FBI Headquarters at (202) 324-3000 and ask for the Investigative Publicity and Public Affairs Unit.
• Or write to: FBI Headquarters, Investigative Publicity and Public Affairs Unit, Room 7790B, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20535.
• Or send your complete request via e-mail to public.affairs@ic.fbi.gov.

Please note: IPPAU considers project assistance on a case-by-case basis. We have limited resources and cannot ensure cooperation or offer reviews or critiques.