Commercial Photography and Filming

 

Do I Need a Permit to Film?

This is our most frequently asked question. Generally, if you believe you might need a permit, you probably do.

Please review the following information carefully before applying for a permit or contacting our office. This will help you determine the type of permit you need to apply for.

Filming

Commercial Filming:

All commercial filming activities taking place within Cabrillo National Monument 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:

Though considered non-commercial, projects such as student films, government-sponsored films, and some non-commercial news media may require a permit to manage the activity to minimize resource damage and reduce conflicts with other users. We may require documentation confirming that these permitted projects are non-commercial in nature.

How do I apply for a filming permit?

An application fee must accompany all Commercial Film and Photography permit applications, this fee in non-refundable.

Fill out and E-mail your Permit application. A non-refundable $100 application fee is required and payable by credit/debit only. Completed applications for Special Use Permits must be received by the park. To make credit/debit card payments call 619-523-4272.

All completed applications must be E-mailed to [e-mail] or mailed to the following address:

Cabrillo National Monument
C/O Special Park Uses
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Once received, one of the Park's Permit Program Rangers will review and begin working on your official permit, corresponding with you via email or phone to ask any follow up questions or to notify you of additional fees associated with your permit request. The more time you can give the Park to review and process your permit the better.

Once the details have been ironed out, you will receive a permit and in most cases, an Additional Conditions Document for your review and signature. This will be returned to your Park Point of Contact. They will then take these documents to our Park Superintendent for final review. Once approved you will be notified.

Still Photography

Still photography requires a permit under the following conditions:

• Product or service advertisement is involved
• Talent/models, props, crews or sets are involved
• The project has the potential to disrupt other park activities or visitors
• More than just hand-carried equipment is utilized
• The project requires access to an area normally closed or restricted to general public use
• Access to an area outside of normal public use hours is required
• The project carries a potential risk to park resources
• The activity raises safety concerns that can be mitigated through issuance of a permit with restrictions
• We would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a Still Photography permit?

An application fee must accompany all Commercial Film and Photography permit applications, this fee in non-refundable.

Fill out and E-mail your Permit Application A non-refundable $100 application fee is required and payable by credit/debit only. Completed applications for Special Use Permits must be received by the park. To make credit/debit card payments call 619-523-4272.

All completed applications must be E-mailed to [e-mail] or mailed to the following address:

Cabrillo National Monument
C/O Special Park Uses
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Once received, one of the Park's Permit Program Rangers will review and begin working on your official permit, corresponding with you via email or phone to ask any follow up questions or to notify you of additional fees associated with your permit request. The more time you can give the Park to review and process your permit the better.

Once the details have been ironed out, you will receive a permit and in most cases, an Additional Conditions Document for your review and signature. This will be returned to your Park Point of Contact. They will then take these documents to our Park Superintendent for final review. Once approved you will be notified.

What fees will I have to pay?

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. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:

Commercial Filming

• 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

Still Photography

• 1–10 people - $50/day

• 11–30 people - $150/day

• Over 30 people - $250/day

Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged.

What terms and conditions will the permits have?

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you 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 also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.
Please read the Permit Conditions.

If you are interested in shooting your production here, please e-mail us.