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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
General Rules for Filming Permits
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General Rules and Conditions
It wouldn't be worth your time to wade through every regulation and guideline that can be applied to filming on National Park Service lands in the Santa Monica Mountains. Instead, we offer two things--
a summary of the most frequently raised issues, and our phone number. Please call and discuss your project with us. We will do our best to help. If we can't accommodate you in one of our sites, we will give you other leads.
PHONE 805-370-2308 to talk with us about your project.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
Our basic responsibility is to protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources for which we, the National Park Service, are ultimately responsible, and to avoid conflict with the public's normal use and enjoyment of the parks. Please remember that aesthetic values such as scenic vistas, natural quiet and dark night skies are resources that we value. We are also sensitive to the environments and neighborhoods around our park sites.
We have created Notes for the Crew for you to download and distribute to everyone coming to work on NPS sites in the Santa Monica Mountains. We encourage you to attach this information to the call sheet.
Things We Cannot Do for You
We cannot accommodate a project if
Damage to resources is expected which cannot be prevented or mitigated
Other activities are already planned or expected to occur at the same time and place, and filming or photography would be incompatible
It involves access to areas normally limited to administrative access or closed for resource protection or safety reasons
The level of activity within the park is already so high that we would not have staff to assign to work with you
The project includes portrayal of activities which are not permitted within a recognized park (such as defacing a monument, etc.)
The production company is unwilling or unable to obtain the necessary insurance
The production company is unwilling to reimburse NPS for costs or comply with NPS requirement for posting a refundable bond.
Our permits always prohibit
loud noise (gunfire, explosions, playback, etc.) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
landing any aircraft
nudity
smoking in buildings, on boardwalks or in vegetated areas
harassment of wildlife or introduction of wildlife captured elsewhere
We do not close parks to the public when filming occurs. We will assign a staff member to assure that there are no conflicts among park uses. Although we allow the public to watch you work, we do NOT advertise when, where, or what filming is occurring in our parks.
Things We Need to Discuss with You
Please call to discuss any project that involves stunts, pyrotechnics or special effects, aircraft, children, or construction of sets.
All permits include the requirement that you clean up and restore the site at the end of your use. If your permit includes night work, it will automatically include time the next day for you to send people back to complete clean up during the day.
If your project includes work between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or if your project involves gunfire, pyrotechnics, or other things that may disrupt or disturb our neighbors, we will require you to notify our neighbors in writing before the work begins. You will need to provide them with enough information to allow them to contact your company directly if they have any problems or concerns. Ask us for additional information.
Normally in a National Park, you cannot cut brush, dig in the ground or move natural features. Digging in the ground of a National Park usually involves environmental review and monitoring by a contract archeologist. But there are creative ways to address that problem. There are also concerns related to our vegetation . There may be too much, or too little, or the wrong kind for your project. There usually are alternative ways to solve those problems as well. Let's talk.
We have created the project clearance review process to efficiently evaluate requests for complex projects which may include temporary set construction, extended use of a site (more than a week), or temporary impact to resources. Projects which involve project clearance review may require the posting of a refundable damage bond. Call for additional information
PHONE 805-370-2308 to talk with us about your project.
We are always concerned with safety, especially fire safety. We work closely with a variety of State and County agencies for your protection and for the protection of our parks. For the NPS parks located in Los Angeles County, we use the standards established by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. We may ask you to have a Los Angeles County Fire Safety Advisor who will work with our rangers to assure the highest level of fire safety in all aspects of your operations. For NPS parks in Ventura County, we may ask you to work with the Ventura County Fire Department to supplement safety monitoring.
If your shoot involves fire, you must simulate it by use of appropriate propane equipment. Propane fire equipment is considered a pyrotechnic devise under state law. It must be handled by a licensed pyrotechnics technician. A fire safety advisor and a water truck are also needed for any fire or pyrotechnic effect.
Depending on the time of year and location of your filming, you may be required to have a water truck as well. Water trucks should have the proper meter for filling from street hydrants. We can advise you which water district is appropriate.
Public roads through NPS sites are not included in the NPS permit. You are still required to comply with state and county regulations for encroachment, warning signage and traffic control on public roads.
The National Park Service is required to recover all costs associated with permits for filming and photography. Administrative costs including evaluation of the application and processing the permit are mandatory and non-refundable. Site use charges are estimated based on the information you provide in your application. All charges must be paid before work can begin on NPS property. Any additional costs, such as overtime, are posted as they occur. Additional charges must be paid within 7 days of the invoicing.
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Special Information for Photographers
Photography of scenery has traditionally been part of a visit to at national park.
Photography does not require a permit if it involves only hand-carried equipment (tripod, interchangeable lenses, flash), and does not involve product or service advertisement, or use of models, props or sets. Normally this type of photography involves less than ten people and is completed in less than four hours in areas of the park where the public normally goes and does not interfere with other visitors.
Frequently, portrait photographers like to use our park sites as alternative to a studio setting for informal portrait photography. The National Park Service has established a streamlined method of accommodating this commercial photography by applying our Incidental Business Permit system. Photographers pay an annual permit charge, then schedule individual portrait sessions through our permit office. At the end of the year, each photographer completes a survey form summarizing their business use of the parks. See Business or Commercial use, then contact us for further information at 805-370-2308.
A photography permit is required when:
* product or service advertisement is involved
* models, props, or sets are involved
* the project has the potential to disrupt other park activities or visitors (more than ten people, or longer than four hours in areas normally available to the public, or more than just hand carried equipment)
* the project requires access to an area normally closed to general public use, or access into an area outside of normal public use hours, or carries with a potential risk to park resources.
Photography coverage of breaking news also does not require a permit. See Special Information for News and Documentary Projects
If you are uncertain whether your project requires a permit or not, contact the Office of Special Park Uses (805-370-2308) for additional information. If you already know that your project does not require a permit, you can call the office to check the schedule and avoid conflicts with other activities.
If your project requires a permit, fill out and submit an application as far in advance as possible. Remember that popular park sites can get busy which can be distracting for your project. You will need to arrange for an insurance certificate to indicate that the U. S. Government, National Park Service as additionally insured on your liability insurance for the shoot. Based on your application, we will write the permit and estimate the costs. You must sign the permit and pay the charges before work can begin on NPS property.
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Special Information for Students
Film or video projects which are being produced as a requirement for an accredited course can be issued a student filming or video permit. The student must provide:
* the course name and number, and the instructor's name
* liability insurance as provided for the students by the educational institution
Because many park sites are booked with other activities on weekends, the student should plan in advance and have alternative dates in mind when applying for a student filming permit. NPS has designed the student permit to minimize the costs by eliminating many of the activities which generate the need for intense monitoring.
Student projects may include:
* use of props and set dressings
* access to NPS sites equal to the general public
* horses or dogs as long as the animal's owner or trainer is in control of the animal at all times
* minors, as long as they are accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian
Student projects may not involve:
* access to interiors of structures not normally open during regular park use hours
* night filming
* set construction
* blocking public access to trails or other facilities
* pyrotechnics, firearms or weapons (real or fake)
* stunts or vehicles exceeding posted speed limits
* playback or sound exceeding 70 decibels measured at 50 feet in front of the source of the sound.
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Special Information for News and Documentary Projects
Breaking News
Breaking news is an event which cannot be covered at any other time or at any other location.
Coverage of breaking news does not require a permit.
Filming of breaking news does not involve advertising, sets, props or models.
Although no permit is required, the film crew may not disrupt park visitors, damage park resources or compromise public health and safety regulations.
Information on breaking news comes from the park ' s Public Affairs Office. Call 805-370-2329.
Other News
Frequently there are opportunities for news organizations to focus on park programs, or increase public awareness of park-specific problems. Filming related to these stories can be coordinated and planned in advance. Contact the Public Affairs Office at 805-370-2329. A permit will be issued, but if the park benefits from the increased public awareness, the Superintendent may choose to reduce or waive costs associated with the permit.
Documentaries
Films or videos which are partially, directly or indirectly funded by NPS are produced through a contract with the agency. All other film or video documentary or instructional projects are filmed through the permit system.
PHONE 805-370-2308 to talk with us about your project.
If your project involves several NPS parks across the country, you will contact each park to arrange for your permit and schedule your activities in the park. You may find parks will differ in the amount of assistance they can provide to you, and which NPS costs you will be expected to reimburse.
Insurance
There is no insurance requirement for crews following breaking news stories. Crews are expected to comply with park regulations, avoid damage to park resources, and not unduly disrupt park visitors as they follow their news.
When a permit is issued for other news or for documentary filming, the Park Superintendent can evaluate the potential need for liability insurance related to the project. If appropriate, the Superintendent can waive the insurance requirement. The goal is to adequately protect the park, its resources and visitors while assuring access to news.
Costs
Since our costs are based on the services we provide, we do not differentiate between profit and non-profit documentary projects. Our recovery of costs can sometimes be reduced if the project can be shown to have an outstanding benefit to the mission of the NPS. That decision is made by the Park Superintendent.
By law the NPS may not waive recovery of costs for projects which are produced to promote an industry, influence Congressional initiatives, or influence the outcomes of elections.
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National Park Service Technical Expertise
If your project needs technical or detailed information related to the National Park Service you can
* call the Santa Monica Mountains Office of Special Park Uses for a referral
* contact parks directly
* use the NPS website at www.nps.gov The website has pages from each park in the system. Many of the parks have elaborate web pages. The NPS website also has
+ NPS management policies
+ Planning documents
+ Cultural and Resource Management project reports
+ News briefs
Whether the project is documentary or fiction, NPS staff can provide you with the information to help you accurately portray or represent the agency and its parks. If extensive research in involved to fulfill your request, you may be required to reimburse us for the staff time. This can be discussed when you make your request. Unless you intend to actually film on NPS property, we are not involved in your decisions to take dramatic license with the information we provide.
Although we can provide you with information, we cannot allow you to use the NPS arrowhead or government equipment, including uniforms. They are protected by Federal regulation.
On-Camera spokesperson
The National Park Service can provide an on-camera spokesperson if
* the person is depicted performing normal duties or serving as a subject matter expert
* the appearance supports NPS goals and benefits the NPS
* he or she is selected by the NPS
* the role is not scripted by the production company (question and answer format is OK)
The production company reimburses the park for the spokesperson's salary for the time spent on the project, both preparing/researching for the appearance and for time spent filming. If the project and the appearance of the NPS person substantially benefit the park or the agency, the Park Superintendent may choose to provide the spokesperson at no additional charge to the production.
PHONE 805-370-2308 to talk with us about your project.
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