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.
Film, Photography & Sound Recording Permits
Who Needs a Permit?A commercial film permit is required for any individual, business, or organization (including nonprofit groups and educational institutions) filming for a market audience or receiving compensation associated with footage or recordings made in the park. The following lists outline specific situations that require permits: Filming
Still Photography
Still Photography Workshops & Tours
ExemptionsThe following cases do not require a commercial film permit:
DefinitionsCommercial filming: digital or film recording of a visual image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience, such as for a documentary, television or feature film, advertisement, or similar project. Under P.L. 106-206, all commercial filming requires a permit and is subject to a location fee and cost recovery charges. Model: a person or object that serves as the subject for commercial filming or still photography for the purposes of promoting sales or use of a product or service. Models include but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects such as vehicles, boats articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. 
Restrictions
How to ApplyFilming, photography, and sound recording permits are considered in the order they are received. All applications must be completed in detail and returned with the permit application and non-refundable application fee. A minimum of 2 to 4 weeks (depending on project type and volume of requests) is required to process an application and issue a permit. Permit Application (134k PDF) For more information, contact: Rachel Cudmore Tammy Wert Application FeesThe application fee includes three hours of administrative time; including phone calls, correspondence, application review, and project consultation, scheduling park staff, permit issuance, follow-up and billing. Additional administrative time will be billed at a rate of $65/hour. Production film/still photography: $300 Stock film footage: $250 Student film/still photography: $200 Sound Recording: $250 Location FeesLocation fees do not apply to crews with 1-2 people using minimal equipment. All other equipment and additional crew members will be subject to location fees.
Interviews and Filming with EmployeesInterviews with National Park Service employees may be available based on project content and staff availability. Please request interviews with park staff through the Film Office. Do not reach out to staff directly. One-hour interviews at the employee's duty station will be scheduled through the Film Office; additional time, if approved, will be billed to the permittee at an hourly rate. Please note that while staff may demonstrate aspects of their job, they will not "act" or spend time on multiple "takes". Filming of employees will be scheduled in advance and take place in a controlled environment. Film crews are not permitted to shadow NPS employees on the job and placing body cameras on staff is prohibited. NPS employees will not participate in reality-style productions. AddendumsAn addendum may be issued for the following types of filming: underwater, thermal area filming without monitor, overnight, inside buildings, interviewing staff or increase in crew size. Please contact the Film Permit Office about these types of filming, or any other special activities/requests that are not listed here. NPS MonitorsYellowstone National Park staff will be required to monitor certain filming, photography and sound recording activities. Crews are responsible for paying daily location fees and for monitors as well as any staff costs associated with the project (at $65/hour). This fee must be paid before the permit is issued. Activities that require a monitor include (but are not limited to): filming or photography in thermal areas, and filming "talent" along roadways or in developed areas. Monitors are also required for large crews, projects with extensive equipment, and when there is potential for resource damage or impacts to visitor use. MarketingWhen it comes time to market your products, please give consideration to the public’s perception of how you obtained your footage. Don’t promote tactics that were prohibited by your filming permit (such as the use of drones or remote cameras). If you used these tactics on private lands outside the park, don’t lead the public to believe that you captured that footage inside Yellowstone National Park. The park will refute these claims publicly (or confirm that you violated your permit) when asked on social media and in news media interviews. We are happy to review your promotional materials prior to release, if requested. Yellowstone PledgeJoin the growing community of people committed to the preservation of this national treasure by taking the pledge and tagging #YellowstonePledge. |
Last updated: February 28, 2019