Filming & Photography Permits

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. 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 NPS.

• 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.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. 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 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 visitors to park areas, 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.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

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All media queries about NPS implementation of the EXPLORE Act should be routed to NewsMedia@nps.gov. (e-mail us)

How to Apply for a Filming and/or Photography Permit

Use the Special Uses Application Form to apply for a permit.

Send the completed application, any associated documentation, and non-refundable application fee of $50.00 to the park’s Commercial Filming Coordinator via email or by mail at:
Obed Wild & Scenic River
Attn: Commercial Filming/Photography Coordinator
PO Box 429
Wartburg, TN 37887 

All applications must be postmarked 45 days or greater prior to the start date of the proposed activity to be conducted in the park. The non-refundable application fee may be paid online or by check or money order payable to "National Park Service."

Requests for permits are evaluated based on the information in the application. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to attach maps, description of activity, check in points, what support will be provided, etc. to assist the park staff in evaluating your request. If there are any updates to the request after the permit is officially signed, a new application and fee will be required.

Fees

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming/still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, 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 still photography fee schedule:

Motion Pictures/Videos
1 – 2 people, camera and 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/Audio Recording
1 - 10 people $50/day
11 - 30 people $150/day
Over 30 people $250/day

Permitting Requirements

Permit applicants may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by the proposed activity. They may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

A request for a filming permit may be denied if:

1. the proposed filming would conflict with the visitors' normal use of the park.
2. in the opinion of the superintendent, or designee, the filming activity requested represents a potential for harm or impact on the park's natural, cultural, or recreational resources, may create health or safety risks, or disrupt visitor use and enjoyment.
3. it is determined that supervisory requirements for the proposed project will place unreasonable burdens on park staff.
4. the request includes entry into areas closed to the general visiting public, or which would allow activities not permitted to the average visitor.

Contact Us

Contact us for questions or more information about commercial filming and photography in the park or send completed applications to the address below. 

Email

Phone

423-346-6294

Mail

Filming/Photography Permits Coordinator
Obed WSR
PO Box 429
Wartburg, TN 37887