Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Filming, which is normally authorized by land use permits pursuant to the 43 CFR 2920 regulations, may also be authorized by a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) pursuant to the 43 CFR 2930 regulations when the filming is conducted in conjunction with an SRP activity. Wildlife filming connected to a guiding operation is an example of this. Stipulations related to the filming activity should be incorporated into such SRPs. If the film will be used only for marketing and promotional materials for the SRP holder or for mementos for guided customers, rent is not required.

Filming, either still photography or motion filming, will not be permitted if any of the following apply

• here is likelihood of resource damage that cannot be mitigated;
• There would be an unreasonable disruption of the public’s use and enjoyment of the site; or
• The activity poses health or safety risks to the public.

Filming, which is normally authorized by land use permits pursuant to the 43 CFR 2920 regulations, may also be authorized by Special Recreation Permit (SRP) pursuant to the 43 CFR 2930 regulations when the filming is conducted in conjunction with an SRP activity. Wildlife filming connected to a guiding operation is an example of this. Stipulations related to the filming activity should be incorporated into such SRPs. If the film will be used only for marketing and promotional materials for the SRP holder or for mementos for guided customers, rent is not required.

Still photography requires a filming permit when one or more of the following situations apply:

• Photography requires the use of models or props that are not part of a site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities involved (family or wedding portraits taken by professional photographers are considered the use of  “models.” Reflectors, bounce cards, sound booms, or similar equipment are considered props.);
• Photography takes place at locations where members of the public are generally not allowed or
• Photography occurs where additional administrative costs are likely.

Still, photography, such as photographs of scenery or wildlife for magazine articles, advertisements, books, postcards, etc., does not require a filming permit if none of the above criteria apply. This includes photographs that may have products or models superimposed on them later. 

Moving Photography

Moving Photography (filming) could require a filming permit when documentaries, television programs, feature films, advertisements, wildlife filming, or similar projects do not fall under casual use.

Wildlife Filming 

Wildlife Filming can often be related to activities authorized by an SRP, or it can occur independently. It typically takes place throughout the year, ranging from several days up to several years. A 43 CRF 2920 filming permit for wildlife filming could be required if it does not fall under the definition of casual use. Applications should specify the months and locations filming would take place.

Casual Use

Casual Use does not require a filming permit. Casual use does not cause appreciable damage or disturbance to the public lands, their resources or improvements, and which is not prohibited by closure of the lands to such activities. Casual use filming is typified by an individual or group of individuals taking pictures, either still or moving.

News Coverage

News Coverage does not require a filming permit. BLM policy states that a film permit is not required when the filming activity involves reporting by members of the media for the purpose of broadcast on news programs. As long as news reporting does not adversely impact public lands, it is exempt from the requirement of a film permit. News media should contact the appropriate BLM field office prior to filming on public lands.

Student Filmming

Student Filming projects do not require a filming permit as long as the activity would not adversely impact public lands. Students need to submit a proposal in writing, with verification from the educational institution that it is a required project. The BLM may write a Letter of Acknowledgement to recognize the project on public lands and identify resource protection measures designed to maintain the minimum impact nature of the project.

The Permittee Process

Contact your local BLM office or local film commission before submitting an application. The permitting process and items needed may vary depending on the location chosen and the type of filming proposed.

For minimal impact filming in frequently-used locations, submit the following items to the appropriate office: 

• Signed land use application/permit (fill out the application, not the permit). 
• Map showing the specific location requested (consult BLM contact). 
•  Detailed description of filming activity (Filming on public lands request form)
• Cost recovery and rental fees (as discussed with the local BLM film permit coordinator).
• Certificate of Insurance ($1,000,000 naming the United States Department of Interior-BLM as co-insured).

Depending on the location, time and type of production, the BLM may impose additional requirements such as bonding, reimbursement for overtime costs, etc.

FAXED APPLICATIONS: 
Faxed applications are acceptable. However, you must provide the original documents to the appropriate field office in person, by mail or by overnight delivery.

BONDING: 
Permittees may be required to provide cash bonds or surety bonds to assure reclamation of sets or sensitive locations.

Large productions and requests to film outside popular locations will usually require an onsite pre-application conference with BLM personnel. Although the permitting process may vary, it typically takes 30-60 days. Contact the appropriate BLM office for further details.

PAYMENT OF FEES: 
Fees may be paid by credit card or checks payable to U.S.D.I. – BLM. Your contact in the appropriate BLM office will assist in accepting credit card payments.

FILMING FEES: 
Cost reimbursement (processing and monitoring) fees and rental fees must be paid before filming is permitted on public land. Generally, we recommend submitting all associated fees with the application. Processing fees are non-refundable, but monitoring and rental fees will be refunded if the application is not approved.

Processing and monitoring fees vary depending on the estimated hours of BLM time required to process the application and to monitor filming and reclamation. In most cases, minimal impact filming at popular locations requires payment of Category 1 fees. These fees are generally paid with the application after coordination with the local BLM contact.

RENTAL FEES: 
Rental fees vary per state and are generally established by statewide appraisals. An appraisal was requested through the Office of Valuation Services, October 2011. The information was consistent with the film rates used by the State of Utah. Therefore, BLM Colorado adopted the Utah Rental Schedule.   

Still Photography 
1 to 10 People…………………$100/location/day 
11 to 30 People………………..$150/location/day 
Over 30 People………………..$250/location/day

Moving Photography 
1 to 30 People…………………$250/location/day 
31 to 60 People………………..$500/location/day 
Over 60 people………………….$600/location/day

Recreational event filming (per third party, per event) requires written concurrence from the event coordinator.

Still Photography 
$100.00 or 3% of gross receipts, whichever is greater 

Moving Photography   
$250.00 or 3% of gross receipts, whichever is greater

Alternative Filming 
(For minimal filming and Special Recreation Permits that include filming)

1 month (or a fraction thereof; specify which month(s)………$250 
2 months ……………………………………………………..$500 
3 months ……………………………………………………..$750 
4 months …………………………………………………….$1000 
5 months …………………………………………………….$1250 
6 months …………………………………………………….$1500 
7 months ……………………………………………………$1750 
8 months ……………………………………………………$2000 
9 months ……………………………………………………$2250 
10 months …………………………………………………..$2500 
11 months …………………………………………………..$2750 
12 months …………………………………………………..$3000