Frequently Asked Questions
Before you call or email us, please review this list of the most common Filming and Photography Permit questions.
What are the restrictions for filming and photography?
What activities are prohibited?
What if I'd like to film or photograph Crystal Cave?
What fees will I have to pay?
When and how do I pay my permit fees?
How long will it take to process my application?
What other locations might better suit my commercial filming or photography needs?
What other resources are available to help me plan my project?
Okay, I'm ready to apply. Where do I go?
Hey Ranger, what if you didn't answer my question?
What are the restrictions for filming and photography in National Parks?
The National Park Service cannot permit a project if:
- Damage to natural, cultural, wilderness, and recreational resources is expected which cannot be mitigated;
- Other activities are already planned or expected to occur at the same time and place, and filming or photography would be incompatible;
- The activity involves access to areas normally closed for reasons of resource protection or safety;
- The level of activity within the parks is already so high that staff would be unavailable to work with film crew;
- 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;
- The production company is unwilling or unable to reimburse the National Park Service for costs or comply with National Park Service bond requirements.
What activities are prohibited?
Activities having the potential to significantly impact, alter, or damage our resources are prohibited. The following are also prohibited:
- Altering, damaging or removing vegetation or filming in wetlands
- Vehicle use off established roads and parking areas
- Use of insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides
- Loud noises (60 decibels or higher) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Use of meadow areas except on trails or already disturbed areas as determined by the NPS
- Any artificial lighting or use of power equipment in wilderness (other wilderness restrictions apply)
- Filming of wild animals in captivity (except when working with our wildlife management operations)
- Aerial filming, including drones (highly restricted)
- Smoking in buildings, on boardwalks, or in vegetated areas
- Harassment of wildlife or introduction of wildlife captured elsewhere
- Commercial filming in wilderness areas
- Use of equipment that inhibits public views of popular scenic vistas
- Digging, scraping, chiseling, or defacing natural features for filming purposes.
What if I'd like to film or photograph Crystal Cave?
Crystal Cave is managed by our non-profit partner The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC). If you're interested in filming or photographing at Crystal Cave, contact them to make arrangements for a private tour in advance of applying for an NPS permit. You can email them or call 559-565-4251.
The private tour fee is $275.00 to be paid directly to SPC. A maximum of 10 people are allowed in the cave for film or photography purposes.
What fees will I have to pay?
The following are the minimum fees you can expect to pay for a film and photography permit.
- Initial Minimum Fees:
- Application Review Fee: $150 (non-refundable initial review fee)
- Cost Recovery Fee: $250 (non-refundable minimum fee which covers basic permit processing and 3 hours of administration time.)
Additional fees may apply depending on project complexity.
- Additional Fees:
- Administrative Time: $50/hour
- The total amount charged will vary depending on the complexity of your project. Charges may include additional project review time, time spent communicating with project staff or park staff, scouting assistance if needed, permit monitoring for projects where a monitor is required to ensure protection of natural or cultural resources, etc.
- Gas: $8/day (per staff vehicle used)
- Location Fees: see below
- Location Fees:
Commercial Filming/Video Location Fees
- 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
*NOTE: Non-commercial filming is not subject to Location Fees
Still Photography Location Fees
- 1–10 people - $50/day
- 11–30 people - $150/day
- Over 30 people - $250/day
Crystal Cave Location Fees
When and how do I pay my permit fees?
Once your application is received and determined to be complete, you will be directed to pay the application fee of $150. If your application is likely to be approved and proceeds through the permitting phase, you will be invoiced the full cost recovery amount after those costs have been determined.
Payments will be made via pay.gov and require you to input a permit application number. Our office will contact you with further instructions once your application package has been received.
*NOTE: Payment of the permit application fee does not guarantee that a permit will be granted; only that your application will be further reviewed. The fee must be paid before the application will be fully reviewed and considered for permitting.
How long will it take to process my application?
Total processing time varies depending on project complexity. You should submit an application a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of your proposed project start date.
What other locations might better suit my commercial filming or photography needs?
Balch Park through Tulare County Film Commission, Sequoia National Forest & Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sierra National Forest, and Inyo National Forest are all regional options for filming and photography which may have fewer restrictions. All areas except Inyo feature giant sequoias. Though it lacks giant sequoias, Inyo features dramatic mountain views on the eastern side of the Sierra.
What other resources are available to help me plan my project?
Reviewing the following links when planning your project in advance of contacting our office can help keep your administrative permitting fees to a minimum.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Main Page
Maps
Park Newspaper (Visitor Guide)
Camping
Lodging
Current Conditions
Okay, I'm ready to apply. Where do I go?
Please head over to Ready to Apply page.
Hey Ranger, what if you didn't answer my question?
Please email us at e-mail us or call 559-565-3131.