Commercial Filming and Photography

The Bureau of Reclamation must comply with several federal requirements for filming and photography on its lands. The following information is provided to assist those who desire to film or do other photography work at Hoover Dam, which is managed by the Lower Colorado Region, Bureau of Reclamation. The information below is under the authority of Act of Congress approved June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388), Section 10 of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (53 Stat. 1187); Public Law 106-206; 43 CFR 429 Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior Chapter 1 - Bureau of Reclamation; and Department of the Interior Part 421 - Rules of Conduct at Hoover Dam.

Introduction

A permit is required for commercial photography at Hoover Dam. Commercial photography includes, but is not limited to, motion picture filming, video taping and/or sound recording, or still photography. A permit is required if such activity is requested to take place at locations where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; involves product or service advertisement, or the use of models, sets, or props; or when the use requires management to prevent impairment or derogation to the resources or a significant disruption of normal visitor or agency use.

In most instances, a permit issued for filming and photography will require the permittee to remit all costs incurred by Reclamation involved with issuing the permit and for managing the activity. There also will be a location fee for use of the land or facility.

The length of time for processing an application is approximately two weeks, but may vary.

Fees

There is a $200 application fee. In addition, all activities related to permitted filming and photography are subject to a location fee. A location fee will be charged for each separate location, parking, and staging area. When the permit is issued, the permittee will be required to cover administrative costs relating to Reclamation personnel, if needed for access, security, or other administrative reasons.

The location fee includes, but is not limited to, preparation of site(s), filming, parking, and cleanup. It usually also will include the cost of a Reclamation employee to be onsite during the filming.

Other factors that will be used to help determine location fees include:

The following fees are the minimum location fees to be charged and are subject to revision:

Location Fees for Filming at Hoover Dam*

Production Filming	Fee
Scouting Fee	$1,000.00 Per Day
Permit- ½ Day (4 hours)	$2,500.00 Per Day + Expenses
Permit- Full Day (8 hours)	$5,000.00 Per Day + Expenses + $800.00 per hour exceeding 8 hours

Location Fees for Still Photography at Hoover Dam*

Commercial Photography	Fee
Site Fee	$2,000.00 Per Day + Expenses

* Note: Fees do not include labor costs.

How to Apply

Step 1: Fill out the Right-of-Use Application.

Step 2: Send it, along with the $200 application fee, to:

Hoover Dam

Lower Colorado Dams Office

Attn: LCD-7001

P.O. Box 60400

Boulder City , NV 89006-0400

or fax to: Hoover Dam Special Events at (702) 494-2585 and include credit card information.

Provide with the Right-of-Use Application a statement/outline/story board of proposed filming. Be as specific as possible, including any proposed special stunts, lighting, props, etc.

Step 3: If your request is approved, Reclamation staff will prepare a Memorandum of Agreement permit, which you will be required to complete and sign. You may also be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance or evidence of bonding. Certain security concerns related to the dam, hydropower plant, or federal property may be cause for denial of the film permit.

For More Information

Contact Beth Young, Special Events Coordinator, Hoover Dam Visitor Services
Phone: 702-494-2521 | Fax: 702-494-2585 | eyoung@lc.usbr.gov

Last Reviewed: 3/11/2008