- 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:
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Occurs in areas open to the public;
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Uses hand-carried equipment only;
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Does not require exclusive use of a site;
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Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
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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.
- The park may need to provide managment 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.
To be sure a permit is not required contact the Office of Special Park Uses at samo_permits@nps.gov or 805-370-2308.
Application
Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Application
(Pay.gov) Credit Card Payment- Application Fee and Cost Recovery
(Pay.gov) Credit Card Payment- Location Fees
Certificate of Liability Insurance Example
California Film Commission Locations
Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee your activity or the date requested will be approved. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance. We will let you know within 5 business days that we have received your application, but approval or denial of your activity can range from days to weeks.
Filming Location Fees
Crew and Talent
| 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 |
- There is non-exclusive use of all park sites.
- Due to federal property being non-exclusive all public holds can be placed temporarily (up to 5 minutes).
- Location releases will not be signed by the Superintendent.
- Unmanned Aircraft: Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (e.g, drones, model airplanes, quadcopters) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is prohibited.
Student Film Requirements:
- Students must submit an application and a fee of $175 to hold a date on our calendar.
- Insurance documents must be provided from your school in order to be considered a student film.
In order to be considered for a permit, all documents must be submitted within 2 weeks before your proposed permit start date. Complex and/or multi-day filming requires all documents to be submitted within 4 weeks before your proposed permit start date.
Payment Information
- A non-refundable application fee of $175.00 must be submitted online through Pay.gov in order to secure a date on the permit calendar. The permit office accepts payment by credit card only and cannot accept personal or business checks or paypal. Please contact the permit office before making payment on Pay.Gov. A certificate of liability insurance of $1,000,000 naming the United States of America / National Park Service as the additionally issued is required for all National Park Service film and photography permits. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied, so please contact the office prior to sending in paperwork.
- Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee your activity or the date requested will be approved. In order to be considered for a permit, all documents must be submitted within 2 weeks before your proposed permit start date. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance. We will let you know within 4 business days that we have received your application, but approval or denial of your activity can range from days to weeks.
Still Photography/Audio Recording Location Fees
Crew and Talent
| 1-10 people |
$50/day |
| 11-30 people |
$150/day |
| More than 30 people |
$250/day |
Application Process
You must allow no less than 10 business days, excluding weekends and holidays (no exception), for the park to process your request. First come, first serve. Night filming is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Follow the directions found in the application form, then scan the completed form and e-mail to the permits office. Or mail the completed form to the park headquarters address found at the bottom of the page. Forms will be accepted via U.S. mail or email once confirmation of payment is received. Photographed documents are not accepted.
Additional Information
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If you are using generators, hotlights, and/or pyrotechnics you are required to submit an application through LA County Fire Department: Fire Safety Advisor Application.
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Some activities are required to go through full environmental or historic compliance review.
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Additional administrative costs and cost recovery may also be charged.
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Filming and Photography equipment includes but is not limited to:
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Additional documents may be required for complex events:
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If you are applying to film multiple days
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If you have 50 + cast and crew, will need to build sets, use pyro-technics/special effects, requesting public holds, etc.
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All animals will require a wrangler and possibly an EMT with tools of the trade.
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All stunts will require a stunt coordinator and EMT with tools of the trade
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All prop weapons require a prop master
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All shooting weapons require a licensed armor
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All children are required a set teacher
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Set improvements or changes must be followed by a restoration plan presented to the SPU office
Performance Bonds
Some projects may require a performance bond or cash deposit. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the natural area or historic feature is left in as good a condition as it was prior to the filming, and to cover any unpaid costs incurred as part of the project. The amount of the bond will be determined according to the scope and potential for damage by the activity. At the conclusion of the permit, the bond will be returned to the permittee after final billing costs and costs of necessary clean up; repair or rehabilitation is deducted.
Blackout Dates:
Wondering what properties are administered by the National Park Service? Check out our map of the entire Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. We do not manage business opportunities for California State Parks, Mountains Restoration Conservation Authority (MRCA), local parks or other lands not administered by the National Park Service, within the Recreation Area. For all other areas, you must contact the appropriate land managers.
Link back to Special Park Uses Homepage.
Contact Us
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Office of Special Park Uses
1 Baxter Way Suite 180 Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 370-2308
Email Us
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