Please note: Activities that do not comply with current guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 will not be permitted at this time.
Cinematographer, soundman, and director filming in one of Manzanar's garden ponds.
NPS Photo
COMMERCIAL FILMING & STILL PHOTOGRAPHY
A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities and certain still photography activities occurring within a unit of the National Park System. The regulation governing these activities is found at 43 CFR part 5; this regulation based on Public Law 106-206 applies to all land management agencies in the Department of the Interior.
All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park System require a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income.
Non-commercial filming may require a permit if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values while minimizing conflict between user groups or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, and student filming. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors engaging in casual, non-commercial filming.
Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit.
What is considered commercial filming?
"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
Does non-commercial filming require a permit?
Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, to preserve wilderness character, to minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, and student filming. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance.
In most cases, a permit is not necessary for casual filming for personal enjoyment.
What fees will I have to lay for a permit? (We list the prices for still photography, so we should do same for filming.)
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. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
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.
Student Film Projects
Permits are required student film projects following the same guidlines as for non-student projects.
Still Photography
When is a permit needed?
Still photographers, including commercial or professional photography require a permit only when:
The activity uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities
The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed
The park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.
How do I apply for a permit?
Permit applications are available through the administrative office. Email the Special Park Uses Coordinator for a permit application and more information. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.
What fees will I have to pay?
The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for 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:
1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day
Are there other permit requirements?
You 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 your proposed activity. You 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.
Student Photography Projects
Permits are usually required for student photography projects. These projects may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please email the Special Park Uses Coordinator for more information.
What about photography workshops?
If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization.
Commercial Use Authorizations and Special Use Permits
Henry Rollins interviews Hank Umemoto about his experiences as a teenager in Manzanar. April 26, 2014.
NPS Photo
Groups, including non-profit groups, wishing to engage in commercial activities at Manzanar NHS may require either a Commercial Use Authorization or Special Use Permit. Please email the Special Park Uses Coordinator for more information.
Special Use Permits are required for organizing and performing activities or assemblies which provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. Special use permits are also needed for activities that require National Park Service staff to protect park resources, the public interest, or both.
First Amendment Activities
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors. A permit is not required for groups of 25 or less individuals, conducting first amendment activities in the park’s designated first amendment areas.
Groups of 25 or more, groups desiring to reserve designated areas in advance, groups wanting to use a sound system, stage, chairs, etc., or groups soliciting donations require a permit. This list is not exhaustive, please email the Special Park Uses Coordinator to determine if your group's first amendment activities require a permit.
Permit Application Procedures and Requirements
Generally, permits are not issued for filming on weekends or holidays.
Filing a permit application alone does not grant you the right to your activity. Permit applications may be approved or rejected by the park. The application fee is nonrefundable, whether your application is approved or denied.
Applicants should read through the application and information on this web page to facilitate an understanding of the permit process. If site scouting is planned prior to application period, email the Special Park Uses Coordinator to set up an appointment.
Application
Complete applications must be submitted with the non-refundable application fee a minimum of fourteen (14) days before the desired activity date.
Your request will be evaluated based on the information in your application. During the process of reviewing and evaluating a permit application the Special Park Uses Coordinator will contact the applicant about additional permit costs if it is determined that substantial park staffing resources will be required for the permitted activity. You are encouraged to attach maps, diagrams, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shoot schedule, shot list, etc. with your application to assist park staff in evaluating your request.
Most requests will be processed within 14 days if the application is complete and without alteration. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, applicants must submit their Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number when filling out the application for permit.
Note: Park managers will not sign location releases supplied by applicants.
Please submit applications as far in advance as possible. Mail to:
Manzanar National Historic Site
Attn: Special Park Uses Coordinator
P.O. Box 426
Independence, CA 93526-0426
Cemetery monument at Manzanar National Historic Site
NPS Photo D. Hayes
Costs
Congress has authorized the National Park Service to charge location fees for the use of park lands and facilities. Site use charges will be estimated based on the information you provide in your application.
The National Park Service is required to recover all costs associated with permits. All administrative costs involving permit application and processing are nonrefundable and will be charged to a permittee. We require that charges be paid before work can begin on National Park Service property.
Photography, Special Use Permits, and Commercial Use Authorizations may also involve cost recovery fees as described below.
Payment Options
Permit fees and costs may be paid by electronic transaction or check.
To pay by credit card: submit an application, then email or call for instructions on how to submit your payment through www.pay.gov.
Permit Application Fees
A $75.00 non-refundable permit application fee must be submitted with your application.
If your application fee has been waived, you must submit the required documentation with your application.
Monitoring and Monitor Fee
The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commerical filming and 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 complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
Location Fees for Still Photography
1-10 people $50/day
11-30 people $150/day
over 30 people $250/day
Restrictions
Manzanar National Historic Site is not currently able to approve most permits for weekends and federal holidays. This restriction includes non-low-impact filming, photography and special events. Please email manz_permits@nps.gov to set up a time to discuss your project with our coordinator before submitting an application.
The National Park Service cannot accommodate a project if:
Damage to natural, cultural and recreational resources is expected which cannot be mitigated
The activity involves access to areas normally closed for reasons of resource protection and safety
The level of activity within the park is already so high that staff would be unavailable to work with film crews
The project includes a portrayal of activities that are not permitted within a national park
The production company is unwilling or unable to obtain necessary insurance, or comply with National Park Service bond requirements.
Drones are prohibited at Manzanar National Historic Site
Prohibited Activities
Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
Altering, damaging, or removing vegetation or cultural resources
Vehicle use off established roads and parking areas
Smoking in buildings or in vegetated areas
Digging, scraping, chiseling, or defacing natural or cultural features
