Filming and Still Photography

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Permits

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. Larger crews and more complicated equipment/setup will require a permit.

In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees (see below) to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to park visitors, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

If your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact filming coordinator Tom VandenBerg tom_vandenberg@nps.gov or 432-477-1107 to discuss your project before submitting your application, or for any questions. See how to apply below.

Regulations

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, news and other staff associated with filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors are to be strictly followed. This includes NO DRONES, no entry into closed areas, group size limits, no closures of park roads or areas, no ground disturbance, or moving of natural features, etc. Approved filming and photography permits will contain specific conditions that must be followed. Check with the park filming permit coordintor for info on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Insurance Requirement

Proof of insurance is required and documentation must carry a commercial liability (minimum of $1 million) issued by a U.S. company. Insurance certificate must identify the production company by name and business address. The United States of America will be named "additional insured" on the insurance certificate.

A refundable damage bond, drawn as a separate payment, may be required for those projects that have a high potential for resource damage or need for site restoration.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commercial filming and photography permits.

Application Fee:

Required, non-refundable. This $150.00 fee covers the cost of permit processing and administrative costs. This fee must be submitted along with the application.

If the filming application is approved, additional costs may apply such as:

Location Fees:

the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following location fee schedule:

Filming

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

Still Photography

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Monitoring Cost:

Filming activities authorized by permit may require continuous, on-site supervision by the NPS to assure full compliance with all conditions of the permit. Monitoring will be charged at the rate of $50 per hour per staff member with a minimum of two hours per staff member, per day. The scope and complexity of the filming activity will determine the level and type of supervision. Fees may include travel time for employees involved between filming location(s) and employee duty station(s).

Interviews:

All interviews of park personnel will be assessed at the hourly rate.
This will not apply to pre-approved filming or photographing of NPS staff members performing their regularly scheduled work activities.

How to Apply for a filming or photography permit

1. Allow for a minimum of 21 days to process any photography permit application. Complicated projects will take more time.
   We are unable to expedite filming/photography permits to meet your last-minute project schedule.

2. It is highly recommended that you contact Big Bend National Park filming permit coordinator Tom VandenBerg tom_vandenberg@nps.gov (432-477-1107) to discuss your project before you begin the application process.

3. Complete an Application for Special Use Permit (form below).

4. Application packet must include:

1. Complete Application form (see below)
2. $150 non-refundable application fee, MUST use Pay.gov
3. Certificate of General Liability insurance issued by an insurance company operating in the United States.
4. Detailed production schedule and proposed locations.
5. Detailed equipment list.

5. Send application packet to:

Film Permit Coordinator,
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

6. Requests will be evaluated on the basis of the information in the application. Therefore you are encouraged to attach details to assist the park staff in evaluating your request.

7. Your application will be carefully reviewed by park management, and if approved, a permit with specific conditions will be issued for signature.

8. Location Fees may apply depending upon the size and length of the photography project.

A request for a filming or photography permit may be denied if:

• There is potential that resource damage or impairment of their value would occur that cannot be mitigated or restored.
• There is potential to unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park; or interfere with visitor use, access, and programs.
• There is likelihood that the activity poses health or safety risks to the public or crew.
• The project includes a portrayal of activities that are not permitted within a national park.
• The requested activity will violate any other Federal, State, or local laws or regulations
• The activity is contrary to the mission of the NPS and the purpose for which the park was established
• The activity would interfere with park management or administration;
• Tha activity would interfere with concession operations or other public facilities.
• Other activities are already planned or expected to occur at the same location.
• The requirements for supervising the project exceed the staffing capacity of the affected park.
• The production crew is unwilling or unable to provide proof of insurance or reimburse the NPS for costs.

For More Information

Please Submit:

Application for Special Use Permit - Commercial Filming and Photography

or

Application for Special Use Permit -Commercial Filming and Photography Long Form