It is the policy of the National Park Service to allow filming and photography consistent with the protection and public enjoyment of park resources. Therefore, the primary consideration in the evaluation of permit requests in the Southeast Utah Group is the potential for resource damage and the disruption of normal public use.
Permits are not generally required for:
- Visitors engaged in filming/photography intended for their personal use and enjoyment
- The filming of a breaking news event by news crews
- Filming conducted pursuant to a cooperative agreement or contract with the National Park Service
A request for a filming or photography permit may be denied if:
- The requested activity represents a potential for an adverse impact on the parks natural, cultural, wilderness or recreational resources or the visitor experience, or poses health or safety risks
- The requirements for supervising the project exceed the staffing capacity of the affected park
- The applicant fails to obtain insurance/bonding, or to agree to pay assessed cost recovery
- The request includes entry into areas closed to the visiting public or activities not permitted to the average park visitor
How to Apply
Complete Form 10-932 [27k PDF File] and return it to the address on the form with a check for $100.00 made payable to the National Park Service. This non-refundable processing charge covers up to two hours of documented staff time for permit negotiation, preparation and processing. It is not a guarantee that you will be issued a film permit.
In addition, we are required to recover additional costs for time spent beyond the first two hours at a cost recovery rate of $50.00 per hour, assessed in fifteen minute increments. Work related to the permit requiring the use of off-duty personnel will be billed at a minimum two hour call-back rate of $100.00. Finally, permit compliance monitoring by a park ranger is required for many filming projects. The cost for this is $50.00 per hour. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, the applicant must submit his or her Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number when completing the permit application.
Fees
Below is the current location fee schedule for commercial photography and filming:
| Number of People | Motion Picture and Video | Commercial Still Photography |
| 1 to 2 (camera & tripod only) | $0 | $0 |
| 3 to 10 | $150/day | $50/day |
| 11 to 30 | $250/day | $150/day |
| 31 to 49 | $500/day | $250/day |
| Over 50 | $750/day | $250/day |
Processing Time
Please allow at least two weeks for permit processing. If the permit request is approved, restrictions and conditions will be stipulated in the permit. Permit activities may be restricted according to seasonal conditions and visitation levels.We require that all relevant details and changes regarding permitted activities be confirmed at least 72 hours prior to the activation of the permit. Prior to issuance of the permit, we must be in possession of the following items:
- Original copy of your insurance certificate
- Completed application
- Permit processing charge and the bond.
You will need to secure and sign your film permit in person prior to initiating any activity in the park.
Insurance
Commercial general liability insurance is required for most projects in the following amounts:
- $300,000.00 for simple still photography
- $1,000,000.00 minimum for electronic media and commercial motion photography
- $3,000,000.00 minimum for special activities (feature films, elaborate stunts, etc.)
The United States Government must be named as additionally insured.
Bond
A bond may be required in the form of cash, cashiers check or similar negotiable currency. All or a portion of the bond may be retained to pay for the costs of site rehabilitation, damage to park property/resources and/or unpaid chargers associated with the permit. The balance will be returned upon the completion of filming activities and payment of all outstanding bills.
Closures & Traffic Control
If your plans include road closures within the park, arrangements for traffic control must be made with local or state law enforcement agencies. You will be billed by these agencies for officer overtime. The contact number for these agencies is (435) 259-8115.
Location Assistance
The Canyonlands Natural History Association may be contacted at (435) 259-6003 for publications about the parks in the area.
