Commercial Still and Filming
- Back to Special Use Permits
Like other commercial uses of National Forest lands and resources, commercial filming requires a special use permit issued by the Forest Service. Permits for commercial photography or filming are processed at the forest office in Vancouver, WA (Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters).
All motion picture and video filming activities that use crews, props, special equipment, and/or vehicles require a special use permit.
When Do I need a Filming or Photography Permit?
The type of photographic activity determines whether or not a permit is required. Check the definitions, examples and criteria listed below to determine if a special use permit is required.
Personal use
If you are shooting still photographs or ‘home movies' for personal use (e.g. that does not involve advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale) then a special use permit is not required.
Breaking News
Breaking news is an event or incident that arises suddenly, evolves quickly, and rapidly ceases to be newsworthy. A special use permit is not required for activities involving breaking news. Examples of breaking news are:
- A wildland fire
- A search and rescue
Still Photography
Still photography uses photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies. National Forest visitors and professional or amateur photographers need a special use permit to take still photographs if the still photography:
- Uses models, sets, or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
- Takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely.
Commercial Filming
A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands. Commercial filming is the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound recording, other moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale, or the use of actors, models, sets or props, but not activities associated with broadcasts for news programs.
For purposes of this definition, creation of a product for sale includes but is not limited to a film, videotape, television broadcast or documentary of historic events, wildlife, natural events, features, subjects or participants in a sporting or recreation event and so forth, when created for the purpose of generating income.
Commercial filming or still photography will not be permitted if the Forest Service determines that any of the following criteria apply:
- There is a likelihood of resource damage that cannot be mitigated.
- There would be an unreasonable disruption of the public's use and enjoyment of the site (beyond short term interruption).
The activity poses health or safety risks to the public that cannot be mitigated.
Requesting a Commercial Filming or Still Photography Permit
Advance Notice: The production company should contact the forest permit administrator (information below) to discuss the proposed filming project.
- Minor occupancy filming requests (e.g. activities requiring 1 production day or less or minimal Forest Service review; or activities occurring in an area and involving a use open to the general public): Contact the permit administrator a minimum of 1 month prior to activity.
- Major occupancy filming requests (e.g. activities requiring environmental review, multiple production days, stunts or special effects): Contact the permit administrator a minimum of 45 business days prior to activity.
Alternate areas may be suggested which may better suit the proposal, reduce environmental analysis costs, or shorten permit processing timelines. If the proposed activities are incompatible with the management area direction or Forest Service policy (e.g. significant environmental impacts, public safety issues, disruption of visitor services) an explanation will be given why the proposal is unacceptable and possible alternatives will be discussed.
Permit Process: You need to provide detailed information about the proposal for the evaluation and permitting process using the form below.
- Commercial Photography and Filming Request form (.doc)
- Commercial Photography and Filming Request form (.pdf)
This form and related information must be submitted to the Forest Service Permit Administrator.
Examples of required information that will be evaluated include:
- Type and complexity of the production
- Proposed location
- Amount and type of equipment and props
- Proposed stunts and special effects
- Potential resource impacts
- Unreasonable disruption of the public's use and enjoyment of the site
- Health or safety risks to the public.
Operation Conditions: Before submitting a Request form, please review the general and site-specific operation conditions applicable to authorized commercial filming and still photography activities within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Gifford Pinchot NF Operation Conditions.
Insurance: Written proof of insurance must be provided to the Forest Service Permit Administrator. The policy document must name the United States Government as additional insured and provide for thirty (30) days written notification of cancelation. Copies of other documents, such as applicable County encroachment permits, letters of permission from private landowners, other permittees, etc., will be required prior to filming.
Forest Service Representation: Depending on the activity, the production company may be required to have Forest Service personnel to act as the Forest Service’s representative on site during the filming. The representative can approve or disapprove proposals that arise during filming and has the authority to suspend activities for noncompliance. If a Forest Service representative is needed, a collection agreement between the Forest Service and production company to cover the salary and mileage of the monitor may be required.
Performance Bond: A performance bond may be required if the proposal has a potential of resource damage or would require a major clean-up effort such as the removal of a constructed set, or use of special effects. The Forest Service will determine if a bond is required on a case-by-case basis.
Permit Fee and Recovery Costs: The permit fee is based on the number of production employees and days required to complete the filming. All fees are due prior to issuance of the permit. Payment instructions are included on the bill. Fees to cover administrative processing and monitoring costs may also be applied to the permit.
Authorization: The permit, as well as the collection agreement if required, must be signed by an authorized production company representative. Proof of authorization to execute documents on behalf of the company must be provided. If the president of the company is unavailable to sign, a letter of authorization must accompany the individual authorized to sign the documents.
Special Considerations and Areas
Use of an Authorized Outfitter and Guide: Commercial filming activity requirements still apply while utilizing the services of an authorized Outfitter and Guide on National Forest System lands. Common requests that would require a Forest Service evaluation and permit include:
- Promotional or product advertisement (e.g. commercial for a 4x4 truck driving a forest road).
- Outdoor show for fishing or hiking (e.g. salmon fishing on a wild and scenic river).
Photography Classes: Individuals or organizations offering classes or workshops on photography for commercial gain are considered outfitters-guides. Please review the Outfitting and Guiding Services page for information on this type of activity and how to apply for a permit.
Commercial Filming Activities in Wilderness areas: Forest Service policies direct the agency to look at minimizing wilderness resource impacts and seeking other non-wilderness area options to conduct the proposed activities. Commercial filming activities may be allowed in wilderness if it is proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of the area, as determined by the Forest Service.
Contacts
Brittany Clegg, Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov
Phone: (360) 798-7848
Mail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Attn: Special Use Permits
987 McClellan Rd
Vancouver, WA 98661