Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's first and best known national park. Banff is also a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers 26,583 square kilometres of some of the most spectacular and ecologically significant areas of the Canadian Rockies. Banff's dramatic vistas and vast range of subjects offer unparalleled photographic opportunities; however, commercial filming and photography in protected wilderness areas like this one involves certain restrictions and special considerations.

These guidelines have been developed to help you get the most out of your production time, and to help us protect park resources. Through our application process, we can provide you with:

Setting the Stage: Filming/Photography In A National Park

There are policies and regulations governing activities and priorities in Canadian national parks which often impact on commercial film making and photography. These are reflected in the suggestions below.

What works well . . .
- small productions requiring minimal time, assistance and special equipment
- simple productions with little impact on the environment and the visitors
- educational productions contributing to park objectives and themes
- productions requesting off-season and/or week day shooting dates, weekend shoots at highly visited areas will be discouraged
- flexible productions looking for an image rather than one specific site

What won't work . . .
- using equipment, chemicals, or engaging in any activity that may damage the environment
- accessing trails or remote areas with any motorized vehicle
- landing aircraft or low-level flying
- constructing and employing large sets
- disrupting, harassing, or manipulating wildlife; using trained wildlife
- limiting public access to or disrupting public use of an area
- portraying illegal activities or activities damaging to the image of Parks Canada or in conflict with Parks Canada's messages or regulations

Juggling the Paper Work: The Application Process

We reserve the right to refuse any application that is not in the best interest of Parks Canada. To help us assess your application efficiently please submit a detailed, written application. An application form is attached to these guidelines.

What we need from you . . .
- a completed application form 10 days prior to production dates
- full production details (crew size, locations, equipment, maps, dates, times, etc.)
 -an authorization letter from affiliated company
- proof of the comprehensive liability insurance policy indicating a minimum of $2,000,000, naming Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency as an additional insured, to be carried for the duration of the production in the park
- written permission from the lessee for filming/photography occurring on any leasehold land

What we'll do with your application . . .
- acknowledge receipt of your application by phone or fax
- review each application to ensure all proposed activities are in compliance with National Park regulations and do not unduly disrupt wildlife and visitors
- give preference to those projects contributing to park objectives or messages

Getting Ready to Roll: Authorization

If approved, we will give you a letter of authorization outlining the conditions and supplementary requirements. This must be carried at all times while filming/photographing in the park. The authorization becomes valid once it is signed by the production manager and the appropriate park representative, the fees are received in full, and supplementary requirements and conditions are agreed upon.

What are the conditions . . .
- acceptance of an indemnification clause and full responsibility for any incidents, and/or cost of clean-up or site rehabilitation resulting from filming/photography activities
- compliance with National Park regulations
- maintenance of the filming/photography site at all times including providing receptacles for cigarette, garbage and human waste disposal wherever required
- clean-up of site and removal of all equipment immediately after filming/photography
- respectful and professional contact with the visiting public
- inclusion of the following statement on the daily call sheet: "We are working within Banff National Park, a protected area. Please respect the park and use the cigarette, litter, and toilet receptacles provided."

What are some possible supplementary requirements ...
- request a pre-production site visit with a representative from the production company
- cooperating with a site supervisor, from the park, if we deem that one is warranted
- supplying the park with a complimentary copy of the completed work
- giving on screen credit to Banff National Park
- providing a security deposit

Authorizations issued by the National Park are considered revocable without notice if the terms and conditions of the letter are violated or if it appears that false or misleading statements were given during the application process in order to obtain authorization. Parks Canada reserves the right to restrict hours of activity or to close an area at any time due to environmental or public safety concerns. A letter of authorization may not be construed as implicit or stated endorsement of the product or production by Parks Canada.

Application For Filming/Photography In Banff National Park

In the interest of protecting the environment and the quality of visitor experience, Parks Canada regulates film/photography activities. Proposed activities must meet all filming/photography conditions and receive the approval of the park Superintendent. Applications must be made in writing and will be reviewed based on the following:
- potential impacts of the production on ecological and cultural resources
- consistency with and contribution to park objectives, themes and messages
- required level of assistance and/or supervision by park staff
- types of proposed activities, and appropriateness to the national park settings and regulations
- level of disruption to the area and/or other park users

Fees and Payment

Charging a fee helps ensure the costs associated with processing and monitoring commercial film making and photography are borne by those who will benefit from the activity, rather than the taxpayer. Recovering the costs associated with filming/photography also ensures Parks Canada's human and financial resources continue to be dedicated to protecting and fostering appreciation of this area.

A. FEES
There are three types of fees and they are based on a sliding fee scale according to the size of your production.
1. Application Fee - A single amount assessed for consultation, coordination, review and processing of each application.

2. Location Fee - This fee is applied to each day, or portion thereof, of production, and will not be pro-rated. It includes direct costs such as site supervision, staff expenses, location costs for right and privileges of using the area, as well as any indirect or incidental costs. The exact fee charged depends on a number of factors including production size, length of stay, location and so on.

These two fees excluding GST (in Canadian dollars) are determined as follows:

3. Security Deposit - The purpose of the security deposit is to ensure site restoration and clean up. The amount required is a reflection of the potential for damage and the cost of repair.

B. PAYMENT
All fees must be paid in full at least 72 hours in advance of filming/photography before a formal letter of authorization will be issued. Payments can be made with a cheque or money order payable to Receiver General of Canada and with Visa or MasterCard. If an extension is required in order to complete the project, the additional location fees must be paid before the film authorization will be modified. The Superintendent or designated representative has the authority to waive any portion or all of the fees.

C. REFUNDS
Application fees are not refundable. If, for some reason, Parks Canada revokes your authorization, the appropriate portion of the location fee will be refunded. Requests for refunds will be considered only if 48 hours notice is given prior to cancellation.

To Request a Film/Still Photography Permit for Banff National Park, please contact:
Judy Glowinski, Client Services for Parks Canada
P.O . Box 900,
Banff Alberta, Canada
T1L 1K2
Tel: 403-762-1340, Fax: 403-762-3380
Email: Judy_Glowinski@pch.gc.ca