Film, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permit

What is a Film, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permit?

A Film, Still Photography, and Audio Recording permit is an official authorization required for certain activities within national parks to ensure they align with the protection of park resources and do not interfere with public use and enjoyment.

At New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, this permit is necessary for those engaging in filming, still photography, or audio recording that could:

• Impact Park resources by involving large equipment, staging areas, or potential disruptions.
• Affect visitor experience by blocking pathways, creating noise, or restricting access.
• Require oversight to ensure compliance with 54. U.S.C. 100905 and Section 125-Public Law 118-234.

The permit process helps balance creative expression with the park’s mission to preserve history and provide a welcoming space for all visitors. It outlines specific guidelines, restrictions, and potential fees, depending on the scope of the project.

Who Needs a Film, Still Photography, or Audio Recording Permit?

You will need a permit for your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity in the following situations:

• Large groups (9+ people): if your group has nine or more people participating in the activity.
• Special conditions: if your filming could potentially cause damage to resources, requires use of areas closed to the public, create unreasonable disruptions to the park experience, or pose a health or safety risk, a permit will be necessary.
• Certain filming activities: if your activity doesn’t meet the requirements for an incidental activity or a small group, a permit will be required. This includes situations where the filming involves equipment other than handheld or a tripod, or if the activity is likely to disrupt the park experience, harm natural resources, or occur in a highly congested area.

Who Does Not Need a Permit?

You will  not  need a permit for your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity in the following situations:

• Small groups (8 people or less): if your group has eight or fewer people participating in the activity, and it meets the following requirements:
  • The activity does not intrude on the experience of other visitors and does not disturb or negatively impact natural resources, cultural resources, or environmental or scenic values.
  • The activity is conducted in a location open to the public.
  • The person conducting the activity does not require the exclusive use of a site or area.
  • The person conducting the activity only uses handheld equipment and/or a tripod or monopod.
  • The activity is not likely to result in additional administrative costs being incurred by the Park with respect to the filming or still photography activity, as determined by the Park.
  • The person conducting the activity complies with other applicable Federal, State (as such term is defined in section 3 of the EXPLORE Act), and local laws (including policies and regulations). This includes all laws relating to the use of unmanned aerial equipment.
  • Incidental to an authorized activity: if the activity is incidental to, or documenting, an event or activity already authorized or allowed in the park (i.e. wedding, family reunion).
  • Credentialed news organizations documenting an event that cannot be covered at any other time or location. Please contact the park Permitting Office at e-mail us.

For clarification, please contact the park before planning your project.

Important Information

• Fees & Cost Recovery: Appplication, Monitoring, Location, and Cost Recovery Fees may be required.
• Insurance & Security: Liability insurance and security deposits may be required.
• Site Use: Permits do not guarantee exclusive use. Visitor access must be maintained.
• Closures & Restrictions: Temporary closures due to weather, wildlife, or operational needs may impact permitted activities.
• Parking: Available in paid parking garages and on-street parking; no designated event parking.

• Carry-In, Carry-Out Trash Policy: All event organizers and participants are responsible for removing their own trash. Leave No Trace principles must be followed to preserve the park’s historic and natural setting.

Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

For more information, visit: Uncrewed Aircraft in the National Parks

Fees

Application Fee

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. For filming, still photography or audio recording that does require a permit, an application fee of $75 must be paid at the time of submitting the application and is non-refundable. Payment may be made via credit card on pay.gov, which is generated by the Park once your application is received. Do not email your credit card information to the Park for this process is captured on the secure pay.gov system. You may also mail a check (payable to National Park Service) to the following address: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Attn: Permitting Office, 33 William Street. New Bedford, MA 02740.

Monitoring Fee

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park staff must monitor certain filming, still photography, and audio recording activities. This includes, but is not limited to, projects with large crews or extensive equipment, those that may cause resource damage, or those that could impact visitor use.

Upon approval of the application, if it is deemed that a monitor should be assigned to your project, there will be a cost recovery charge based on the monitor’s hourly rate from the time they start at their duty station until they return from monitoring. The assignment and estimate will be provided prior to the final permit being issued and the balance calculated after the activity is completed.

Cost Recovery Fee

When a permit is required for a filming or still photography activity, or audio recording cost recovery fees are required for the review of applications, permitting processing, and related administrative and personnel costs.

Location Fee

When a permit is required for a filming, still photography activity, or audio recording, locations fees according to the current location fee schedule will be charged. The current fee schedule is:

How to Apply

• Complete the Film, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permit application and submit it to the park Permitting Office.
• Do not email credit card information.
• For more information, visit the park website or contact the Permitting Office.

Download the Film, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permit (PDF)

Email the completed form to the Permitting Office: Email Us

Permit Application Process

• Review the park website for specific permit guidelines and requirements.
• Download and complete the permit application.
• Submit your completed application to the Park Permitting Office via email or USPS mail at least 10 days in advance.
• Applications will be reviewed to ensure compliance with park policies and federal regulations.
• You will be notified once your application has been approved or denied.

Permit Review & Approval

Permits may be denied if the proposed activity:

• Causes damage to park resources.
• Conflicts with park purposes or visitor access.
• Poses safety concerns.
• Requires exclusive use of public spaces.

Approved permits must be signed by the Superintendent and carried during the permitted activity.

Interviews and Filming with Employees

Interviews and on-camera appearances by employees may be available based on staff availability under the following conditions:

• The employee is selected and/or approved by park management and is depicted performing their normal duties or serving as a subject matter expert. Do not reach out to staff directly, contact the Permitting Office.

• The employee’s appearance supports National Park Service goals and has a beneficial effect for the Service.

• The role is not scripted. Employee’s may demonstrate aspects of their job but may not act or spend time on multiple takes. Film crews are not permitted to shadow NPS employees on the job or place body cameras on staff. NPS employees will not participate in reality-style productions.

• The employee is paid by the park as part of his or her regular working hours. The permittee will reimburse the park for this cost.

• If the filming requires overtime or backfilling of positions, the National Park Service will be reimbursed for any such additional costs through the permitting process.

• The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees apply. Generally, employees are forbidden from accepting gratuities or gifts.

• Off-duty government employees may work for filming companies only if they do not perform or appear to perform official duties. Personnel engaged in actual supervision of permittee are not allowed to engage in off-duty employment with the filmmaker under any circumstances. The park superintendent must approve off-duty employee requests.