Filming and Photography

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act (54 U.S.C. 100905) was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service manages filming and photography in park areas. All filming, still photography, and audio recording activity is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. There is basically no difference now between commercial and non-commercial filming. 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. Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for groups of eight individuals or less conducting filming and photography. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming or photography must:
  • 1) occur in areas open to the public;
  • 2) use hand-carried equipment only;
  • 3) not require exclusive use of a site; and
  • 4) not adversely impact park resources, values, and other visitors.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming and photography that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming and photography is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a permit is required, the National Park Service may charge application and location fees.
• Individuals and groups exempt from permit and fee requirements for filming or photography remain subject to all other laws and regulations that apply in park areas, including those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to resources.

For additional information email us. You can download applications below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Film and Photography in the Park

Who needs a permit?

You will need a permit for your filming, still photography, or sound recording activity in the following situations:

• Large groups (8+ people): if your group has nine or more people participating in the activity.
• Certain filming activities: if your activity doesn’t meet the requirements for an incidental activity or a small group, a permit will be required. This includes situations where the filming involves equipment other than handheld or a tripod, or if the activity is likely to disrupt the park experience, harm natural resources, or occur in a highly congested area.
• Special conditions: if your filming could potentially cause damage to resources, create unreasonable disruptions to the park experience, or pose a health or safety risk, a permit will be necessary.

Who does not need a permit?

You will not need a permit for your filming, still photography, or sound recording activity in the following situations:

• Small groups (5 people or less): if your group has five or fewer people participating in the activity, and it meets all of the following requirements:
  • The activity does not intrude on the experience of other visitors and does not disturb or negatively impact natural resources, cultural resources, or environmental or scenic values.
  • The activity is conducted in a location open to the public.
  • The person conducting the activity does not require the exclusive use of a site or area.
  • The person does not conduct the activity in a localized area that receives a very high volume of visitation.
  • The person conducting the activity only uses handheld equipment and/or a tripod or monopod.
  • The activity is not likely to result in additional administrative costs being incurred by the Park with respect to the filming or still photography activity, as determined by the Park.
  • The person conducting the activity complies with other applicable Federal, State (as such term is defined in Section 3 of the EXPLORE Act), and local laws (including policies and regulations). This includes all laws relating to the use of unmanned aerial equipment.
• Incidental to an authorized activity: if the activity is incidental to, or documenting, an event or activity already authorized or allowed in the park.

Who might need a permit?

For some low-impact activities involving 6 to 8 individuals, you may qualify for a de minimis use authorization instead of a full permit. Email us for more information.

How many days does it take to review a permit?

Up to 2 weeks (14 days).

How do I get an application and what are the fees?

Applying for a Special Use Permit for filming and still photography when involving more than eight individuals. Download an application below.

1. Complete, sign, and return the permit application form electronically to [e-mail] (email us).
2. Mail an application fee of $200.00 made payable to the National Park Service via personal check, cashier’s check, or money order, to:
   1. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
   2. 419 Decatur Street
   3. New Orleans, LA 70130
3. Please note, at this time the park does not take online payments.

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee - A $200 non-refundable application fee is required when an application is submitted. This covers the first three hours of time spent on the permit. This may include telephone/email conversations, site visits, developing permit conditions, etc.

Administrative Fees - Permits/projects that require more than three hours of administrative time for review, site visits, meetings or processing, will be charged at the rate of $50.00 per hour.

Compliance Fees - Compliance review is required for all special use permits. A $250 fee is charged for permits/projects that require additional analysis such as the construction of sets/ stages and use of fire/explosives. Covers the first five hours.

Monitoring Fees - Filming activities may be monitored by a qualified NPS employee to assure full compliance with all the terms and conditions of permit. The charge is $50.00 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. This fee will be charged at the end of the filming or may be taken out of the performance bond if one was required. Small projects with no potential impact to natural/cultural resources or visitor experience with a small cast/crew may be considered for spot-check monitoring instead of on-site monitoring and may be charged a flat $50.00 spot monitoring fee.

Location Fees - Federal law 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. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: These are NPS standards and are non-negotiable. These fees are based on the number of cast/crew per day. Location fee for the minimum anticipated days is due two business days prior to filming date. Any additional days will be billed at the end of the filming.

1. Motion Pictures/Videos
   1. 9-10 people: $150/day
   2. 11-30 people: $250/day
   3. 31-49 people: $500/day
   4. Over 50 people: $750/day
2. Still Photography
   1. 1–8 people - $0/day
   2. 9-10 people - $50/day
   3. 11–30 people - $150/day
   4. Over 30 people - $250/day

What about drones or remote-controlled aircraft?

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and New Orleans Jazz National Historical 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. 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.

Under the Jean Lafitte’s 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 uncrewed aircraft in the national parks.

 

Permit Applications:

Permit Application for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (short form)
Permit Application for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (long form)