Do I Need a Permit for Commercial Filming in Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most pristine areas in the world. Attracting filmmakers from virtually every corner of the world to its amazing landscape. A visit to Grand Canyon National Park for a film shoot is something many only dream about, but for those who are fortunate enough to actually take a trip to the park to see the amazing wonders and to capture commercial footage, planning is essential. You’re probably wondering. Do I need a permit for commercial filming in Grand Canyon?

Are Permits for Commercial Filming in Grand Canyon Required?

The National Park Service is responsible for permitting for Grand Canyon National Park. Permits have traditionally been required for commercial filmmaking within the park.

But interim guidance has recently been released changing the way that film permits for National Parks such as the Grand Canyon are issued.

Under the new interim guidelines, filming, whether commercial or non-commercial in nature, within the parks will require a permit based on the amount of impact that the filming may have on the land, resources, and visitor activities taking place within the park.

Classifications

The National Park Service has determined that there will no longer be distinguishing between commercial, non-commercial, or news gathering for the purpose of filming within parks. Instead, film permits will be based on low-impact filming and non-low-impact filming.

Low-Impact Filming in Grand Canyon

Low-impact filming in Grand Canyon National Park will not require a permit. In essence, low-impact filming is that which is contained outdoors, does not interrupt regular park activities.

And involves a crew of five people or less which will use equipment that is carried at all times with the exception of a small tripod stand. Low-impact filming should have minimal, to no, impact on the resources of the park.

Non-Low-Impact Filming in Grand Canyon

Non-low-impact filming in Grand Canyon National Park will require a film permit which can be applied for through the National Park Service.

Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance and should be made significantly more in advance because there is an incredibly volume of these requests for the park service to review. 

Threat to Resources

Non-low-impact filming in the Grand Canyon National Park is that which will involve potential impacts to the park’s resources. It might conflict with visitor activities, or may impact the environment or otherwise impede public health and safety.

Permitting decisions are made by the Park Superintendent based on the threat to the park resources, its value, and the visitor experience on a case-by-case basis.

The Takeaway

A permit for commercial filming in the Grand Canyon is certainly an important consideration. One to make well in advance of your trip. Permits are required whenever there will be significant disruption to the normal visitor use of the park, its resources, or facilities.

In addition to the permitting that is required in order to film within the Grand Canyon. Filmmakers must also be prepared to fully follow all of the rules and ordinances. Something visitors to the park are expected to know and follow while there.

This includes avoiding the disruption of park resources. And being sure not to deface. Or otherwise collect items from the park while there. 

For more information on Grand Canyon film permits, visit the National Park Services website.