Filming and Still Photography

Valid Parking Tags Required

Obtaining a filming or photography permit does not exempt you from the parking tag requirement.

 

NPS

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Permits for filming, still photography, and audio recording are issued in accordance with the EXPLORE act, codified at 54 USC §100905. In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. 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.
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.

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.

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 parking tag fees and/or recreation fees that apply in the park areas even when a permit is not required.

For more information regarding filming, still photography, or audio recording permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please e-mail us.

Application and fees

As authorized by 54 USC §103104, there are cost recovery fees for special use permits. When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location and/or monitoring fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees. The current non-refundable application fee for filming, still photography, or audio recording permits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is $100. Location and monitoring fees will be calculated and billed after the conclusion of the permit.

Applications will be processed only after receiving a completed application and proof of payment of the application fee. Applications can be accepted up to one year in advance, and applicants are encouraged to provide at least 30 days’ notice prior to the requested permit start date to ensure sufficient time for processing.

How to apply for a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit

1. Download the application for a special event permit.

2. Pay $100 non-refundable application fee online at pay.gov. To pay fees at pay.gov:

• Search for “Great Smoky Mountains National Park”
• Click “Continue” under “Great Smoky Mountains NP Still Photography Permit Fees”
• Complete the form and submit payment
• A permit number is not required to pay the application fee
• We do not accept cash or checks

3. After payment is made, e-mail the completed application to: [e-mail]

Additional fees

If a filming, still photography or audio recording permit is issued, a location fee will be charged based on the following fee schedule.

Video Footage/Motion Pictures

Number of Cast/Crew	Cost Per Day
1-2 people, camera/tripod only	$0
1-10 people	$150
11-30 people	$250
31-49 people	$500
Over 50 people	$750

Still Photography/Audio Recording

Number of Cast/Crew	Cost Per day
1-2 people, camera/tripod only	$50
1-10 people	$150
11-30 people	$250
31-49 people	$500
Over 50 people	$750

When a permit is issued, a fee for monitoring may be charged as well as an additional cost recovery fee to process more complex requests.