Filming and Still Photography

General Information

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. Questions and answers about filming and photography are provided below.

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Who Needs a Permit?

A special use permit is required for any individual, business, or organization (including nonprofit groups and educational institutions) filming for a market audience or receiving compensation associated with footage or recordings made in the park. Some examples include:

Filming

• Commercial advertisements, influencer content promoting a product or service, feature films, entertainment broadcasts, documentaries, promotional or educational films (including non-profit and student projects)
• Filming for stock footage (regardless of equipment or crew size)
• Time-lapse photography if the final sequence will be used in a motion picture format for commercial purposes
• Use of large or unusual equipment, even for non-commercial purposes if activities warrant oversight by park staff

Still Photography

• Still photography using models, props, sets, lighting, or other specialized equipment
• Use of large or unusual equipment, even for non-commercial purposes if activities warrant oversight by park staff

Still Photography Workshops

• A still photography permit is required for all organized photography workshops.

I’m a social media influencer, do I need a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube, TikTok, and other social media channels.

If you are unsure if your event will need a special park use permit, please contact the Park Use Coordinator:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Special Park Use Office
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005
[phone]
e-mail

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Permitting Guidance

Applications may take up to 45 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to process. Every effort will be made to accommodate the permit application sooner. As a condition of your permit, you may be required to present proof of liability insurance in an amount set by the park.

Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee the issuance of a permit or that the date you requested will be approved. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance. You will be notified within five business days that we have received your application. Approval or denial of the application can range from days to weeks.

All permit applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some activities may go through a full environmental and compliance review.

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Commercial Film & Still Photography Fees

All permit applications require an application fee of $150, which is non-refundable even if the application is denied.

• The permit office accepts payment by credit card only and will not accept personal or business checks.

• Applications will be reviewed after confirmation of payment.

All commericial filming and still photography permits are subject to cost recovery and a location fee per 54 USC §103104 and 54 USC § 100905 and may require proof of liability insurance naming the United States of America as also insured.

The NPS may recover from the permittee all agency costs incurred in processing the application and monitoring the permitted activity if the request is approved. Applicants may be responsible for reimbursing the park for all costs incurred by the park in processing the application (even if the application is denied) and monitoring the permitted activity and subsequent site restoration if necessary.

The location fee is calculated per day and must be based on the following schedule and is determined by the type of activity and the number of people on park lands associated with the permitted activity. There is no deviation from the schedule.

Commercial Filming Location Fees -

*Not required for non-commercial filming permits*

• 1-2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
• 1-10 people - $150/day
• 11-30 people - $250/day
• 31-49 people - $500/day
• More than 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography Location Fees

• 1-10 people - $50/day
• 11-30 people - $150/day
• More than 30 people - $250/day

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How to Apply

Step #1: Complete applicable application form:
Commercial Filming and Still Photography

Step #2: Follow the directions found on the application.

Step #3: Email the completed form to: [e-mail]

Or mail to:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Special Park Use Office
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005

 

Definitions

Commercial Filming

Commercial filming means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.

Still Photography

Still photography activities require a permit only when:

• The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed;
• The activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
• The park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity;
• The park needs to provide management and oversight to:

• Avoid impairment or incompatible use of the resources and values of the park, or
• Limit resource damage, or
• Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to expedite my permit application?

We do not expedite applications as we process all applications in the order we receive them. Film and photography permit applications must be submitted no later than two-weeks in advance of your proposed shoot date.

What do I need to know about filming in wilderness areas

The National Park Service manages and protects more than 67 million acres of park lands and waters as wilderness areas. These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, or landing of aircrafts.

Except for casual filming by visitors, special use permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, no matter the group size or equipment used.

Why do I still need liability insurance?

It is important to remember that a permit is a legally binding document between the permitted applicant and the United States of America. Because of this, liability insurance may be required with all special park use permits.