Filming and Photography

When filming, photography, and sound recording activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use and enjoyment of the park.

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2022 Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Lands

Effective immediately, consistent with the direction provided in the October 28, 2022, Memorandum titled “Rescission of Interim Filming Guidance”, the Interim Guidance following the Price v Barr decision is rescinded and Section III: 36 CFR § 1.5 SC 24 and SC 25 of the compendium are no longer in effect. This decision reinstates the permit and fee requirements for commercial filming found in 54 U.S.C. § 100905, 43 C.F.R. Part 5 and 36 C.F.R. § 5.5.

 

A filming project near Hermits Rest on the South Rim of Grand Canyon

NPS Photo

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.

Sound Recording

• It takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed
• It uses equipment that requires mechanical transport
• It uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack
• The agency would incur additional administrative costs to provide management and oversight of the permitted activity to:
  • Avoid unacceptable impacts and impairment to resources or values
  • Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public

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.

 

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. 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 the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

The commercial filming/photography application processing fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $100.

In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography (for complex projects that require more oversight and management):

• 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

 

How to Apply

Applying For A Permit:

• A complete application must be submitted a minimum of 10 days prior to the requested date.
• A required, non-refundable application fee of $100 must be submitted with the application.
• Priority will not be given to urgent requests.

The application must include:

• Detailed production schedule and proposed locations
• Detailed cast & crew list including name and role
• Detailed equipment list including model of equipment

If you have questions or would like to request a filming or still photography application, please email us at [e-mail] (preferred) or call 928-638-7779.

 

No Drone Zone: Important Regulations

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft in Grand Canyon National Park is strictly prohibited.

This restriction is in place for several important reasons. Primarily, it is essential to protect human health and safety, while preserving the visitor experience of unobstructed views. Additionally, safeguarding park wildlife from potential displacement or harassment is critical to ensuring their natural behaviors remain undisturbed.

The operation of drones near roadways or large groups of visitors also poses significant public safety hazards. Maintaining a safe environment is paramount, especially in emergencies that may require the use of park helicopters.

Under the Grand Canyon Superintendent's Compendium (36 CFR § 1.5 (10)), this prohibition is enforced without exception.

Compliance with these regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the park and ensuring a safe experience for all visitors.

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

 

Resources

• Visit Grand Canyon National Park's Flickr site to virtually scout potential filming locations.
• Looking for B-roll footage only? Aerial footage? Browse the park's selection of b-roll videos.
• For filming on lands adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park, contact the Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Navajo Nation, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, or the Kaibab National Forest.