Commercial Filming and Photography

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore allows commercial filming and photography when and where possible. The following guidelines have been established for commercial filming and photography within the Lakeshore.

Generally, permits are not required for the following:

• Visitors engaged in filming/photography intended for their personal use and enjoyment.

• Filming of breaking news (an event that cannot be covered at any other time or location) by news crews.

Permits for still photography activities are required only if:

• The activity involves the use of a model, set, or prop; or

• The activity requires entry into a closed area.

A portrait subject is not considered a model. Examples of portrait subjects include, but are not limited to, wedding parties, and high school or college graduates. Photography involving portrait subjects may require a permit if it includes the use of props or sets, is conducted in an area closed to the public, or needs to be managed by NPS personnel.

A filming permit may be required for the following:

• Student films; and

• Governmentally sponsored convention and visitor bureaus or tourism bureaus.

A filming permit is required for the following:

• Commercial filming by a person, business, or other entity for market audience with the intent of generating income.

How to apply

Individuals or organizations interested in applying for a commercial film permit may first contact the permits office at 231-326-4741 to discuss their project.

To apply for a permit a commercial film and photography film application must be submitted with a non-refundable, $50.00 application fee.

The information on the application will be used to evaluate the impact of the proposed activity on park resources and visitors.

Applicants are encouraged to attach maps, diagrams, or other information to assist in evaluating the application.

Allow at least 10 business days for processing. Requests involving multiple locations, complex logistics or coordination with other visitor activities will take longer to process.

Fees

The cost to process and accommodate the permitted activity varies based on the complexity of the project.The fees to be paid by the permit holder will be indicated on the draft permit and must be paid before the permit is approved. If it is determined that a monitor (NPS employee) is to be assigned to your project, there will be a minimum fee of $50.00 per monitor per hour. A location fee for the minimum anticipated days is due prior to the filming date. Any additional days will be billed at the end of the filming. These are NPS standards and are non-negotiable.

The current NPS Location Fee Schedule is as follows:

Commercial Filming/Videos
1 - 2 people camera and 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

*Wildlife photographers and videographers with crews consisting of 1-2 people will not be charged the location fee. Cost Recovery and monitoring fees will still be applicable when required. This exception is intended to address nature videographers who may spend over 200 days filming in a park.

Liability Insurance

General liability insurance must be carried by the permit holder naming the United States Government, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as an additional insured.

Short-term policies must show coverage on an “occurrence” basis. Required commercial general liability for video or film productions is generally one million dollars ($1,000,000), but will vary according to project scope, risk to park resources and other relevant circumstances.

All insurance certificates must be issued by an insurance company in the United States.

Aircraft

Use of aircraft is highly restricted. Sensitive wildlife habitat, expectation of solitude in wilderness areas, and safety are our primary consideration with regard to over flight activities. Therefore, aerial filming is rarely allowed.

Wilderness

Potential permittees should be aware that 46% of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is designated wilderness and only educational filming is permitted within wilderness areas. All other commercial filming is prohibited.

Termination of permit

All filming or photography permits issued by the National Park Service are “revocable” on 24 hours’ notice or without notice if the terms of the permit are violated. Deliberate infractions of the terms of the filming permit or the deliberate making of false or misleading statements concerning intended actions in order to obtain a permit are causes for immediate termination of the permit and cause for possible prosecution. Permits will be revoked if damage to resources or facilities is threatened, or if there is a clear danger to public health or safety.

Applications should be sent to:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Attention: Special Use Permits
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

or

Email your application*
*If you email an application, please do not include your SSN.

For more information, email us or call [phone].